The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Elmedin Konaković met on June 27, 2026, on the sidelines of the 19th Dubrovnik Forum, with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Italy, Antonio Tajani. At the time of intense international consultations on the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the election of a new high representative, the meeting represented an important opportunity to exchange views on preserving stability, the role of the international community and the European future of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
They discussed the current political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region, the functioning of state institutions, reform processes and further progress on the way to the European Union.
Minister Konaković pointed out that Bosnia and Herzegovina still needs strong and credible international partners who will resolutely protect peace, stability, constitutional order and the Dayton Peace Agreement. He emphasized that the Office of the High Representative is still an irreplaceable guarantor of the implementation of the Dayton Agreement, the protection of state institutions and the constitutional order, and that its full mandate and Bonn powers cannot be subject to any discussion. He emphasized that he understands the intention to use the Bonn powers as rarely as possible, but that their very existence represents a strong preventive mechanism that deters attempts to undermine the institutions, constitutional order and stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
He warned that any weakening of the role of the OHR before the fulfillment of the 5+2 conditions would represent a serious risk for political stability, the rule of law and the European path of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Speaking about the election of a new high representative, Minister Konaković pointed out that Bosnia and Herzegovina needs an impartial and credible person with a clear understanding of the political and social conditions in the country, who will consistently protect the Dayton Peace Agreement, the constitutional order and institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, resolutely oppose attempts to destabilize them, and use his authority to encourage political dialogue, the functionality of institutions and the implementation of reforms.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Italy, Antonio Tajani, reiterated Italy’s firm support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as its European perspective. He emphasized the importance of continuing strong international engagement in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including preserving the Office of the High Representative until the established conditions are met, stressing that the rule of law, functional institutions and political stability are key prerequisites for continued European integration.
The interlocutors assessed that the European future of Bosnia and Herzegovina, preservation of stability and strengthening of state institutions are common interests of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the European Union and the entire Western Balkans region.
Minister Konaković thanked Italy for its continued support of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European path, especially through engagement within the Friends of the Western Balkans initiative, stressing that Bosnia and Herzegovina appreciates Italy’s consistent support for the EU enlargement policy.
Special attention was paid to the improvement of economic relations. It was pointed out that Italy is one of the most important foreign trade partners and investors in Bosnia and Herzegovina and that there is significant room for further strengthening of trade and investment cooperation.
