International peace envoy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, High Representative Christian Schmidt, used his executive powers on Tuesday and announced a decision to impose changes to electoral legislation, introducing technical improvements to the election process, which will, as he said, ensure "fair and free" elections for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In a comment on the decision, an EU spokesperson said it is local authorities that are expected to pass these reforms, and that the High Representative's executive powers should be used only as a measure of last resort, stressing that “extensive international supervision is incompatible with the European future of BiH.”

“The EU has expressed a strong preference for the BiH Parliament to take its responsibility and adopt these reforms, as the state coalition leaders committed to do in time for implementation during the October municipal elections,” said spokesperson Peter Stano.

High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina imposed changes to Election Law

His statement also emphasised that the EU expects that Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities implement the required reforms “ensuring that elections are conducted in line with European standards by implementing OSCE/ODIHR and relevant Venice Commission recommendations, and ensure transparency of political party financing.”

As for the High Representative using so-called Bonn powers and the international presence in the country, the spokesperson said:

“The EU recalls that his executive powers should be used only as a measure of last resort against irreparable unlawful acts. The EU underlines that extensive international supervision is incompatible with the European future of BiH and expects all stakeholders to act responsibly and show restraint in the period ahead.”

The statement reiterated that, following the European Council’s decision to open accession negotiation, the EU will continue to work with BiH authorities to advance on the European path.