European officials in Sarajevo suspect Washington's abrupt maneuvering is tied to a new US priority to clear the way for a $1bn gas pipeline contract named the Southern Interconnection.
The deal was provisionally awarded to AAFS Infrastructure and Energy, a US-based company with minimal infrastructure experience but strong personal connections to Donald Trump.
Last month, the Trump administration unveiled a new Balkans policy stating that US actions would be guided by "direct return" for American companies instead of "open-ended institution building."
Jim O’Brien, a former US diplomat, wrote on the European Council on Foreign Relations website regarding the situation.
He said the policy "reflected what is already happening in the region under the second Trump administration" as "politically connected Americans seek to earn money by weakening … international institutions."
O'Brien added his view on the impact of these actions. "This behaviour undermines the peace that has held for 30 years," O’Brien said.
The pipeline contract was awarded without a tender, prompting a warning from the EU that it could jeopardize Bosnia’s long-term European integration.
This confrontation culminated in the row over Landi and the high representative position.
Landi currently serves as the ambassador to the Vatican of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
Contacted by the Guardian, he shared his perspective on the ongoing discussions, saying it was "unwise for me to step into the heated debate."
However, Landi argued that his focus manifesto circulated among PIC members was "perfectly in line with the European positions."
