What’s in the plans? Orbán invites controversial Bosnian Serb leader Dodik to Hungary
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has invited Milorad Dodik, the president of Republika Srpska (the Serb-majority entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina) for an official working visit to Hungary, despite the fact that Dodik is currently under an arrest warrant in his home country.
The announcement was made not by the Hungarian government but by Dodik himself on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where he praised Orbán and highlighted their upcoming discussions on strategic cooperation in energy and agriculture. According to Telex, the Hungarian government has yet to comment publicly on the invitation or the visit.
“At the invitation of my friend and host, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, I will be traveling to Hungary for a working visit,” Dodik posted. “We will discuss strategic projects in the fields of energy and agriculture, as Republika Srpska seeks to build its economy with those who understand and respect us.”
Legal trouble and investment controversy
Dodik’s visit comes under a cloud of legal and ethical concerns. In recent months, the Bosnian border police issued an arrest warrant for him, though the exact charges remain unclear. The move has intensified tensions in the politically fragile region.
Adding to the controversy is a recent report by Transparency International’s Bosnia and Herzegovina branch, Telex writes. After years of litigation, the organisation obtained previously classified documents concerning a planned Hungarian investment in a solar power plant near Trebinje. The documents reveal multiple irregularities in the concession process, including the fact that the Hungarian company awarded the project has since gone into liquidation.
Although Dodik did not specify which projects he would discuss with Orbán, the visit may offer an opportunity for the two leaders to reaffirm or renegotiate economic ties, including those tainted by controversy.
A political alliance
In his post, Dodik described Hungary as “a symbol of a state policy that protects its people, borders, and way of life,” calling it a natural ally of Republika Srpska. He emphasised shared values such as freedom, independence, and European tradition, portraying Hungary as a reliable partner in uncertain times.
According to Dodik, the relationship between Hungary and Republika Srpska “demonstrates that the real choice is not between East and West, but between respect and coercion.”
The planned visit highlights Orbán’s increasingly controversial foreign policy, which often aligns Hungary with political figures ostracised by the West. Dodik, known for his nationalist rhetoric and efforts to weaken Bosnia’s central institutions, has been sanctioned by the United States and faces growing scrutiny in Europe.
As of now, no details have been released about the exact date of Dodik’s visit or the official agenda. The Hungarian government remains silent on the matter.
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