The United Nations Security Council, meeting in New York today, unanimously renewed the mandate of the EUFOR Althea mission for the coming year.
Addressing the UN Security Council during a discussion on the report regarding the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom, Sarah MacIntosh, welcomed the adoption of the decision to extend EUFOR’s mandate.
MacIntosh emphasized that the continued presence of EUFOR plays a vital role in ensuring peace and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and she thanked the members of the Security Council for their constructive engagement throughout the mandate renewal process.
She also expressed condolences regarding the tragic EUFOR helicopter accident near Brčko, paying tribute to those who lost their lives and offering words of support to the injured, their families, and the EUFOR community.
Speaking on the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, MacIntosh stressed that the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of the state must be respected. She welcomed the peaceful conduct of the elections held on October 4, as well as the first nationwide implementation of electoral technologies, noting that these contributed to strengthening the integrity of the electoral process, transparency, and public trust.
At the same time, she pointed to challenges outlined in the latest report by the Office of the High Representative (OHR), including ongoing obstructions of state institutions, the failure to implement decisions of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the lack of progress in resolving the issue of state property. Ambassador MacIntosh particularly emphasized the importance of reconciliation, condemning the glorification of convicted war criminals and attempts to deny or downplay the crimes that were committed. She recalled that Ratko Mladić was convicted by an independent United Nations tribunal for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, and stressed that the judgments of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia must be respected.
Addressing the role of the Office of the High Representative (OHR), the British representative stated that this institution continues to play a vital and legitimate role in Bosnia and Herzegovina. She expressed support for the current Acting High Representative, as well as for the use of executive powers when necessary, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
MacIntosh also acknowledged progress on the “5+2” agenda, while cautioning that the conditions for ending international supervision have not yet been met. Until these conditions are fulfilled, she noted, the High Representative remains essential for protecting the Dayton Peace Agreement and preserving peace and stability. She added that the appointment of the next High Representative falls under the mandate of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council.
In concluding her remarks, MacIntosh reiterated the United Kingdom’s support for the Dayton Peace Agreement and its constitutional framework—comprising one state, two entities, three constituent peoples, and others. She pointed out that divisive rhetoric—including unilateral calls for secession or the establishment of a third entity—is inconsistent with the Dayton Agreement and poses a threat to peace and stability.
She concluded by stating that Great Britain supports the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and she urged political leaders to set aside their differences and work together toward a sustainable and more prosperous future for the country.
