Schmidt in Vienna: Political leaders in BiH must show more commitment and responsibility

(Patria) - High Representative Christian Schmidt was on a working visit to Vienna, where he emphasized the importance of international coordination and joint engagement in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). On Thursday, he held meetings with Alexander Schallenberg, the Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs, and OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid. In these discussions, the High Representative highlighted the vital role that the international community continues to play in supporting BiH's transition from post-war recovery to full integration into the European Union.

On Friday, the High Representative delivered the opening address at the 27th European Forum in Vienna, hosted by the Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy (AIES). Regarding the European Commission's recommendation to start accession negotiations with BiH, he stressed that European integration is the only viable path for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider Western Balkan region.

Although some efforts have been made on the ground to maintain momentum after the granting of EU candidate status, the High Representative called on political leaders to show more commitment and responsibility. The urgent implementation of necessary reforms is essential to enable the EU Council to officially begin negotiations in the spring of 2024.

"I call on all levels of government in Bosnia and Herzegovina to seize this opportunity and confirm their commitment to European integration and to quickly adopt essential reforms," concluded the High Representative.