US urges Bosnia's election winners to act swiftly and prove voters right

On Friday, the Security Council unanimously extended the mandate of the European Union's military mission in BiH for another year. Influential European countries, including Britain, France and Denmark, as well as the EU ambassador, strongly backed the continued presence of the Office of the High Representative (OHR). Russia and China again called for its immediate closure, while U.S. Ambassador to the UN Tammy Bruce said Washington supports the work of the current High Representative, U.S. diplomat Louis Crishock, in strengthening the country's political leaders and preparing BiH to assume full responsibility for its own affairs.

"Success for a High Representative means fostering a stable, secure and sovereign Bosnia and Herzegovina, even if also means working yourself out of a job," she told the Security Council.

Her remarks were closely watched given the dispute between the U.S. and European countries since Christian Schmidt was forced to resign as High Representative under pressure from Donald Trump's administration. At the same time, Washington has eased pressure on Bosnian Serb politicians led by Milorad Dodik, whose policies were again sharply criticised at the Security Council meeting by European diplomats who are now members of the body.

Bruce avoided the issue, and after the meeting the U.S. mission to the UN posted a message on X.

"After Bosnia and Herzegovina’s peaceful elections in early October, the hard work now begins. We encourage elected representatives to form authorities at all levels without delay. Voters entrusted you to deliver stability and prosperity. Prove them right," it said.

European countries continue to insist that the High Representative retain a strong mandate with executive powers and that a European be appointed to the post.

The new High Representative, if and when one is appointed, should work towards BiH meeting the goals and conditions defined in 2008 as prerequisites for the permanent closure of the OHR.

To date, only one condition has been met: the signing of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU. No progress has been made on the five objectives concerning the resolution of the status of state and military property, full implementation of the arbitration ruling on Brčko, fiscal sustainability and the rule of law, particularly through the effective prosecution of those responsible for war crimes.

The final condition for closing the OHR would be an assessment by the Peace Implementation Council's Steering Board that the Dayton Peace Agreement is being fully respected in BiH.