Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Elmedin Konaković is in Vienna as part of the intensification of the political dialogue with Austria, one of the strongest advocates of the European future of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans. The visit is focused on European integration, current political and security challenges and further deepening of relations between the two countries.
In the House of the European Union, he participated in the discussion “Bosnia and Herzegovina on the way to the European Union: successes and challenges”, organized by the European Movement of Austria (EBÖ) and the Representation of the European Commission in Austria. He spoke about the results so far, the upcoming reforms and the political circumstances that determine the dynamics of the integration process.
Minister Konaković said that membership in the European Union remains the strategic goal of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but that enlargement today goes beyond the technical criteria of accession. The changed geopolitical and security circumstances have given the integration of the Western Balkans a new weight, which is why the completion of that process has become a matter of strategic importance for the European Union itself. He assessed that it is no longer a question of whether the region belongs to the European family, but whether there is political determination to complete its integration.
He emphasized that the credibility of the process requires the responsibility of both parties. Bosnia and Herzegovina must implement reforms and strengthen institutions, but the achieved results must lead to concrete moves towards membership. Such an approach is crucial for preserving political momentum and citizens’ trust in the country’s European perspective.
During his stay in Vienna, Minister Konaković met with the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria, Beate Meinl-Reisinger. They discussed bilateral relations, political and security opportunities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region, and the continuation of European integration.
Opinions were also exchanged on political challenges in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially pressures on state institutions and reform processes. Minister Konaković assessed that their essence is not in relations between nations, but in a broader geopolitical context in which internal divisions are instrumentalized for the realization of external interests. In this context, he pointed to Milorad Dodik’s long-standing secessionist policy and his political reliance on Moscow. He emphasized that the answer to such policies must be the strengthening of institutions, the continuation of reforms and the firm European orientation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Minister Konaković thanked the Republic of Austria for its consistent support to Bosnia and Herzegovina and active engagement within the Friends of the Western Balkans initiative. He pointed out that the Republic of Austria, thanks to its long-term knowledge of the region, understands well that enlargement is not only a promise to candidate countries, but a question of the European Union’s credibility and its ability to shape its own geopolitical environment.
The interlocutors assessed that the relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Austria go far beyond political dialogue. The long-term presence of Austrian companies, developed business ties and strong economic cooperation make the Republic of Austria one of the most important partners of Bosnia and Herzegovina and provide space for new investments and stronger connection of business communities.
An important link between the two countries is also represented by the numerous Bosnian-Herzegovinian community in the Republic of Austria, which contributes to Austrian society with its work, while at the same time maintaining strong ties with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The interlocutors emphasized its importance as a permanent human and social bridge between the two countries.
Minister Meinl-Reisinger confirmed the firm support of the Republic of Austria for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, its institutions and progress towards full membership in the European Union. The willingness to continue close cooperation based on long-term friendship, mutual trust and clear interest for a safe, functional and European Bosnia and Herzegovina was confirmed.
The depth of this partnership is confirmed by the attitude of the Republic of Austria towards the culture of memory. Minister Konaković thanked for preserving the memory of the victims of the genocide in Srebrenica, especially through the “Flower of Srebrenica” monument on the United Nations Square in Vienna, unveiled in October 2025. He emphasized that such a relationship has special weight in the time of attempts to deny established facts and glorify legally convicted war criminals.
Respect for the truth and dignity of victims, protection of institutions and belonging to European values are not separate issues, but the foundations of the future that Bosnia and Herzegovina wants to build. In the Republic of Austria, there is a partner who understands and consistently supports this responsibility.
