EU Statement – UN Security Council: Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its 27 Member States.

The Candidate Countries North Macedonia*, Montenegro^*, Albania^*, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this statement.

Since the Security Council last met on this agenda item, Bosnia and Herzegovina has achieved the status of EU candidate country. Indeed a very significant step for the country and for the EU, and not irrelevant for this Council. This is on the understanding that the steps specified in the European Commission’s recommendation are taken, in order to strengthen the rule of law, the fight against corruption and organised crime, migration management and fundamental rights. In the current geopolitical context, the EU underlines the urgency for the country to move forward on its EU path, in particular via fulfilling all 14 key priorities for the opening of EU accession negotiations identified in the Commission’s Opinion on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s application for EU membership. The European Union also calls on all political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to swiftly implement the commitments set out in the agreement reached on 12 June 2022 and urgently finalise the constitutional and electoral reform in line with the key priorities.

The European Union urges all political actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina to refrain from and renounce provocative divisive rhetoric and actions, including questioning the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the country, and to end the glorification of convicted war criminals as well as genocide denial, and instead actively promote reconciliation.

The European Union is concerned over the legislative initiatives and announcements in the Republika Srpska entity, including secessionist rhetoric, that are not in line with the EU path of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Freedom of expression, media freedom and pluralism, as well as freedom of operation of civil organisations, are key pillars of a democratic society. Credible, genuine measures, including proper implementation to address shortcomings in the area of the protection of fundamental rights, comprising non-discriminatory treatment of persons belonging to minorities, including LGBTI persons, are urgently needed. 

L'Union européenne se félicite de l'entrée en fonction du nouveau Conseil des ministres de Bosnie-Herzégovine et du nouveau gouvernement de la Fédération de Bosnie-Herzégovine, à la suite des élections qui se sont tenues en octobre 2022. L'Union européenne appelle à la mise en place rapide de gouvernements opérationnels y compris aux niveaux des cantons, afin de se concentrer sur les réformes sur la voie de l'adhésion à l'UE.

L’Union européenne réaffirme son plein soutien à l'EUFOR ALTHEA, qui continue d'aider les autorités de Bosnie-Herzégovine à maintenir un environnement où la sécurité est assurée pour tous les citoyens.

L’Union européenne réaffirme qu'il est important de poursuivre la coopération entre les acteurs internationaux et exprime son soutien à la mission du haut représentant et de son bureau en vue de la réalisation du programme "5 plus 2".

The European Union reiterates its unequivocal commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU perspective as a single, united and sovereign country.

* North Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.