Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina deserve the smooth conduct of elections with increased integrity and transparency as well as the swift formation of legislative and government authorities at all levels after the 2 October vote.

The EU deeply regrets that the political parties were unable to agree on adoption of measures to ensure integrity and transparency of the electoral process in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As a result, we have today’s decision by High Representative Schmidt.

The use of Bonn Powers is a measure of last resort, also against unlawful acts. Extensive international supervision is in principle incompatible with EU membership to which BiH aspires.

The European Council recently clearly stated that the EU stands ready to recognise Bosnia and Herzegovina as a candidate country. We expect BiH relevant actors to assume domestic ownership and responsibility for the reforms in line with the Commission Opinion’s 14 Key Priorities.