Bećirović with Merz on European Integrations, Economic Cooperation and the Appointment of the New High Representative

(Patria) - Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Bećirović held a bilateral meeting with the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz.

Bećirović emphasised the active and strong role that the Federal Republic of Germany plays in preserving peace and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the overall stability of the Western Balkans.

He thanked for the overall support of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, and especially for the participation of German soldiers in the EUFOR/Althea mission.

He pointed to the exceptionally good economic cooperation between the two countries.

Germany is among the most significant trading partners of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The total foreign trade exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2025 amounted to 5.87 billion BAM, which is 27.81 million BAM higher compared to 2024.

Bećirović stated that Germany is among the most significant investors in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and called for an increase in German investments, especially in the field of renewable and green energy and the defence industry.

He welcomed the constructive role of Germany as a member of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council and a participant in the Quint for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He pointed out the importance that the appointment of the new High Representative be carried out in the same manner as before.

He also said that for the preservation of peace and stability, it is crucial that the institution of the High Representative retains the mandate and authority to protect the Dayton Peace Agreement.

He emphasised that the strategic foreign policy priorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina remain full membership in the EU and NATO alliance, and that Bosnia and Herzegovina, despite strong obstructions, has achieved results on its European and Euro-Atlantic path.

However, he pointed to the fact that these results would have been much better had it not been for the blockades and obstructions by the current leadership of the RS entity.

Bećirović emphasised the importance of the proactive role of Chancellor Merz, as well as Germany's leadership in advancing the EU enlargement process and finding opportunities to accelerate the integration of the Western Balkan region with EU policies.

During the meeting, discussions were also held on Germany's proposals, presented in Chancellor Merz's letter of 18 May, regarding finding new solutions to accelerate the accession process for the Western Balkans.

In this regard, Bećirović placed special emphasis on the possibilities of Bosnia and Herzegovina's earliest possible access to the SEPA payment system, the abolition of roaming, and facilitations for BH transport workers.

Chancellor Merz confirmed Germany's support for the European integrations of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the countries of the Western Balkans, stressing that the region's accession to the EU contributes to strengthening the stability and prosperity of the entire continent.