The Council of the European Union appointed Johann Sattler as EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina who will also take over the role of the Head of the EU's Delegation in Sarajevo, the Council said on Thursday.

Sattler will replace Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, who was appointed in 2015. Johann Sattler will take up his duties on September 1, 2019 and his mandate will last for two years.

His mandate will be based on implementing the following EU policy objectives in Bosnia: continuing progress in the stabilisation and association process; ensuring a stable, viable, peaceful, multi-ethnic and united country that cooperates peacefully with its neighbours; ensuring that the country is irreversibly on track towards EU membership, following the publication of the Commission opinion on its membership application on May 29, 2019.

Throughout his previous experience, and currently as Austrian ambassador to Albania, Johann Sattler has had a particular focus on the Western Balkans.

EU Special Representatives promote the EU's policies and interests in certain regions and countries as well as issues of particular concern or interest for the EU.

They play an active role in efforts to consolidate reforms, stability and the rule of law. The first EU Special Representatives were appointed in 1996. Currently, eight EUSRs support the work of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini.