Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Foreign Minister Elmedin Konakovic held a meeting on Monday in Austria with Alexander Schallenberg, the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria, during his official visit to the country.
Discussions centred on strengthening bilateral relations, economic cooperation, European integration, regional developments, and other pressing issues. Both sides underscored that Bosnia and Austria share a strong and friendly relationship, free of unresolved disputes.
Minister Konakovic expressed his deep appreciation for Austria’s consistent support to BiH, both on a bilateral level and through multilateral platforms. He particularly highlighted Austria’s unwavering backing of Bosnia’s European integration efforts, including its endorsement of opening accession negotiations. Konakovic reiterated BiH’s firm commitment to EU membership, describing it as an indispensable path toward fostering social progress, economic growth, and political stability for all citizens.
He also commended Austria’s pivotal role in maintaining Bosnia’s stability and security through its contribution to the EUFOR-ALTHEA mission. Additionally, the Foreign Minister recognized Austria as one of Bosnia’s key trade partners and expressed optimism for further enhancing economic ties. He praised the Bosnian community in Austria for its successful integration and contributions, calling it a vital bridge between the two nations.
Following their meeting, the two ministers addressed the media. A significant highlight of the press conference was the formal transfer of the chairmanship of the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR). Austria will hand over the one-year leadership to BiH on January 1, 2025. Minister Schallenberg ceremoniously passed the leadership to Konakovic, who outlined BiH’s priorities for its chairmanship, including advancing European integration and focusing on youth policies, education, skill development, and labour market improvements.
During the press briefing, Minister Schallenberg also addressed recent political developments in Bosnia. He strongly condemned the actions of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, particularly his attacks on the Office of the High Representative (OHR) and state institutions.
Schallenberg reaffirmed Austria’s stance that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s future lies within the European Union, noting its geographical context, akin to Switzerland, as being surrounded by EU member states.
He further explained the EU’s approach to promoting stability in BiH, contrasting it with that of the United States. While the US applies sanctions to address political challenges, the EU employs a strategy of incentives, both designed to encourage unified action among the country's political actors.
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