The minister stressed, however, that “we do not want or ask for a shortcut to become a member.”
Konaković said that the enlargement decision takes place in a “geopolitical” context — a reference to Moscow’s war in Ukraine as well as Russian and Chinese influence in the Western Balkans — and that “other politicians in the region” could use potential frustration “to their own advantage.”
The latter remark was particularly directed at Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik, a Russian ally who is sharply critical of efforts to join the EU.
The U.N.-backed envoy for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt, warned this week that “we should not give” Russian President Vladimir Putin “the last decision … on whether Bosnia Herzegovina has a path to European integration.”
At Tuesday’s press conference, Baerbock spoke in favor of launching membership talks as long as necessary reforms, such as tackling corruption and abuse of power, are being implemented.
“We want to do everything we can to ensure that we take this path into the European Union together,” the German foreign minister said.
