On June 5, Member of the Presidency of BiH Denis Bećirović submitted a request to hold an extraordinary session of the Presidency of BiH, with a proposal to consider at this session an item on the agenda entitled: Launching an initiative to open bilateral economic and trade consultations with the United States of America and concluding an intergovernmental “Government-to-Government” agreement with the United States of America.
He stated that a long-term partnership with the United States is of essential importance for the political stability, economic growth and strategic foreign policy orientation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and that the United States is one of the most important strategic partners of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and therefore preserving and developing quality and friendly relations with that country is a top priority.
“At a time when global trade policy is undergoing significant changes, Bosnia and Herzegovina must not remain a passive observer, but must react proactively and institutionally. It is necessary to bear in mind that the 90-day period, which temporarily suspended the application of additional US customs measures, expires on July 9, 2025,” believes Bećirović.
In this context, Bećirović particularly emphasizes the urgency and urgency of responsible and institutional action aimed at protecting key sectors of the domestic economy and preserving the competitiveness of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s exports on the American market.
Given that the US is not expected to open negotiations on a free trade agreement in the near future due to complex administrative procedures and its own global priorities, Bećirović proposes a more flexible model of cooperation through a G2G arrangement.
The initiative proposal also lists a number of specific proposals that could be included in bilateral arrangements, such as removing non-tariff barriers, strengthening institutional cooperation, and improving investment mechanisms.
Bećirović emphasized that any form of action by Bosnia and Herzegovina must be aligned with international obligations, especially with the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union (EU), and emphasizes that legally unfounded moves, such as suspending customs duties or introducing unilateral reciprocity, could have serious consequences for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s trade relations, including relations with the EU.
“This proposal represents a continuation of the consistent and responsible engagement of BiH Presidency Member Denis Bećirović, which is based on a strategic approach to strengthening the international position of Bosnia and Herzegovina, strengthening economic sovereignty and proactive action in the interests of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” the BiH Presidency announced.
