The Austrian Embassy in Sarajevo has expressed shock and dismay over the destruction of the bust of Alois Mock in Kemal Monteno Park in central Sarajevo, calling it an "entirely unacceptable act of vandalism."

“Alois Mock was more than just a politician—he was a driving force for change across Europe,” the Embassy stated. As Austria’s Vice Chancellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, he played a crucial role in Austria’s integration into the European Union. However, his influence extended far beyond Austria’s borders. In the period following the fall of the Iron Curtain, Mock strongly advocated for a united Europe. He was instrumental in securing international recognition for Bosnia and Herzegovina during the breakup of the former Yugoslavia and remained closely connected to the country thereafter.

“Alois Mock was a statesman who, like few others, contributed to peace and freedom in Europe—particularly in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is incomprehensible that this monument dedicated to him was destroyed in such a senseless act of vandalism,” said Georg Diwald, Austria’s ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Austrian Embassy has urged the relevant authorities to launch a swift investigation and restore the bust to its original state as soon as possible.