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 very much Mr. President,

At the outset, let me first thank France for successfully steering the Council through April and of course I want to congratulate you, Mr. President, and Greece for taking up the Presidency of the Council. You will have all our support and cooperation.

Mr. President,

We welcome Ms. Željka Cvijanović, the Chairperson of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and we want to thank High Representative Schmidt for his report and for his briefing today.

Mr. President,

Beginning of this year was marked by increased tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This body reacted. We held two closed sessions on Bosnia and Herzegovina, culminating in the unanimous approval of the press statement.

Let me reemphasize the united message of this Council to the leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina: reduce political tensions, engage in dialogue, uphold the Dayton Peace Accords, and the Constitution.

Slovenia firmly supports these calls. We are committed to the peaceful development of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its future within the European Union.

With this introduction, I want to make three points.

First, Slovenia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the primacy of the Dayton Peace Accords, our strong support for EUFOR Althea’s mandate in maintaining peace and security, and the Office of the High Representative.

For nearly three decades, the Dayton Accords have upheld Bosnia and Herzegovina as a sovereign, independent, and multi-ethnic state. All political actors must exercise restraint and refrain from divisive actions. They must fully respect the Dayton Accords, the Constitution and laws of Bosnia and Herzegovina. To fully uphold the rule of law, decisions of all institutions, including the courts, prosecutors, and police, need to be respected and due process followed.

Slovenia firmly believes that the protection of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, and the preservation of its democratic character are fundamental pillars of its future.

Second, the ongoing political crisis that continues to impede the effective functioning of the state is deeply concerning and unacceptable. Slovenia strongly condemns the actions taken by the leadership of Entity Republika Srpska, particularly their efforts to establish parallel legal and institutional frameworks. Such measures represent a serious threat to the constitutional order and the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Third, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s political leaders must honor the clear aspirations of their citizens — a future within the European Union. Citizens expect reforms, tangible progress, and stability, not political experiments. They seek a society rooted firmly in the rule of law, respect of human rights, and core European values.

There is no place for divisive and secessionist rhetoric in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European journey. Nor is there room for hate speech, historical revisionism, or glorification of war criminals. We must maintain a zero tolerance for such behavior, which fundamentally contradicts the principles of reconciliation and coexistence.

This year’s 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from hatred. Rather than allowing the past to fuel divisions, we urge all political leaders to prioritize constructive dialogue, advance the necessary reforms, and to place the interests of their citizens first and above their own particular interests.

Mr. President,

Slovenia will continue to support and assist Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path toward European Union membership. By doing so, we are investing not only in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s success, but also in the security, prosperity, and unity of the entire European continent.

And to Bosnia and Herzegovina: your commitment to the European Union is seen as a strategic investment in the peaceful and prosperous future of Europe.

Thank you.

Recent Statements