Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, and Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, issued a joint statement regarding the general elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The European Union took note of the preliminary findings and conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR and called upon political leaders to form a government without delay following the certification of results and to accelerate European reforms.
The statement highlights that on Sunday, October 4, 2026, the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina exercised their democratic right and elected representatives who will determine the country’s direction in the coming years.
According to the findings of the OSCE/ODIHR observation mission, the elections offered a genuine political contest, and participants generally had the opportunity to reach voters.
The statement assesses that election day proceeded smoothly, although difficulties regarding information and communication technology (ICT), complex voting and counting procedures, and issues concerning the secrecy of the vote were observed.
While the use of ICT was introduced nationwide for the first time to address long-standing concerns regarding electoral integrity, the European Union notes that delays and shortcomings limited transparency during the implementation phase. At the same time, the EU commended the significant efforts made by the Central Election Commission (CEC) in carrying out its duties, despite persistent institutional and operational constraints affecting the body’s efficiency and timeliness.
The statement notes that, once election results are officially certified, newly elected representatives are expected to assume full responsibility.
“Elected representatives must assume full responsibility and establish authorities at the state, entity, and cantonal levels without delay. The EU expects all political leaders to engage in this process constructively, in good faith, and with the common interests of all citizens in mind,” the statement reads.
EU representatives called on all leaders to foster trust among people and communities and to build consensus so that the country can advance on its European path.
It was stated that the EU would continue to support Bosnia and Herzegovina and cooperate with the new authorities on all reforms related to the integration process. The statement emphasizes the importance of taking all steps outlined in previous European Commission recommendations and European Council decisions. “The EU calls on Bosnia and Herzegovina to take all relevant steps outlined in the Commission’s 2022 recommendation, in line with the European Council’s decision from March 2024 to open accession negotiations. This would pave the way for the Council to adopt the negotiating framework and hold the long-awaited first intergovernmental accession conference,” the statement said.
The statement also encourages BiH to make full use of the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, warning that—to avoid further loss of financial funds—the country must urgently finalize the legal and institutional framework and continue implementing commitments that directly contribute to the quality of life of all citizens.
The statement concluded by reiterating a firm stance on the region’s future.
“The EU reaffirms its unequivocal commitment to the European perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a single, united, and sovereign country,” Kallas and Kos concluded in the statement.
