“I welcome the arrival of Mr. Lajcak as the new High Representative and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Commission strongly supports his priorities to stabilise the political climate and to restart the reforms to allow the conclusion of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, which must be the immediate priority for the authorities in the country. The police reform and the cooperation with the ICTY are the key issues at stake. Advancing these important reforms is essential for Bosnia and Herzegovina to progress and keep pace with its neighbours on the European road.

I encourage the leaders and the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to work closely with Mr. Lajcak. Political and economic progress can only be made through cooperation and compromise.

I express my gratitude to the outgoing High Representative/EUSR, Mr. Schwarz-Schilling for his dedication and efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the past 18 months.”