Kallas in Sarajevo: We will not allow a security vacuum in BiH

Kallas began her visit at the EUFOR Althea headquarters in Butmir, where she addressed journalists and reaffirmed that EU troops “are here to stay” and will not allow any deterioration of the security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

She stressed that sovereignty and territorial integrity in Europe are under pressure and that the EU reacted swiftly when political actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina challenged the country’s constitutional order.

According to Kallas, the reinforcement of EUFOR in March – when extra troops were deployed amid renewed secessionist rhetoric – was a clear sign that the EU “will not stand by in the face of destabilisation efforts”. She also pointed to the success of the recent “Quick Response” military exercise as proof of EUFOR’s readiness.

Kallas welcomed the unanimous UN Security Council decision to renew EUFOR’s mandate for another year, saying it showed that “the international community recognises the importance of maintaining stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina”. Marking 30 years since the signing of the Dayton Agreement, she said the EU’s priority is to ensure that no “security vacuum” emerges in the country and that Europe will not allow history to repeat itself.

She also commented on political developments in BiH's Republika Srpska (RS) entity, noting the decision to hold early presidential elections after the Constitutional Court ruling. Kallas said that “free and democratic elections in RS are necessary to restore public trust in institutions”.

“Political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina have an opportunity in front of them,” she said. “If they fail to act, that opportunity may vanish again.”

Kallas underlined that reforms required on the country’s EU path are not cosmetic but intended to raise the standard of living and strengthen the rule of law. “Reforms increase quality of life – they must be a priority,” she concluded.