Schmidt meets Austrian President: Bosnia must act to unlock €1 billion of EU funds

Following a high-level meeting with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, Schmidt expressed his gratitude for the President’s personal dedication and Austria’s overall commitment to Bosnia's stability and progress.

During his address, the High Representative voiced his frustration regarding the country's inability to access substantial international financial support due to political inertia.

"I have not been able to explain how a country that has one billion euros at its disposal is not in a position to actually utilize that money," Schmidt emphasized.

He further noted that the burden of proof lies with local leaders, stating that Bosnian politicians have a strict obligation to demonstrate to the international community that they are capable of taking initiative and delivering results independently.

"The decision is not in the hands of the international community, but in the hands of Bosnian voters and politicians. We must and will see Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European Union in the future, and we will continue to advocate for that goal," Schmidt concluded.