High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina Christian Schmidt stated, after the conclusion of the 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC), that international partners increasingly expect concrete steps by the domestic authorities on the path to the European Union, and warned that Bosnia and Herzegovina is missing out on significant financial resources due to the lack of reforms.
Schmidt emphasized that, during the several-day talks at the conference, the strong relations and close cooperation between the United States, the European Union and NATO were confirmed, especially in the context of support for Ukraine and efforts to open space for negotiations on ending the war.
One of the key topics, as he stated, was the enlargement of the European Union. Numerous meetings with European officials showed that the coming weeks and months will be crucial, especially as Ukraine intensifies activities to accelerate the accession process.
“This must also include the Western Balkans. Unfortunately, I could not inform my interlocutors that Bosnia and Herzegovina has made progress. I could not explain why two simple laws, necessary for the opening of accession negotiations, have not yet been adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH ,”said Schmidt.
He stressed that “the time for talk is running out” and that the international community expects concrete decisions from domestic politicians, warning that BiH is losing around three billion euros in potential funds due to the stalemate.
“Let’s ask politicians what they are doing to make progress,” said the High Representative.
Speaking about the statements on secession, Schmidt said that he had not heard support for such ideas from any of his interlocutors in Munich, because they fear that it will only damage the structure of the Dayton Peace Agreement.
“Much still needs to be done. Let’s start working ,”Schmidt concluded.
The Munich Security Conference, which is attended by hundreds of world political and security leaders every year, focuses on global issues of international security and strengthening cooperation in resolving current challenges. This year’s edition was held from 13 to 15 February, with a series of bilateral meetings.
The conference was also attended by members of the BiH Presidency, the Chairperson of the BiH Council of Ministers Borjana Krišto, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of BiH Elmedin Konaković.
