Statement by Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations Samuel Žbogar at the UNSC meeting on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Thank you Mr. President,

I also want to welcome in our presence His Excellency Željko Komšić, chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We also want to welcome the representatives of Croatia, Serbia and the European Union.

Mr. President,

Bosnia and Herzegovina stands today at an important crossroads — between renewed confidence in democratic institutions and the remaining risk of divisive rhetoric.

In this context, recent developments in Republika Srpska entity have shown that positive change is possible. The confirmation of Ms. Babić as interim president, preparations for early presidential elections and the annulment of several secessionist laws mark a step away from confrontation and a return to democratic norms and the rule of law.

These decisions are welcome signs of political maturity that can rebuild trust among citizens and institutions.

Colleagues,

Slovenia welcomes the unanimous renewal of EUFOR Althea’s mandate, which reaffirms this Council’s unity of maintaining peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

We reaffirm our commitment to the Dayton Agreement and to the efforts of international community, including the Office of the High Representative.

Mr. President, against this background, I would like to highlight three points.

First — the importance of preserving the unity of the Security Council and of international institutions.

The Council’s unity on Bosnia and Herzegovina sends a strong message — to the country, to the region, and beyond.

We saw this clearly in the Council’s press statement last March — a welcome moment of unity that resonated positively both within the Chamber and across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It is worth underlining that, despite all differences, the Security Council agreed on what truly matters: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and multi-ethnic character are non-negotiable.

Second — the need for advancing reconciliation and strengthening democratic institutions.

Reconciliation and institutional stability go hand in hand. Bosnia and Herzegovina must continue to invest in mutual trust, inclusive governance, and accountability.

The responsibility for the country’s future rests with its leaders. Slovenia calls on leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina to demonstrate the political will to overcome divisions.

And third — building on the positive momentum towards Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU future.

The country’s path to the European Union is both an opportunity and responsibility. The EU Council’s decision to launch accession talks underscores the commitment of open doors. Now, the responsibility lies with Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue implementing reforms, strengthen its institutions, and uphold European values.

Mr. President,

In conclusion, the thirtieth anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement should not only mark a remembrance of the past, but also our reflections on the future of the country and its people.

It is time for Bosnia and Herzegovina to step up and take full ownership of its future, embracing challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

For that future to take shape, the Security Council must remain united on the fundamentals: peace, sovereignty, reconciliation, and dialogue. Such unity here can inspire unity within Bosnia and Herzegovina itself — and help advance our shared goal of a stable, democratic, and a prosperous country.

Thank you.

Recent Statements