German politician Christian Schmidt called on authorities at all levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) to seize the moment for BiH to integrate into the European family, following the EU’s decision to open accession negotiations.
During a debate at the UN Security Council in New York, Schmidt stated that his report calls for greater attention and support from the international community regarding BiH.
According to him, in order to achieve progress, BiH needs to rely on reliable instruments and its Constitution.
Schmidt urged all parties in the governing structures at all levels in BiH to contribute constructively.
He emphasized the need to invest significantly in people’s trust in the political system to encourage the population to “stay in BiH and not leave the country.”
Schmidt described the opening of accession negotiations with the EU as a decisive moment for BiH.
He believes that pressure on judicial institutions is a major challenge in BiH, and that the challenges facing the Constitutional Court of BiH are particularly serious.
Schmidt recalled that the Venice Commission issued an opinion highlighting the need for the engagement of all relevant institutions in BiH.
The German politician accused the authorities of Republika Srpska of “contributing to violations of Dayton” and stated that this is a “process that carries serious consequences not only for BiH but for the entire region.”
Schmidt stressed that institutions in BiH need to act together.
In his opinion, the “desired level of respect for the Dayton Peace Agreement” has not yet been reached, and more can be done.
He assessed that the EUFOR mission “Althea” must remain in its current capacity and that its continuation is important.
Schmidt praised the intensive and well-prepared plans for local elections in BiH this year.
He called for seizing the moment and reminded that everyone in BiH is responsible for a peaceful and prosperous future, as this perspective is owed to younger generations.
Source: RTRS
