Even today’s session of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) did not bring any progress in the process of electing a new high representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, since European countries and the United States of America failed to agree on a candidate to succeed Christian Schmidt.
Ambassadors of the Steering Committee of the Peace Implementation Council today in Sarajevo formally appointed the current First Deputy High Representative Louis J. Crishock as Acting High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina until the final appointment of a new High Representative.
The Management Board of the PIC undertook to reach an agreement on the election of a new High Representative as soon as possible, with the aim of completing the appointment no later than July 14, 2026.
The PIC Board of Directors expects a successful cooperation with Crishock after he takes over as Acting High Representative on July 1, 2026, when Schmidt’s resignation will take effect.
The PIC Board emphasizes that the Acting High Representative will fully ensure institutional continuity of function, legal certainty regarding all decisions made by previous High Representatives, and will act under the political leadership of the PIC.
“If any actor tries to threaten, circumvent or challenge earlier decisions, the Acting High Representative will take all necessary measures within his mandate in accordance with Annex X of the General Framework Agreement for Peace, ensuring the consistent implementation of the civilian aspects of the General Framework Agreement for Peace, with support through the express powers and guidelines of the PIC Board of Directors, in order to protect the integrity of the General Framework Agreement for Peace,” the PIC announced.
The Board of Directors of the PIC expressed great gratitude to Christian Schmidt for his commitment and contribution to the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement, security and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina during a period of almost five years.
