High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt, is set to announce a decision Thursday aimed at resolving the ongoing operational crisis at the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina (NUBBiH), N1 learned.

The decision, expected to be imposed by Schmidt, will not only address the impasse at NUBBiH but also prevent potential disruptions in the functioning of other cultural institutions of national significance.

Schmidt will present the details of his decision during a press conference scheduled for 12:30 pm.

The National and University Library has been unable to provide its services since October due to the absence of a management structure, including a director, as well as governing and supervisory boards. Efforts to resolve its status have been hindered by the lack of appointments, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Schmidt's decision is expected to resolve this governance deadlock.

The library's situation recently garnered international attention. Stella Griffiths, Executive Director of the International ISBN Agency based in London, sent a letter to Christian Schmidt and other key domestic and international stakeholders, including the Council of Ministers and the Federation of BiH entity government. The letter urged an immediate resolution, highlighting that the lack of administrative leadership has halted the issuance of International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs), effectively stalling book publishing in the country.

Schmidt's intervention aims to ensure the continued operation of NUBBiH and safeguard the functioning of cultural institutions vital to Bosnia and Herzegovina's heritage and future.