Emphasizing that the implementation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace (GFAP) remains the basis for a stable, secure and prosperous Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), members of the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board remind all parties of their obligation to comply fully with the GFAP, all its annexes, and decisions of the High Representative. It reaffirms its unequivocal commitment to the territorial integrity and fundamental structure of BiH as a single, sovereign state comprising two entities. Members restate that the entities have no right to secede from BiH and only exist legally by virtue of the BiH Constitution. Members remind authorities in BiH that the BiH Constitution is an integral part of the GFAP and that the decisions of the BiH Constitutional Court are final and binding and must be implemented. Members reiterate their full support for the High Representative in ensuring complete respect for the GFAP and carrying out his mandate under Annex 10 and relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, which remains unchanged. It underlines that the International Community retains the necessary instruments to uphold the GFAP. Members emphasize the need to fully implement the 5+2 Agenda, which remains necessary for the closure of the Office of the High Representative.
_____________________________________The Peace Implementation Council Steering Board (PIC SB) Political Directors met on 3 and 4 June 2025 in Sarajevo to assess all developments relevant to the General Framework Agreement for Peace (GFAP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).
Members thanked the party leaders for their participation and assessments they provided on issues related to the implementation of the GFAP and the realization of BiH’s strategic objectives, including its accession to the EU.
Members highlighted the 30th anniversary of the GFAP, as the framework guaranteeing BiH’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order. Members recalled that Annex IV of the GFAP affirms that while the official name of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina changed to “Bosnia and Herzegovina,” it continued its legal existence with its internal structure modified. As such, the sovereignty resides exclusively in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a single state, while its entities exist by virtue of the constitution and lack any sovereignty of their own.
Members expressed their support for the Srebrenica – Potočari Memorial Centre and invited everyone to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica. Members encouraged all in BiH and beyond to honor the legacy of all victims of the war, by working together to build trust and continue reconciliation between communities, and to prevent recurrence.
Members strongly condemned attacks by the Republika Srpska (RS) authorities against the constitutional and legal order of BiH and the functionality of the country’s institutions and which threaten fundamental freedoms of citizens living in the RS. Members condemned the initiative for a new RS constitution, underscoring that the draft text endorsed by the entity assembly is not in line with the GFAP.
Members noted that these attacks on the GFAP, including the BiH Constitution are against the interests of citizens in BiH, particularly those living in the RS. Members further called on the ruling coalition, opposition parties, civil society and the RS citizens to reject the course of action set by the narrow interest of a few in the RS ruling coalition which leads to instability, stagnation and political isolation and economic degradation of the RS.
Members remind that the BiH Constitution must be fully complied with and has supremacy over entity constitutions and laws. Entities do not have the authority to repeal or amend state-level laws adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH.
Members welcome the response of the BiH state institutions to these attacks and strongly condemn any attempt to restrict the ability of any BiH institution to effectively exercise their responsibilities and enforce their decisions in the entire territory of BiH.
Members condemned the attempts by the RS ruling coalition to impose its unilateral interpretations of the GFAP. Members reiterated that the BiH Constitutional Court has exclusive jurisdiction for resolving constitutional disputes. Members remind RS authorities of their constitutional obligation to appoint the judges from RS to the BiH Constitutional Court with no further delay.
Members underlined that the High Representative is the final authority regarding the interpretation of civilian aspects of the GFAP and the appropriate mechanism for the resolution of eventual disputes arising under Annex 10 of the GFAP.
Members emphasised the key role of EUFOR Althea in implementing the military aspects of the GFAP and supporting the authorities of BiH in maintaining a safe and secure environment. Members welcome the recent decision to deploy reserve forces.
In the interest of the institutional stability and functionality of BiH and with a view to progress on its EU path, it is imperative to urgently have a functioning state-level coalition, which is committed to upholding the GFAP, delivering on the citizens’ aspirations for Euro-Atlantic integration and addressing state functionality. Members remind all relevant domestic stakeholders that engaging constructively in a political dialogue is fundamental also to fully implement the 5+2 agenda, including solving the issue of State property.
Members expect the authorities of BiH to swiftly adopt a state budget for 2025 that will support efficient and unhindered functioning of state institutions. To this end, members call on the domestic authorities to urgently ensure that the budget adequately resources State institutions, including for the 2026 general elections by providing the necessary financial means to fully implement measures improving the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.
Members thanked Dr. Jasmina Selimovic, BiH Central Bank Governor, for her presentation on safeguarding the institutional stability and functionality of BiH and express their strong and unequivocal support for the independence and role of the BiH Central Bank, and her leadership, to that end. Members called on all relevant actors in BiH to fully respect and preserve the constitutional mandate of the Central Bank.
Members condemned verbal attacks by RS President Milorad Dodik targeting the Bosniak people as well as dangerous and increasing physical and verbal attacks against opposition politicians in the RS and call upon the responsible authorities to investigate and take action as appropriate. Members urge all public officials in BiH to act responsibly and contribute to an environment conducive to overcoming divisions, building trust and strengthening social cohesion. These are prerequisites for lasting peace, stability and progress.
Following the decision of the European Council in March 2024 to open EU accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, members expect all BiH institutions and political actors to focus on dialogue and to intensify efforts to deliver reforms and take all relevant steps. Progress on the EU path will help guaranteeing stability and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina and have multiple benefits for the country’s citizens.
The PIC SB will hold its next regular meeting on 2-3 December 2025.
