27/03/2024 (Agence Europe) – The European External Action Service (EEAS) reacted, on Tuesday 26 March, to the decision by the International High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt, to amend the country’s electoral law. “The EU recalls that its executive powers should only be used as a last resort against irreparable illegal acts”, said the EEAS. It also pointed out that the EU was expecting Sarajevo to implement the reforms “necessary for the elections to be held in accordance with European standards”, as the municipal elections are due to take place in October. “Extensive international supervision is incompatible with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European future and [the EU] expects all stakeholders to act responsibly and show restraint in the period ahead”, said EEAS spokesman Peter Stano. This statement comes after the EU27 decided on 21 March to open EU accession negotiations with Bosnia-Herzegovina (see EUROPE 13376/2). (TM)