Minister Grlić Radman reaffirms strong support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Euro-Atlantic path

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman paid a visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday and Thursday, 18-19 March 2026, where he held a series of bilateral meetings with political representatives and representatives of religious communities.

On Wednesday, 18 March, Grlić Radman met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković. The ministers discussed political reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with particular emphasis on electoral legislation, as well as opportunities for further development of bilateral relations, energy cooperation, and addressing issues faced by professional drivers.

Grlić Radman emphasized that the Government of the Republic of Croatia, led by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, continues to strongly support Bosnia and Herzegovina's Euro-Atlantic path and remains ready to provide the necessary political, diplomatic, and expert assistance, including the sharing of Croatia's experience from its negotiations with the European Union. He underlined the importance of maintaining the momentum of reforms, particularly in the areas of the rule of law, the judiciary, and the functioning of institutions.

While visiting Sarajevo on the 32nd anniversary of the signing of the Washington Agreement, Grlić Radman stressed the importance of amending the Election Law to ensure that Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina are able to elect their political representatives without being outvoted, in line with the principles of the Dayton-Paris Peace Agreement. "The long-term stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina rests on the principle of legitimate representation of its constituent peoples," the minister stated.

Discussions also addressed energy-related issues, including the Southern Gas Interconnection project, which envisages linking the gas systems of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina and utilizing liquefied natural gas from the LNG terminal on the island of Krk. It was emphasized that the project is important for the energy security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the entire Western Balkans. Croatia supports the implementation of the project and the diversification of energy sources and stands ready to actively contribute to its realization, in the belief that a sustainable and acceptable model can be found through dialogue among all stakeholders.

The ministers also noted the strong economic ties between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting the potential for further strengthening cooperation. Croatia sees particular opportunities in transport infrastructure, energy, and cross-border projects.

Grlić Radman further emphasized that the Government of the Republic of Croatia is aware of the challenges faced by professional drivers from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans due to the implementation of the new Entry/Exit System. Croatia is seeking to assist in finding practical solutions and remains open to further discussions on this issue with European institutions.

Following his meeting with Konaković, Grlić Radman held a series of meetings with representatives of religious communities and institutions. In Sarajevo, he met with the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Francis Assisi Chullikatt; the Archbishop of Vrhbosna, Tomo Vukšić; the Grand Mufti (Reis-ul-ulema) of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Husein ef. Kavazović; and the Provincial of the Franciscan Province of Bosna Srebrena, Fr. Zdravko Dadić.

As part of his visit, Grlić Radman attended the presentation of the book "The Uncompromising Politics of Catholics - Non-Negotiable Principles" by Josip Mužić at the "St. Joseph" Pastoral and Social Centre in Kiseljak. During his stay in Kiseljak, the Minister also met with the Archbishop Emeritus of Vrhbosna, Cardinal Vinko Puljić.

On Thursday, 19 March 2026, Grlić Radman visited Bugojno, where, as an envoy of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, he laid a wreath and lit candles at the City Catholic Cemetery on the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of the exchange of detainees from Bugojno camps.

On that occasion, tribute was paid to the victims, and the minister recalled the severe suffering of Croats from the Bugojno Municipality during the Homeland War, when 311 HVO soldiers were killed or went missing, over two thousand civilians passed through camps, and approximately 15,000 people were displaced.

Grlić Radman emphasized the importance of preserving sites of remembrance, safeguarding the truth about past events, and maintaining lasting solidarity with the families of victims, former detainees, detainee associations, and all those who come to pay their respects. He stressed that coming to terms with the past and fostering mutual respect form the foundation of lasting peace and stability, alongside the need for continuous dialogue and the building of trust among all peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The visit from the Croatian foreign minister reaffirms Croatia's strong support for the Euro-Atlantic perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Croatia remains a firm advocate of its membership in the European Union as a strategic objective contributing to the country's stability and economic development, as well as that of the Western Balkans.

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