May 10, 2023
Thank you, Madam President.
I would like to thank the High Representative, Christian Schmidt, for his briefing, and I wish to commend the participation of the Chairman of the Collegial Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ms. Zeljka Cvijanovic, to this meeting.
Madam President,
Since our last meeting in November 2022, we would like to welcome the swift establishment of a new executive at the central level following the general elections on October 2, 2022. We also commend the establishment of a new government at the level of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina on April 28, after more than four years of a technical government. We expect these new executives, as well as the one of Republika Srpska, to honor the political agreement reached on June 12, 2022 in Brussels by representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which provides for the implementation of essential reforms in favor of democracy and the rule of law within six months of the appointment of the new executives.
We also welcome the European Council’s decision on 15 December to grant Bosnia-Herzegovina the status of candidate country to join the European Union. Through this decision, taken unanimously by the 27 Member States, the European Union has sent a strong signal to the Bosnian people, reiterating their common destiny with the countries of the Union.
This decision marks a new step on the European path of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The roadmap is clear for moving forward on this path, and in particular towards the opening of membership negotiations. It includes 14 priority reforms set out by the European Commission. France hopes that the newly elected authorities will resolutely commit themselves to implementing these reforms, which are essential to the country’s integration into the EU, and which will bring concrete improvements to the lives of all Bosnian citizens, particularly in the area of the rule of law.
Madam President,
We call upon all political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to refrain from provocative and secessionist rhetoric and actions, especially those that challenge the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the country. They are unacceptable and we call upon the political representatives to take responsibility: they must work to reduce tensions and engage in a constructive dialogue.
France also underlines its deep concern regarding the recent repressive declarations and legislative initiatives in the Republic of Srpska, against media and NGOs. If they were definitively adopted and implemented, they would represent a step backwards with regard to protecting fundamental rights and bringing the country closer to Europe.
I would also like to remind you that there is no room for revisionism or glorification of war crimes in a Bosnia and Herzegovina that is moving forward on the European path.
Madam President,
France fully supports the work of the Office of the High Representative. This office is not intended to last beyond what is necessary. The 5+2 agenda clearly established in 2008 the conditions for the end of the High Representative’s mandate. We are not there yet. We also reiterate our full support to the EUFOR Althea mission, which has played a fundamental role in stabilizing Bosnia-Herzegovina and the region since its deployment in 2004.
In conclusion, Madam President, I would like to express the hope that the status of candidate country will give a new impetus for change to Bosnia and Herzegovina. I would like to remind you that this status is not an end in itself, but rather a starting point on the road to negotiations for membership in the European Union.
Thank you.