EU Statement -- UN Security Council: Debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina
President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.
The Candidate Countries North Macedonia*, Montenegro*, Albania*, the Republic of Moldova, as well as, San Marino align themselves with this statement.
The European Union is pleased that the mandate of Operation EUFOR Althea has been renewed 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 citizens.
The EU stands in solidarity with Bosnia and Herzegovina following the devastating floods and landslides on 3 October 2024. The EU has provided emergency assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism with the participation of ten Member States as well as through EUFOR Althea. The EU is ready to provide further assistance if necessary.
The European Union welcomes that, according to the preliminary findings and conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission, the local elections held on 6 October 2024 in Bosnia and Herzegovina were competitive and efficiently managed, while noting that there were insufficient efforts to generate public engagement.
Following the European Council decision to open EU accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina in March 2024, the European Union expects all political actors to focus on dialogue and on the key priorities and to intensify efforts to deliver reforms in line with the established EU expectations. Working together towards EU accession is key to live up to the aspirations of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina to be part of the European Union. This includes submitting the reform agenda under the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans.
The European Union remains seriously concerned about legislation and initiatives in the Republika Srpska entity that run counter to the EU path of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including secessionist rhetoric and questioning the constitutional order of the country. The European Union emphasizes that the sovereignty, territorial integrity, constitutional order, including Constitutional Court decisions, and international personality of Bosnia and Herzegovina need to be respected. Any action against these principles will lead to serious consequences.
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 to instead actively promote reconciliation.
L’Union européenne réaffirme qu'il est important de poursuivre la coopération entre les acteurs internationaux et exprime son soutien à la mission et au mandat du haut représentant et de son bureau.
The European Union reiterates its unequivocal commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU perspective as a single, united and sovereign country. The future of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its citizens lies within the European Union.
Thank you.
* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.