Statement by Representative of Slovenia to the UN Security Council Ambassador Samuel Žbogar at the briefing on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Thank you, Madam President.

I also want to congratulate you on assuming the Presidency today and I can express our full support and constructive cooperation during the month of November. I also want to congratulate Switzerland for very capable and smooth Presidency for the month of October. I would like to welcome the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mr. Denis Bećirović in the Chamber and I also want to welcome the representatives of Croatia and Serbia.  

At the outset, I would like to express our unwavering solidarity and support to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Slovenia was among the first countries to dispatch a team of rescuers through the EU Mechanism for Civil Protection after the floods and landslides last month. We remember with gratitude that Bosnia and Herzegovina showed equal support to our country last year.

Madam President,

Today I would like to speak about commitments, highlighting the following three points:

First, I would like to highlight the Security Council’s unanimous approval to extend the authorization of the EUFOR-Althea mission, underscoring our joint commitment to peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

EUFOR-Althea’s presence remains an important source of reassurance for the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It supports the ongoing journey toward lasting peace, unity, and integration into the EU.

Secondly, Slovenia remains unequivocally committed to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU perspective. The EU has clearly recognized that the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina is with the European Union as is the wish and determination of the great majority of citizens of all ethnic groups.

Only steadfast commitment of all political stakeholders to European integration and local ownership of the reform processes can bring about progress for achieving this strategic goal.

Slovenia urges political leaders to intensify efforts in key reform areas. This includes submitting a comprehensive Reform Agenda under the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans.

We moreover encourage active civic participation and engagement from other parts of society, too. Strengthening broad internal dialogue will not only support the reform process but also enhance public trust in democratic institutions.

Madam President,

As the third and final point, Slovenia expects all political actors to commit to upholding Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and constitutional order. Ensuring these principles is essential for fostering stability, democratic resilience, and mutual trust. In other words, the General Agreement for Peace must be respected and upheld.

Secessionist rhetoric and challenges to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s constitutional order from the Republika Srpska pose a threat to the abovementioned principles and could endanger the country’s EU path. Slovenia urges all relevant stakeholders to refrain from such acts and to demonstrate tolerance and engage actively in inter-ethnic dialogue toward reconciliation.

As a positive development, Slovenia welcomes the preliminary findings from the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission, which indicated that the local elections held on October 6, 2024, were competitive and efficiently managed.

In conclusion, let me refer to the recently adopted UN Pact for the Future, reaffirming our shared commitment to sustainable development, peace, and prosperity for future generations.

The Declaration on Future Generations of the Pact should inspire Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue advancing reforms that strengthen democratic governance, justice system, and economic resilience. By championing these principles, Bosnia and Herzegovina can build a stronger and resilient future that leads into the EU. And in turn, the initiation of EU accession talks represents an opportunity for economic growth, enabling all citizens, especially the youth, to envision a prosperous future within their own country.

Last, but not least,I want to welcome the report submitted by the High Representative and thank him and his Office for their work and endeavors.

Thank you.

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