In an extensive interview for the Bosnia and Herzegovina edition of Večernji list (daily newspaper), Christian Schmidt, the High Representative, stated that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path to EU accession requires better organization among domestic politicians, as well as greater understanding from the European Union.
“The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is unique and cannot be compared to Lithuania’s accession. For this reason, I support both Alexander Schallenberg and Antonio Tajani, and we should say: let’s move forward and begin the accession process. At the 2003 conference in Thessaloniki, the European Union promised accession for the Western Balkans. However, we see that, 23 years later, little has been achieved,” Schmidt said.
He added that the European Union has an interest in the accession of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans for security, economic, and historical reasons. However, he is convinced that not all politicians in Bosnia and Herzegovina are fully committed to that idea.
Blocking of Institutions and State Property
Commenting on the months-long suspension of the House of Peoples’ operations, the High Representative warned that politicians “are not paid to do nothing” and called for urgent decision-making. He particularly emphasized the issue of state property blocking billions in investments.
“I can’t change the Dayton Constitution, but there is a solution. Bosnia and Herzegovina is the only country of the former Yugoslavia that has an unresolved succession property issue at the state level. It is important to adopt a state-level law that would divide the property among the entities, cantons, and municipalities,” said the High Representative.
He also said he would leave the solution to domestic politicians and admitted that the current ban on the disposal of state property harms the country economically.
“I would like to see more political pressure on local political representatives. If someone reads my decision on banning the disposal of state property in detail, they will see that there is a way out, a solution. There would be a commission to decide whether there is a public interest, in what way, and similar matters. This requires a decision by the Council of Ministers. I think this is very necessary, and I am ready to support that process,” Schmidt said.
Bonn Powers and Election Law
When asked about using the Bonn Powers to resolve the Election Law, an issue of particular importance for the Croat people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Schmidt expressed reservations about this approach.
“We must recognize the inconsistency between the constitutional rules, the Election Law, and the expectations of political leaders. The European rules, including the Copenhagen criteria, require compliance with verdicts such as the Sejdić-Finci judgment, which will impact the Election Law. The solutions discussed in Neum three years ago were not bad. I think it is important to respect all constitutional peoples in the Federation, without dividing the electorate. This is a complex issue that requires broad support. I do not want to be in a situation where I have to use the Bonn Powers to resolve this issue,” he added.
According to him, the role of the Bonn Powers will diminish as the European integration process advances.
“I believe people in this country can, and know they should, make their own decisions instead of letting someone else do it for them. In my opinion, the role of the High Representative is to serve as a mirror for society, allowing people to see their own reflection. In that case, the Bonn Powers would not be necessary.”
According to him, what Bosnia and Herzegovina lacks is greater citizen control over politicians, meaning citizens should determine how politicians behave.
Therefore, it is important to ensure and strengthen the integrity of the electoral process, Schmidt said, adding that he will do everything in his power to make sure these efforts are realized.
