During a two-day visit to Brussels, High Representative Christian Schmidt held meetings with senior European officials, including Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani and European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi.

The High Representative emphasized the significance of this moment for BiH’s Euro-Atlantic path. He underscored the necessity of constructive and productive engagement from BiH's political leadership in implementing the necessary reforms.

“A lot of work still needs to be done. EU standards must be implemented in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as in any country aspiring to join the European Union,” the High Representative stated.

In discussions, Schmidt underscored that implementing the Dayton Peace Agreement and EU integration are not mutually exclusive or contradictory processes. Instead, they complement each other, reinforcing mutual progress. He explained that preserving the tools to uphold the Dayton Peace Agreement is crucial to counteracting secessionist actions and anti-Dayton behaviour.

“International coordination and unified engagement in Bosnia and Herzegovina remain vital for success, along with united efforts from all domestic actors,” he said.

The High Representative's decisions, which have resolved deadlocks and ensured functionality, now enable politicians to work towards further progress, the office of the High Representative concluded.