The High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt, stated today in Sarajevo that a smooth transition from Dayton to European integration is needed, which must not allow any vacuum to exist.
After a two-day session of the political directors of the member states of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC), Schmidt stated that it was concluded that BiH had made significant progress in the previous period, but that there was still a lot of work ahead.
He added that the session highlighted the issue of the budget of BiH institutions for 2026, resolving the issue of state property and introducing new technologies into electoral processes.
Schmidt emphasized that the unsatisfactory situation at BHRT was also mentioned, especially when it comes to financing.
“The PIC members concluded that it is necessary to achieve progress on the path of Euro-Atlantic integration and expressed expectations that BiH leaders will take the necessary steps to start negotiations with the EU in the coming days,” Schmidt said.
He stressed that there was intensive discussion about the Dayton Agreement today and in the future, with a unanimous view that after 30 years, “we must turn more to local officials who will make their own decisions.”, Fena reports.
Schmidt also addressed the long-standing political deadlock over state property, stressing that the issue represents one of the biggest obstacles to the country’s economic progress.
“Anyone who travels through BiH can see in a few minutes how much this issue hinders development – it is enough to talk to any mayor or headman to see that everyone faces the same problem,” he said.
He stressed that the solution to the property status has a direct connection with the opening of the country to foreign investment: “If we want to open BiH to investors, of course we have to talk about state property. Next time we will meet again to ensure that this topic is no longer an obstacle, but an opportunity for development. Local mayors will not be left to their own devices – they can also expect the support of parliamentary structures until a final solution is reached.”
Schmidt confirmed that there is a consensus among PIC members that Bosnia and Herzegovina is showing some progress, but that the pace of reforms is still insufficient. “We have highlighted several priorities: adopting the state budget for the coming year, resolving the issue of state property, and introducing new technologies into the electoral process to increase transparency and strengthen integrity,” the High Representative said.
Schmidt expressed disappointment that the Council of Ministers had not adopted a decision on the Chief Negotiator with the European Union or agreed on two laws that are considered important reform steps. “I hope that this work can be completed next week,” he said, noting that there had been expectations within the PIC that more progress would be achieved by the session.
