Statement on behalf of the European Union by H.E. Ambassador Silvio Gonzato, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, at the Security Council Debate on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

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November 2, 2022

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its 27 Member States.

The Candidate Countries Türkiye, North Macedonia*, Montenegro* and the Republic of Moldova, align themselves with this statement.

The European Union is pleased that the mandate of Operation EUFOR Althea has been renewed by this Council, given its importance in maintaining security and a stable environment. The EU reiterates its unequivocal commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU perspective as a single, united and sovereign country.

The European Union welcomes the holding of general elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 2 October 2022. Ensuring that elections are conducted in line with European standards is a key priority set out in the Commission Opinion on the EU membership application of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Following the verification of results of the elections, the EU expects all political actors to take full responsibility and cooperate to swiftly set up functioning legislatures and governments at State, entity and cantonal level to focus on reforms on the EU path.

L’UE se félicite de l’accord politique conclu le 12 juin 2022 à Bruxelles par les dirigeants de Bosnie-Herzégovine, qui est nécessaire à la stabilité et au bon fonctionnement du pays et pour répondre aux aspirations de la population. Elle invite tous les dirigeants politiques de Bosnie-Herzégovine à mettre rapidement en oeuvre les engagements énoncés dans l’accord et à achever d’urgence la réforme constitutionnelle et électorale, ce qui permettra au pays de progresser résolument sur sa trajectoire européenne, conformément à l’avis de la Commission.

En juin, le Conseil européen a souligné être prêt à accorder le statut de pays candidat à la Bosnie-Herzégovine et, à cette fin, il a invité la Commission à rendre compte sans tarder au Conseil de la mise en oeuvre des 14 priorités essentielles énoncées dans son avis, en accordant une attention particulière à celles qui constituent un ensemble important de réformes afin que le Conseil européen revienne sur la question.

The EU would like to reiterate its strong support to the mission of High Representative Christian Schmidt in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

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