Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Peace and Stability in the Balkans

16 March 2022 · 7 other contributors · 10,566 words

Opened by Wayne David Lab Caerphilly

Responding minister: James Cleverly

Foreign Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Wayne David raised concerns about peace and stability in the balkans in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The Member for Caerphilly expressed concern over ethnic bloodshed and destabilisation in Bosnia and Herzegovina due to Bosnian Serb withdrawal and Russian support.
  • The MP called for increased UK military engagement, suggesting the deployment of British forces to strengthen EUFOR or take on a peacekeeping role.
  • The Minister acknowledged the need for action to address unresolved tensions in the Balkans and stated the UK is leading efforts to counter destabilising Russian activities.

Key requests to Government

The MP called for increased UK military engagement, suggesting the deployment of British forces to strengthen EUFOR or even take on a peacekeeping role. He urged the Government to work closely with European allies and maintain solid diplomatic relations to address tensions in the western Balkans effectively.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Wayne David Lab Caerphilly

The Member for Caerphilly expressed concern over the potential for ethnic bloodshed and destabilisation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, referencing the withdrawal from state institutions by Bosnian Serbs in July last year. He noted the increasing support from the Kremlin to undermine Bosnia's stability and highlighted a significant risk that Republika Srpska could declare independence if EU sanctions are imposed. The Member also emphasised tensions in Kosova due to unresolved issues since NATO's intervention.

Other contributors (7)
  • Caroline Dinenage Con Gosport

    The Member for Gosport highlighted concerns about Russia's influence in the Balkans, supporting the lead MP's call for increased engagement and collaboration with European allies to maintain peace and stability.

  • Chris Law SNP Dundee Central

    Mr Law highlighted the ongoing threats to peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly citing Milorad Dodik's separatist rhetoric and actions as violations of the Dayton accords. He noted that despite increasing tensions since summer 2021, the UK Government has been slow to respond, urging for increased Magnitsky sanctions against hostile actors within Bosnia and Herzegovina in collaboration with international allies. Mr Law also expressed concern over Russia's role in fuelling instability and alleged interference in Balkan politics, including attempts to destabilise NATO through proxies such as Serbia.

  • Fleur Anderson Lab Putney

    Calls for additional time to discuss securing and maintaining peace in the Balkans, highlighting Russia's influence and the fragility of peace. Discusses Milorad Dodik's actions undermining the Dayton Peace Agreement in Bosnia and Herzegovina, advocating for an atrocity prevention strategy and sanctions against secessionist leaders.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    I thank the hon. Gentleman for bringing this matter to the Chamber and agrees that a no-fly zone is necessary in Ukraine, as it was considered in the Balkans, to protect innocent lives and property from destruction. Mr Shannon expressed concerns about the impact of Russia's invasion on Balkan states, particularly Bosnia and Herzegovina. He highlighted historical tensions between Russia and different Balkan states, noting that Putin has a clear relationship with Bosnian Serbs. Mr Shannon emphasized the importance of protecting civilians from Russian aggression in the region, mentioning over 2,000 civilian deaths in Ukraine as of March 14, 2022. He thanked the Secretary of State for Defence for his efforts in supplying anti-tank missiles and urged the Government to have plans in place for potential future invasions into the Balkans. The hon. Member Jim Shannon expressed his deep respect for the right hon. and gallant Member's experiences in the Balkans, emphasizing the impact of genocide and murder on people.

  • Margaret Ferrier SNP Rutherglen and Hamilton West

    Asks about the risks associated with an emboldened Dodik and how these risks might spread across the region, specifically highlighting Serbia's implied support for Dodik in Bosnia. The Kosovan President has previously accused Russia of using Serbia to destabilise the Balkan region, and the Kosovan Prime Minister has said that Putin wants the state of Kosovo to fail in order to show that NATO success was temporary. Does the hon. Gentleman perceive there to be a risk to the stability in Kosovo and a need for it to join NATO?

  • Pauline Latham

    Shares concerns about potential future aggression from President Putin in the Balkans, following a visit to Bosnia where discussions were held on safeguarding regional security.

  • Stephen Doughty Lab Co-op Cardiff South and Penarth

    Mr Doughty highlighted the importance of not ignoring risks in the western Balkans while focusing on Ukraine. He raised concerns about potential threats to Bosnia and Herzegovina, including those from Republika Srpska leader Milorad Dodik and his links to Russia and China. Mr Doughty also expressed worries about Montenegro's domestic political stability amidst Russian influence. Briefly acknowledged his constituency without further comment.

Government Response

James Cleverly

It is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Mr Bone, and I genuinely thank the hon. Member for Caerphilly (Wayne David), my former Labour Front-Bench shadow, for initiating the debate. As we have heard, recent developments demand our attention, and they demand our action. Unresolved tensions in the Balkans serve only to embolden those who seek to foster division and hamper progress. The UK is leading efforts to counter destabilising activities, especially from Russia. Putin's barbaric invasion of Ukraine is casting a dark shadow across Europe, and across the Balkans in particular. The UK has been at the forefront of political and diplomatic efforts to stop this, highlighting and criticising Moscow for its actions on the international stage, exposing its untruths, seeking with partners to deter Russia from going further, building international resolve on sanctions, and supporting Ukraine with £394 million of aid, both humanitarian and other. The tragic situation in Ukraine underlines the need to pay close attention to the Balkans, where people know only too well the horrors of war. Putin's aggression has given the Balkans deep and genuine cause for concern. EUFOR, the peace stabilisation force, has increased its presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina to ensure it is mobile and visible right across the country. The UK supports NATO headquarters in Sarajevo with personnel and calls on allies to send more. We will give practical support to the armed forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina while promoting progress towards normalising relations between Serbia and Kosovo through the EU's role. The Government condemns Russia and some others in the region for divisive and inflammatory rhetoric, wholeheartedly condemning ethno-nationalist language. Reconciliation and positive relations between neighbours are essential. Through our work and engagement, we support that across the Balkans. We continue to liaise closely with Sir Stuart Peach, our special envoy to the western Balkans, who discusses dialogues with political leaders in Serbia and Kosovo. He maintains close contacts with partners in the US and Europe as we work together to pursue an agreement. Economic opportunities play a crucial role in supporting stability, including co-operation and trade between the UK and the whole region. Energy diversification will improve the region's energy security, help deliver on climate objectives, and provide liberation from reliance on Russian gas supplies. The UK remains at the forefront of efforts to stop destabilising activities in the Balkans, especially those supported by Russia, working hand in hand with partners in the region and our allies more broadly.

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