Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Madam President,
I would like to welcome the Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, His Excellency, Denis Bećirović, to this meeting, as well as representatives of Croatia, Serbia and the EU.
Madam President,
Denmark welcomes today’s unanimous adoption renewing the mandate of EUFOR Althea. We are proud to contribute to the mission, supporting peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider Western Balkans region.
We are deeply saddened by the tragic helicopter crash near Brčko yesterday. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and we express our solidarity with all those affected.
The mission plays a vital role in maintaining a safe and secure environment and providing reassurances amid persistent political tensions.
Madam President,
I would also like to thank the Acting High Representative for his latest report.
Denmark welcomes the peaceful conduct of the general elections on 4 October. We particularly commend the nationwide introduction of new electoral technologies, which improved transparency and strengthened electoral integrity.
However, elections alone cannot deliver the progress that Bosnia and Herzegovina needs. The election results must now be followed by constructive political engagement, the formation of functioning authorities and a renewed commitment to reforms.
We regret the lack of meaningful progress on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU accession path. The necessary reforms remain stalled, and key conditions for opening accession negotiations have yet to be met.
This is a missed opportunity for the country and, above all, for its citizens.
Advancing towards EU membership remains the best way forward, offering a common framework for reform, prosperity and reconciliation. We urge all political leaders to seize this opportunity and deliver concrete progress, including on judicial independence and the rule of law.
At the same time, Denmark remains deeply concerned by continued challenges to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s constitutional order and territorial integrity.
We are particularly concerned by the continued secessionist rhetoric of the Republika Srpska leadership and the ongoing undermining of state institutions. Institutional obstruction, disregard for decisions of the Constitutional Court and efforts to establish separate structures in Republika Srpska weaken the institutions established under the Dayton Peace Agreement.
We call on all political leaders to respect the constitutional order, the rule of law, and the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the country.
Madam President,
We condemn the continued glorification of convicted war criminals, particularly following the death of Ratko Mladić.
Ratko Mladić was a convicted war criminal responsible for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the genocide in Srebrenica. The images from his funeral in Belgrade were deeply disturbing and so was the presence of politicians and officials from Republika Srpska and Serbia at his funeral.
Glorifying convicted war criminals and denying or minimising their crimes disregards the suffering of victims, undermines reconciliation, challenges the rule of law, and does not contribute to the country’s EU-path.
There can be no lasting peace without respect for the facts established by international courts and the dignity of all victims.
Madam President,
Denmark reaffirms its full support for the Dayton Peace Agreement, the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina, its constitutional order and its multi-ethnic character.
In this context, we reiterate our strong support for the Office of the High Representative and the continued implementation of its mandate, including the High Representative’s full authority under the peace agreement.
We hope that the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council can appoint a new High Representative as soon as possible.
The lack of progress on the 5+2 agenda remains a serious concern. We look forward to the day when Bosnia and Herzegovina can stand with strong democratic institutions, without the need for international presence. Unfortunately, the situation does not yet allow for this.
Madam President, in closing,
Denmark’s commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina remains steadfast. For decades, we have supported peace and security, human rights, gender equality, the rule of law, civil society and freedom of the press. These priorities remain central to our engagement throughout the country, in both entities, and are essential to an inclusive, democratic and resilient society.
Denmark stands with the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina in their efforts to build a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future within the European family.
I thank you.
