EU Statement – UN Security Council: Briefing on Bosnia and Herzegovina
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President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. The Candidate Countries Türkiye, North Macedonia, Montenegro*, and the Republic of Moldova, as well as San Marino align themselves with this statement.
The European Union welcomes the renewal of the mandate of EUFOR Althea by this Council.
EUFOR Althea continues to play a key role in supporting the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina in maintaining a safe and secure environment for all its citizens. This operation demonstrates the EU’s long-lasting commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
On 4 October 2026 general elections took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The EU takes note of the preliminary OSCE/ODIHR assessment that the elections were competitive and orderly, despite shortcomings. The EU welcomes the overall successful deployment of new election technologies and commends the Central Election Commission’s efforts amid constraints. The EU calls for the swift formation of the new authorities and expects political leaders to engage constructively in line with citizens’ EU aspirations in order to build functional institutions.
The EU emphasises that the sovereignty, territorial integrity, constitutional order, including Constitutional Court decisions, and international personality of Bosnia and Herzegovina need to be respected. The EU urges all political actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina to refrain from and renounce provocative divisive and secessionist rhetoric and actions.
Regarding developments following the death of Ratko Mladić, a convicted war criminal responsible for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, the EU underlines that the presence and paying tribute by high-ranking politicians and officials at his funeral is deeply regrettable. The EU condemns any glorification of war criminals, genocide denial and revisionism, which contradicts the most fundamental European values and has no place in the EU or in partners who aspire to join the EU. Reconciliation and good neighbourly relations in the Western Balkans remain central to building a common future.
L'UE réaffirme l'importance d'une coopération continue entre les acteurs internationaux et exprime son soutien à la mission du Haut Représentant et de son bureau, afin de mettre en œuvre l'agenda 5+2. Nous espérons qu'un ressortissant de l'Union européenne sera rapidement nommé comme prochain Haut Représentant, ce dernier incarnera le choix de la Bosnie-Herzégovine de postuler pour son adhésion à l'UE. Le Haut Représentant devra refléter le consensus au sein du Comité directeur du Conseil de mise en œuvre de la paix, être un acteur crédible auprès des acteurs locaux et traiter avec eux de manière inclusive.
Following the European Council decision in March 2024 to open EU accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, the EU urges all political actors to renew the country’s focus on progressing on the EU path and to intensify efforts to deliver EU reforms, taking all relevant steps. Bosnia and Herzegovina should without delay meet the requirements to benefit from the Reform and Growth Facility.
The European Union reiterates its unequivocal commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU perspective as a single, united and sovereign country.
Thank you, President.
- North Macedonia and Montenegro continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.