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Speech delivered by High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas at Camp Butmir

02.07.2026
Camp Butmir, Sarajevo
Kaja Kallas in Bosnia and Herzegovina
© European Union, 2026

 

Dear Generals,
Dear Soldiers,
Dear Excellencies
Good morning everyone,

It is good to be back in Bosnia and Herzegovina, my third visit in sixteen months. This speaks to the importance of this country to the European Union. As I was here recently, today I want to speak more broadly about the lessons this country has taught us.

I bring you three examples.

First, peace has endured for thirty one years because it is enforceable. European troops, alongside those from other countries, have been on the ground since the moment the Constitution entered into force.

You play a key role in supporting the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina. You have built trust among the local population and international partners. You help maintain a safe and secure environment for all citizens.

Thank you.

EUFOR Althea is an agile Operation. In March last year, calls for the resignation of Bosnian Serbs from the central police and judiciary could have threatened the security and stability of the country.  

We quickly deployed hundreds of additional troops in response to the brewing crisis. Our message was clear: The EU will always do what we can for the security of Bosnia and Herzegovina and for the stability of this region.

In 1995 when the Dayton Accords were signed, a High Representative was also designated to spearhead oversight of the peace. A new person should soon take over, but the duty remains the same: to prevent a return to the past by focussing on the country’s future. This is more important than ever today, because:

  • The security situation is calm but fragile; 
  • And elections in October could also increase political polarisation.

We want to see an individual in this role who can unify the country and gradually phase out the need for the High Representative.

Second, experience of this country underlines why unity also amongst external actors is also important.

EUFOR Althea is a unique example of EU-NATO cooperation. It shows what we can achieve when we work together. Back in 1995, U.S. support for the rule of law, fighting corruption and strong institution-building was also essential to steer the country in a positive direction. The Dayton Accords succeeded because the U.S. and Europe were aligned. Today, our alignment on these key principles still offers the best chance of the long-term stability of this country.

Which brings me to the third example of what this country teaches us today. Ending a war is just the beginning. Building the state is the hard part.

On the one hand, a well-functioning, stable and independent state requires checks and balances, strong institutions, and a military of its own. That is why the European Union is helping to strengthen the country's defence capabilities. Another €15 million of European money was allocated in May this year for the Armed Forces. Our total support now is €35 million. And we are exploring ways to provide even more.

On the other hand, a well-functioning state responds to the demands of the citizens. Today, over 74 percent of people in Bosnia and Herzegovina want to join the European Union. That is because the EU’s offer of stability and prosperity is unmatched.

European funding has already:

  • upgraded 100s of kilometres of motorways to connect the country to the Adriatic Sea and Central Europe;
  • added 400 megawatts of energy to the national grid;
  • and improved water and sanitation for over half a million people.

But internal reforms are still needed. Under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, close to a billion euro was initially earmarked for Bosnia and Herzegovina. But because the reform process has been too slow, over €100 million has already been lost. Without progress soon, there is a risk of losing another €370 million. When political progress stalls, people pay the price.

Becoming a Member of the European Union will transform the lives of ordinary people in this country. And this is a realistic option. Right now we are drafting the accession treaty for Montenegro. Albania is not far behind. We have started negotiations with Ukraine. Moldova’s accession is coming along, too. We do not want to see Bosnia and Herzegovina left behind.

Dear Generals,
Dear Soldiers,

The peace you are here to support is based on simple principles:  the rule of law, sovereignty, and dignity. These are not European values, or even Western values. They are universal values that are worth defending, every day.

Again, let me thank you for your work. You can be proud of what you do. You show what is possible when the goals are clear and there is willingness to act.

Thirty years ago, the Dayton Accords ended a war, created the conditions for post-war development and ushered in thirty years of peace.

There are still lessons to learn: For the successful future of this country; and for how we resolve conflicts around the world.

  • Peace without enforcement is wishful thinking;
  • Unity amongst the international community offers the best chance for peace to stick;
  • The real test for ending a war is not to abandon the work too soon. That is why the European Union is not going anywhere.

You can count on us.

Thank you.