Kallas at Butmir base: Reforms must be a priority, EU will do everything to prevent a security vacuum in BiH

(Patria) - The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, visited Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Upon arrival in BiH, Kallas first visited the EUFOR Althea mission in Butmir, from where she addressed the public.

As Kallas emphasized, EUFOR forces are present and will not allow any security risks in BiH.

"Sovereignty is facing threats. Challenges to territorial integrity must not go unanswered, especially those in Europe. For this reason, the EU reacted quickly when threats to the integrity and constitutional order of BiH emerged, and we reinforced EUFOR ALTEA with additional forces in March. That is also why your annual exercise 'Quick Response' was successful," she said.

She commented on and welcomed the UN's extension of the EUFOR mission in BiH.



"The world recognizes that you are safeguarding BiH's security. 30 years after the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the EU will do everything in its power to prevent any security vacuum in this country. We will not allow history to repeat itself," Kallas stated.

She also welcomed the decisions of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska (NSRS) and said that "free elections in RS will restore confidence in local authorities".

"Your political leaders must seize the opportunity, or it will disappear again," she clearly conveyed.

Reforms improve the quality of life, she added, and they must be a priority.