High Representative signals optimism on BHRT funding, urges swift reform for EU accession

The meeting served as a commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement, Schmidt stated. He added that the critical agreement not only brought peace to BiH but also facilitated the country's reconstruction, the establishment of institutions, the return of displaced persons, and the restoration of normal life.

"We know that not everything is finished, but this meeting yesterday and today was a gathering where we successfully conversed with representatives of the BiH Parliamentary Assembly, local institutions such as the Central Election Commission (CEC), and with representatives from the NGO Pod lupom, the OSCE, international financial institutions, EUFOR, NATO, the Council of Europe, and with all representatives of the countries that make up the PIC Steering Board," Schmidt reported.

He emphasized that a "fully harmonized position and opinion was reached that BiH has made significant progress, but there is still a lot of work ahead of us."

Key issues highlighted during the meeting included the 2026 budget, the question of state property, and the implementation of technologies in electoral processes to ensure the integrity of elections. The situation at the Public RTV Service of BiH (BHRT) was also discussed.

"Member countries concluded that it is essential to achieve progress on the path BiH has chosen towards Euro-Atlantic integration, and in this regard, expectations were expressed that BiH leaders will take the necessary steps that will enable the final opening of BiH's EU accession negotiations," the High Representative stressed.

Schmidt expressed regret over the failure to adopt the necessary laws and the decision on the chief negotiator at yesterday's session of the BiH Council of Ministers, but he voiced hope that this agreement would be reached next week.

"The Steering Board continues to support BiH on this path where everyone is aware that local politicians must assume greater responsibility, and we have called on them to practically demonstrate their commitment to this goal," Schmidt said.

BHRT funding and OHR intervention

When asked whether he intends to use his powers to intervene regarding the situation at BHRT, and what he sees as a solution, the High Representative stated:

"We would like to see that some other parts are included (in the budget) and that the financing of BHRT is respected, because we consider it to be part of public information at the state level of BiH. We expect this to change, and I believe we will not wait long to see the proposed 2026 budget. I am hopeful that it will be done, the international community will also review the situation within its competencies, and I can say that I am optimistic that this will happen from the parliamentary level."

US stance and future of OHR

Responding to a question about the official United States stance regarding the functioning of the Office of the High Representative (OHR) and interventionism in general, he stated that the basis of Annex 10 remains clear, and that he had very good discussions with all delegations, including the US delegation.

"We’re all of the opinion that the future of BiH internally is not for the High Representative to do everything every day and that this is long-term. I also mentioned and said that I believe we agree in broad diplomatic circles to keep options open. Thus, I can say that I have received considerable support regarding future cooperation and the future of BiH. The EU will do its part," he underlined.