PIC Steering Board marks 30 years of Dayton, calls for reforms in Bosnia

The PIC emphasized that the DPA and its Annexes remain the foundation that reinforces the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence. The Board stressed the "simple truth" that respect for the DPA upholds peace and stability in BiH and throughout southeastern Europe.

Three decades of progress and stability

Over the past thirty years, the PIC noted that the DPA successfully ended a devastating war and helped BiH navigate the challenges of a new state. Significant achievements highlighted include the return of many refugees, the large-scale repair of physical infrastructure, the normalization of freedom of movement, the stability of the currency, and the successful, peaceful running of elections under BiH auspices. The statement lauded the step-by-step development of functional institutions that have shown their resilience even during moments of crisis.

Call for forward-looking reforms

Looking ahead, the PIC Steering Board encouraged the country’s leaders to focus on reforms that will strengthen BiH’s sovereignty, describing this as a key step toward unlocking Bosnia and Herzegovina’s full potential.

The international community's ongoing commitment was recently reaffirmed by the United Nations Security Council’s renewal of the EUFOR/ALTHEA mandate, which the PIC noted underscores the commitment to safeguarding peace.

The Steering Board asserted that constructive engagement and compromise by all political actors are crucial for advancing stability and prosperity.

Focus on EU accession

With BiH choosing to apply for EU membership and the European Council deciding to open accession negotiations in March 2024, the PIC called on political actors to renew their focus on reform actions that support the country's stability, sovereignty, and prosperity.

The statement concluded with a call to all the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina to "take advantage of this opportunity and work to promote shared prosperity through compromise and move the country forward to a positive and stable future."