As Kosovo lifts visa requirements for Bosnian citizens, allowing travel with just an ID card, Bosnia and Herzegovina is stuck in a political quagmire, unable to cooperate once again. The fault lies with Milorad Dodik, the Serbian leader in Bosnia and Herzegovina, who continues to block progress and indulge delusions. His actions undermine regional cooperation and keep the country isolated. He is responsible for depriving citizens of their basic rights. The time for the Western Balkans to forge ties and embrace the Berlin Process is here, but Dodik obstructs progress.
On 14 October, Albin Kurti, prime minister of Kosovo, announced that from 1 January 2025, citizens from Bosnia and Herzegovina will be able to travel to Kosovo with only an ID card. Before this major step, there were strict visa requirements for Bosnians to enter Kosovo, and vice versa. This decision occurred thanks to the agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo as part of the Berlin Process.
The Berlin Process is a German-led initiative aimed at fostering regional cooperation among all six countries in the Western Balkans.The process is a major achievement for those countries. It includes an action plan for a common regional market. Freedom of movement in the Western Balkans would be another major step forward – if the Bosnian authorities would play ball.
However, Bosnia and Herzegovina remains reluctant to lift visa requirements for Kosovars due to strong opposition from the Dodik, which does not allow for the ratification and passage of the agreement. The leader of Republika Srpska, Dodik, is trying hard to block this decision. At some point, Dodik will have to back down and accept the agreement. Freedom of movement in the Western Balkans is important and necessary for all countries to connect and the objections are spurious at best.
In 2022, the foreign ministers of the Western Balkans signed the Agreement on Freedom of Movement using only ID cards. This is part of the Berlin Process. However, the Republika Srpska is sticking to its guns, saying it will not allow any progress on this matter, reserving the right to decline any decision which requires passage in parliament.
Dodik continues his chauvinistic approach, interfering in the internal affairs of Kosovo, where he bluffs that he will not ratify the agreement at any cost. A controversial politician, he is close to Russia. He is known for divisive rhetoric and misinformation, such as referring to Kosovo as part of Serbia, rather than its own independent, sovereign nation.
Previously, Kosovo had imposed visas on Bosnian citizens in 2014, while Kosovars wishing to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina have to apply for a visa through the Embassy in Skopje, North Macedonia. On the other hand, Bosnia is the only former Yugoslav country which does not recognise Kosovo, although it has recognised Kosovo passports since 2012.
As long as Dodik remains in power, the blockade of the freedom of movement agreement in the Western Balkans will persist. Bosnian citizens can travel to other Western Balkan countries such as Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia. Only Kosovo is left off the list thanks to Dodik’s prejudices.
Freedom of movement was complicated for both countries and increased the costs of applying for visas to enter Kosovo or Bosnia and Herzegovina. Due to these policies and bureaucratic processes, as well as the Serbian leadership, Bosnian citizens were denied their basic human rights.
For Kosovars, not having the right to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina with only ID cards is a paradoxical situation. The Parliament of Kosovo was the first to ratify the agreement for freedom of movement, yet Bosnia and Herzegovina is struggling to ratify it.
Both countries must facilitate freedom of movement, as it will bring regional integration and economic growth. Free movement strengthens economic growth and connectivity within the region by reducing unemployment and offering new opportunities for both countries. In a situation where only Kosovo has lifted the visa requirements for Bosnia and Herzegovina, the benefits are limited for the latter, as the blockage of travel benefits only one country and not both.
The other aspect of freedom of movement includes social cohesion and political stability. With freedom of movement, both countries can engage in and tackle diplomatic cooperation, foster intercultural exchange, and reduce tensions across the entire region. It is beneficial for Bosnia and Herzegovina to accept freedom of movement and face reality as it aspires to be part of the EU and move closer to its Western allies.
For the Western Balkans, it is essential to have a common regional market and to ensure its smooth functioning. The six countries will benefit from trade, good jobs, and innovation which will bring them closer to a single market like that of the EU. Freedom of movement is not merely an economic matter but a reflection of a commitment to regional collaboration and democratic principles.
For Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, embracing freedom of movement is a necessity which contributes to advancement and political stability. Bosnia and Herzegovina must get its head out of the sand and get this deal over the line, for the benefit of its own citizens and the entire Western Balkans.