Christian Schmidt confirms he will step down as Bosnia’s High Representative

According to the OHR, Schmidt made a personal decision to end his service in the implementation of peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He has already informed the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council of his decision and requested that the procedure for appointing his successor be launched.

The OHR said Schmidt will continue to perform his duties throughout the entire process of selecting the next head of the institution.

Schmidt said his mandate was the second-longest in the history of the OHR. Reflecting on his time in office, he said significant progress had been made in improving the functionality of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s institutions, but stressed that much more still needs to be done for the country to achieve its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

Although Schmidt had expressed hope that his departure would coincide with the successful implementation of the “5+2” agenda and the final closure of the OHR, Bosnia and Herzegovina has still not implemented key reforms. For that reason, the OHR said its work remains essential for the country.

In its statement, the OHR emphasized that none of Schmidt’s decisions had been annulled by any court ruling. Schmidt also said a united international community remains indispensable for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s stability.

He noted that his mandate was marked by the development of domestic judicial institutions, saying courts had acted decisively in protecting the country’s constitutional and legal order.

Schmidt called on citizens and political leaders from both entities and all levels of government to intensify efforts and work with his successor on implementing reforms and achieving key progress on the path toward Euro-Atlantic integration.

He also said Bosnia and Herzegovina’s economic and political stability, as well as the stability of the wider Western Balkans, remains crucial for Europe’s security and prosperity, which is why the role of the OHR continues to be important.

Schmidt added that further efforts will be needed in the coming years to implement all decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Constitutional Court.

At the end of his statement, Schmidt expressed gratitude to the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, saying he had enjoyed their hospitality, warmth and support throughout his mandate.