EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said the European Union would protect the spirit of Dayton, which includes one state, two entities and three constituent peoples.
He said this in response to a question from Deputy Foreign Affairs Committee Chairwoman Zeljana Zovko about the EU’s next steps in supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Namely, a current hour with High Representative Borrell was held today at the plenary session of the European Parliament, during which he directly answered all questions from MPs, the office of Croatian MEP Zeljana Zovko announced.
Zovko commented on the adoption of the EU Strategic Compass and the success achieved by the Republic of Croatia in including clear support for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the content of the text. Zovko asked Borelj about how the EU plans to resolve the stalemate related to the Election Law, emphasizing that tensions in the country are growing, that it is a matter of preventing conflicts and that it is necessary to ensure peace and stability.
In his response, Borrell touched on the Council’s conclusions, which mentioned the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He said EU leaders had reaffirmed their commitment to the country’s European perspective, adding that BiH leaders needed to finalize an agreement on electoral reform as soon as possible, which is key to the country’s stability and functionality.
“Our team, together with the American delegation, tried to facilitate intensive talks between political leaders. I strongly encourage political leaders to take the last step towards reaching an agreement. Significant progress has been made, but the parties could not find consensus,” Borrell said.
He added that he encouraged leaders to continue trying to reach an agreement, especially on the Election Law, as Borell believes a reform of the Election Law would make it possible to improve the framework for holding elections in October.
Zovko then asked Borrell about Operation Altea and how the necessary balance in BiH and legitimate representation would be ensured.
Borelj replied that discrimination in Bosnia and Herzegovina should be eliminated in accordance with the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights.
“Our job is, and will remain, to protect the spirit of Dayton, which includes one state, two entities and three constituent peoples, with equal protection of the rights of all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” he stressed.
In the context of Operation Altea, Borelj mentioned that he had asked for an increase of 500 troops from the reserve to ensure peace and stability and prevent what could happen if there is no agreement that would allow the elections to be conducted peacefully and positively. Furthermore, Borelj said that the extension of the mission is not in his hands, but that he expects the members of the Security Council to extend its mandate, according to the statement.
