OHR Press Releases
04/19/2024
High Representative supports swift adoption of election integrity amendments in BiH Parliament
High Representative Christian Schmidt welcomes the initiative by the responsible local politicians to return to their commitment to adopt a law that protects electoral integrity in accordance with international standards and thus ensures fair elections without fraud.
03/26/2024
Election Integrity Package – General Information
We are approaching another election but authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina have not addressed numerous problems, concerns, and questions that arose in previous election cycles, as well as vast departures from international democratic standards that have been pointed out by international partners in the last 15 years.
03/19/2024
HR Schmidt meets BiH Presidency Chair Bećirović: Support for BiH’s Euro-Atlantic integration
High Representative Christian Schmidt met today with Chair of the BiH Presidency, Denis Bećirović, to discuss the current political developments and reform efforts of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s authorities aimed at advancing the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration.
03/04/2024
High Representative Schmidt at Antalya Diplomacy Forum: BiH must seize opportunity to open EU negotiations
High Representative Christian Schmidt participated in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, underscoring the vital importance of BiH authorities fulfilling the necessary conditions to seize the opportunity and commence membership negotiations with the European Union
02/19/2024
HR Schmidt at Munich Security Conference: Euro-Atlantic integration crucial for development and progress in BiH
High Representative Christian Schmidt emphasized the critical importance of Bosnia and Herzegovina's reform-oriented engagement with the European Union during his participation at the Munich Security Conference.
02/08/2024
Faster, higher, stronger – together
High Representative Christian Schmidt extends his heartfelt congratulations to all citizens of Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina on the momentous occasion of the 40th anniversary of the opening of the 1984 Winter Olympic Games. The Games were a testament to the power of peaceful competition during a time filled with hope and optimism. The Olympic [...]
02/06/2024
High Representative addresses key challenges at “Friends of the Western Balkans” meeting in Rome
High Representative Christian Schmidt took part in the meeting of the “Friends of the Western Balkans Group” in Rome. The meeting, also attended by the Foreign Ministers of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, focused on the economic prospects and the EU integration of the region.
02/02/2024
Improving election integrity immediate priority for BiH authorities
High Representative Christian Schmidt met today with Kyriakos Hadjiyianni, Vice-President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and Special Representative on Southeast Europe, and Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH Brian Aggeler. The primary focus of the meeting was on election integrity reforms and the priorities necessary for BiH to initiate EU members [...]
01/29/2024
HR Schmidt welcomes domestic efforts to advance election reform and insists on respect for high international standards
High Representative Christian Schmidt welcomes the increased efforts by domestic political actors, including in the BiH Parliament, following his call in December to collaboratively adopt necessary changes to the election law to ensure the integrity of elections. It is the duty of the politicians responsible in BiH to deliver after almost 15 years [...]
01/18/2024
HR Schmidt in London underscores need to bolster institutional framework and advance BiH’s Euro-Atlantic path
During his visit to London yesterday, High Representative Christian Schmidt briefed the UK House of Lords International Relations and Defence Committee on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The High Representative underscored the critical need for the leadership of Bosnia and Herzegovina to prioritize reforms and move towards Euro-Atlantic in [...]