High Representative Christian Schmidt to step down after nearly five years

Schmidt will continue to perform all regular duties at full capacity until the appointment process for his successor is finalized.

Focus on judiciary and electoral integrity

Throughout his tenure, Schmidt focused on strengthening the domestic judiciary and protecting the constitutional order. He was also instrumental in introducing measures designed to ensure the integrity of Bosnia's electoral process.

The High Representative has issued a call to political leaders and citizens to intensify work on essential reforms, particularly regarding the implementation of rulings from the European Court of Human Rights and the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

UN report in New York as final act

Christian Schmidt is currently in New York, where he is presenting his regular report to the UN Security Council. In his analysis, he remained consistent in highlighting secessionist policies, institutional blockades, and attempts to undermine the state. He emphasized that the international community remains firmly on the side of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The OHR noted that none of Schmidt’s decisions have been successfully challenged in court. The High Representative stressed that unified international support remains crucial for preserving the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region.

The Office of the High Representative has existed since the end of the Bosnian War (1992–1995), a conflict that claimed over 100,000 lives and displaced millions. The mandate of the High Representative is to oversee the post-war order and ensure compliance with the Dayton Peace Agreement, which ended the war under the mediation of the United States.