High Representative Christian Schmidt stated that Bosnia and Herzegovina has not fully taken advantage of the European Union's initiative for accelerated integration of Western Balkan countries, in his latest report to the United Nations Security Council.

In his 66th report to the UN Secretary-General on the implementation of the Peace Agreement in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Schmidt highlighted that the ruling coalition in the Bosnian entity of Republika Srpska (RS) has continued to “undermine the state” and its institutions. He also noted that local ownership of the reform process remains a “key factor” for the country's progress toward EU membership. However, efforts to implement constitutional reforms to address the European Court of Human Rights’ Sejdic-Finci case rulings have yet to produce results.

This marks Schmidt's seventh regular report since assuming the role of High Representative on August 1, 2021. Covering the period from April 16, 2024, to October 15, 2024, the report paints a complex political picture.

“Externally, the EU has continued to push for accelerated integration of the Western Balkans. However, Bosnia and Herzegovina has not fully utilized this opportunity, largely due to the failure to meet all requirements of the Growth Plan. Internally, the period was marked by preparations for the October 6, 2024, local elections and continued attempts to undermine the Dayton Peace Agreement,” Schmidt stated. The report concludes with a mention of the recent severe flooding and landslides that caused casualties and property damage in five central municipalities.

Local elections and electoral law changes

According to Schmidt, Bosnia's recent local elections were conducted “peacefully, without major incidents.” He commended citizens and civil society groups for “strong support” of new technologies aimed at strengthening election integrity, first implemented after Schmidt amended the Election Law in March 2024.

Schmidt also introduced a ban, prohibiting individuals convicted of war crimes, genocide, or crimes against humanity from running for or holding public office. Additionally, new provisions to prevent hate speech in elections were reportedly effective, leading to a noticeable reduction in such cases among political parties. Yet, the participation rate of women in politics remains low.

Challenges to European integration and “ethnic politics”

Schmidt’s report expressed concern over “the failure of ethnic-based policies,” exemplified by the lack of progress on the reform agenda. The failure to adopt the draft reform agenda according to the 113 requirements of the Growth Plan has left Bosnia and Herzegovina as the only country in the region excluded from the EU Growth Plan.

No action on ECHR rulings

Schmidt criticized the country’s political authorities for showing “little interest” in implementing the European Court of Human Rights’ rulings, particularly in the Sejdic-Finci case, which requires constitutional changes to eliminate discrimination.

He also urged political leaders to initiate the necessary steps to implement these rulings, stressing that this issue lies at the heart of sustainable democratic development in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Undermining the state” and historical revisionism

Schmidt highlighted continued efforts by the ruling coalition in the RS to undermine Bosnia’s institutions, noting actions that weaken the effectiveness of state-level institutions and challenge the High Representative’s authority. This includes the passage of the unconstitutional Electoral Law of Republika Srpska, although all political parties in the entity participated in the recent CEC-organized local elections.

In May 2024, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution designating July 11 as the “International Day of Remembrance and Commemoration of the 1995 Srebrenica Genocide.” The decision prompted “aggressive historical revisionism” and genocide denial by Republika Srpska’s ruling coalition, Schmidt said, which was underscored by a May 2024 government draft proposal for a “peaceful separation” from Bosnia’s Federation (FBiH), an idea Schmidt noted disregards Bosnia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In June 2024, Serbia hosted the first All-Serb Assembly in Belgrade, focused on adopting a declaration to protect the national and political rights of the Serbian people, reinforcing ethnic-based alliances in the region.

Continued violence against returnees

Schmidt’s report noted that the ongoing violence and intimidation against returnees remains a barrier to reconciliation and interethnic relations. Several cases of violence against returnees and occasional interethnic conflicts have contributed to additional tensions and anxiety, especially during the April-May period when the UN Srebrenica resolution was under public debate.

OHR closure conditions not met

Schmidt reported limited progress on the 5+2 Agenda, the set of criteria necessary for the closure of the Office of the High Representative (OHR). Notably, there was no legislative activity on the state level concerning highly contentious state property issues, while steps taken by entity authorities were subsequently suspended or overturned by the Constitutional Court.

Progress in Brcko District continues, albeit slowly, and the lack of Fiscal Council meetings has delayed the preparation of Bosnia’s 2025 state budget.

In closing, Schmidt stressed the complementary nature of the Dayton Peace Agreement and EU integration, stating that Bosnia stands at a “crossroads” with the opportunity of EU candidate status. He reiterated the need for all political actors to respect the Dayton Agreement, which underpins the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and administrative structure.