Konaković with Ministers Haddad and Krichbaum on the High Representative: An Impartial and Decisive Person Who Understands the Situation in BiH Well

(Patria) - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Elmedin Konaković spoke on 2 June 2026 with French and German Ministers for Europe Benjamin Haddad and Gunther Krichbaum, at a time of intensified international consultations on the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the selection of a new High Representative. The meeting was held just before the session of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC), which will be held on 3 and 4 June in Sarajevo, and represented an important opportunity for an exchange of views on the political situation in the country, the role of the international community, and the European perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

During the talks, the current political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region was discussed, with particular reference to challenges affecting the functioning of institutions, the implementation of reforms, and the country's progress on the European path.

Minister Konaković emphasised that Bosnia and Herzegovina today needs strong and credible international partners committed to preserving peace, stability, and the constitutional order more than ever. He pointed out that the Office of the High Representative remains an indispensable pillar for the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the protection of the constitutional order, and the institutional functionality of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and stressed the importance of preserving its full mandate and capacity. He recalled that the High Representative's actions at key moments contributed to protecting the sovereignty of the state, upholding the rule of law, and preventing destabilising and secessionist activities, warning that any premature weakening of the OHR's role before the fulfilment of the 5+2 conditions would pose a risk to the country's political stability and European perspective.

Speaking about the selection of a new High Representative, Minister Konaković stated that Bosnia and Herzegovina needs a credible, impartial, and decisive person who understands the political and social circumstances in the country well, who will consistently protect state institutions, contribute to preserving stability, and be a reliable partner in strengthening political dialogue and reform processes.

Ministers Haddad and Krichbaum confirmed the support of France and Germany for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as its European perspective. They highlighted the importance of continued international engagement in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the significance of the role of the Office of the High Representative until the goals and conditions of the 5+2 Agenda are met, emphasising its contribution to the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the preservation of institutional functionality, and the stability of the country. They stressed that the rule of law, functional institutions, and political stability are of key importance for the further progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the European path, and reiterated the readiness of France and Germany to continue providing support to the reform processes and European integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The interlocutors agreed that the European future of Bosnia and Herzegovina, functional institutions, and political stability are a common interest of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the European Union, and the wider Western Balkan region.