Brussels Seeks Consensus on Bosnia and Herzegovina Envoy

The European Union is seeking a strong candidate for the post of High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina to replace German diplomat Christian Schmidt, as member states have yet to agree on a successor.

During a visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas said the goal is to find a European candidate who can help the country move forward. She added that the Office of the High Representative remains an important pillar of stability until its operations can be wound down.

The United States is pushing for the new representative to have a more limited mandate. Washington supports Italian diplomat Antonio Zanardi Landi, while most European countries back French candidate Rene Troccaz. The US has also indicated that it will reassess its role in Bosnia and Herzegovina if its preferred candidate is not approved.

Louis Crishock is serving as High Representative on an interim basis until a permanent successor is appointed, a decision expected no later than 14 July.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is lagging in its EU accession process due to a two-year political deadlock. Kallas warned that the country has already lost €108m ($123m) from the European growth plan and risks losing a further €370m ($422m) without the necessary reforms.

(Reuters, bak)