The High Representative, Christian Schmidt, hosted a joint visit of the Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Alexander Schallenberg, and his Italian colleague, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajaniwhere they spoke about current political developments in BiH and the Western Balkans region, with an emphasis on BiH’s European aspirations in light of the EU candidate status granted to the country.

“The EU Council’s granting of the EU candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina was a much-needed boost to the stability and progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina and a good response to the current geopolitical challenges,” noted the High Representative Christian Schmidt and voiced his expectation that domestic stakeholders will “use this momentum and make the most of it. The European Union has once again reaffirmed its commitment and dedication. The wider international community expects nothing less from Bosnia and Herzegovina’s political leadership but full engagement and dedication to the accession process.”
High Representative Schmidt expressed appreciation to Ministers Schallenberg and Tajani for the continuous support of their respective countries to the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also used the opportunity to thank them for the support of Austria and Italy to the Office of the High Representative and the HR’s mandate in accordance with the Dayton Peace Agreement.