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Thank you, Mr. President,
I would like to thank the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Christian Schmidt, for his briefing today and for his latest report.
I would also like to thank the Chair of the Presidency of B-I-H, Denis Bećirović, as well as representatives of Croatia, Serbia and the European Union.
Last year marked the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement that ended the tragic war and upheld the peace in the country. Significant positive developments have taken place over the years, demonstrating the resilience of the people. However, the current reporting period highlights several worrying trends.
Denmark is deeply concerned by the secessionist policy and actions by the Republika Srpska leadership, as indicated in the report of the High Representative, alongside divisive and derogatory rhetoric based on ethnic and religious grounds. This kind of discourse is harmful, eroding trust and risks weakening stability.
We also note with deep concern reports of normalization of glorification of convicted war criminals, including instances of genocide denial. We further notice reports of discrimination against returnees and a constrained environment for civil society and independent media, particularly in Republika Srpska.
These trends are deeply troubling in light of the upcoming general elections scheduled for October 4th this year. In the lead-up to the elections, we strongly urge political leaders from all parties to exercise restraint, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and act in a constructive manner that strengthens public trust and social cohesion.
Dialogue and the willingness to pursue de-escalation and reconciliation are more important than ever. There is a growing need to strengthen unity - not to deepen division.
In the context of the upcoming elections, we stress the need for timely preparations to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and ensure free and fair elections, building on recent pilot projects.
Mr. President,
Safeguarding the Dayton Peace Agreement also requires protecting the institutions it established. Over the past thirty years, these mechanisms have played a key role in supporting stability and progress.
We would like to extend our strong support to the Office of the High Representative. The Office plays a vital role in securing progress and stability in the country as it has done since the end of the war.
We take note of the decision by High Representative Schmidt to conclude his service as the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and we thank him for his immense work throughout the years under the mandate of the Dayton Peace Agreement. It is now up to the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council to begin the process of finding his successor. We continue to support a fully empowered High Representative.
The aim remains to implement the "5+2" agenda, which unfortunately has not happened yet. We look forward to a future without the need for international oversight and presence in Bosnia and Hercegovina. Strong and visionary political leadership and a willingness to seek the necessary compromises will help us move toward that goal.
Denmark also commend EUFOR Althea for its presence and vital role in ensuring a safe and secure environment.
Mr. President,
Bosnia and Herzegovina is part of the European family, and Denmark remains firmly committed to supporting its path towards EU membership.
This should be a shared and unifying goal among all parties in the country.
We call on political leaders for a strong and renewed commitment to advance on the necessary reforms. The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina will be the ones paying the price in case of another year of stalled reforms and inaction.
We hope that 2026 will be a year of meaningful progress and greater unity.
Mr. President,
Before ending, let me reaffirm Denmark’s full support to the Dayton Peace Agreement and the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as its multi-ethnic character.
I thank you.
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