Orbán receives Dodik, despite international warrant

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban hosted Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik for talks on energy, agriculture and infrastructure investment, in Budapest on 5 June.

Dodik faces jail term at home

The meeting took place despite an active arrest warrant issued in March by Bosnia and Herzegovina’s (BiH) state court, following Dodik’s February conviction for defying rulings by the international envoy overseeing the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement.

The BiH court sentenced Dodik to 12 months in prison and barred him from holding public office for six years. After he refused to appear before state authorities, the central judiciary issued a warrant and submitted it to Interpol. The Hungarian government has not commented on his legal status.

Hungary carves out Balkan policy

Orban and Dodik have held several meetings in recent years, as Hungary expands its economic and political influence in the Western Balkans. In a post on X, Dodik referred to Orban as his “friend and host”, and said, “Republika Srpska wants to build an economy with those who understand and respect us. We share the values of freedom, independence and European tradition with Hungary.” No details were provided on the scope or timeline of the investment projects.

Analysts said the meeting underscored Hungary’s divergence from the EU’s broader policy on Bosnia, which links integration support to reforms on rule of law and state functionality.

“Hungary is carving out its own policy in the Western Balkans, even if it runs counter to the EU consensus,” Zagreb-based political scientist Vesna Pusic said.

Dodik rues difficulties, backs 'strong friendship' with Hungary

Following his meeting with Orban, Dodik said, “Our cooperation with Hungary is honest and open, and we share the same views on the importance of national sovereignty."

Writing on X, Dodik said, “History has not always been easy for Serbs and Hungarians, but today teaches us how much partnership on the right foundations means. I am going to talk, work and build - for the good of Republika Srpska and for a strong friendship that lasts."