On Tuesday 20 August, the EU delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina requested the formation of the national government in the country.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is still waiting for the formation of the various governments, more than 10 months after the elections of 7 October 2018.
“We regret that the BiH Presidency did not reach agreement today on the government formation and we invite the Presidency Members to overcome their differences as soon as possible in the interest of all BiH citizens”, the delegation said on Twitter. The stumbling block is reportedly a possible accession of the country to NATO.
While recalling the EU's readiness to facilitate the process, the delegation warned that it was the responsibility of local leaders to engage in dialogue and ensure that all authorities are trained.
Time is running out. The agreement between the leaders of the political parties, dated 5 August, has a duration of 30 days and will be considered null and void if this Council – the national government – is not formed by then.
The agreement, facilitated by EU Special Representative Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, was welcomed by the spokesman of the European External Action Service as an “important step forward” for the country and its citizens. “The formation of a government is also crucial for the country's progress in the EU integration process”, he recalled. He warned that the leaders must train authorities and allow all institutions to operate smoothly without further delay, in order to ensure the implementation of the expected reforms.
In addition, on 8 August, the EU Council appointed Johann Sattler of Austria as the new EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He will replace Mr Wigemark, who has been in office since 2015, on 1 September. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)