Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany

11/30/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/30/2021 09:01

Minister of State for Europe Michael Roth travels to Bosnia and Herzegovina for political talks

Minister of State for Europe Michael Roth will be in Sarajevo for political talks from 30 November until 2 December 2021. His interlocutors will include Foreign Minister Bisera Turković, representatives of the tripartite Presidency, High Representative Christian Schmidt and civil society representatives. His talks will focus on the current political situation and the country's prospect of joining the EU.

Minister of State Rothwill also meet with members of the parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Discussions will centre on topics such as the reforms required for greater convergence with the EU and the consequences of the current political stand-off.

Prior to his departure for Sarajevo today, Minister of State Rothissued the following statement (30 November):

The current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is frustrating and poses a threat to peace and stability throughout Europe. Calls to break away from the state and moves to weaken it by withdrawing from national institutions are irresponsible and unacceptable. They distract from the real tasks that political leaders should be addressing, i.e. implementing the overdue reforms necessary for greater convergence with the EU. Progress in this area is urgently needed in the interests of the country's people and its economic development. Germany stands firmly at the side of all those in Bosnia and Herzegovina who are working for a democratic, European future for their country as a state that embraces the rule of law. I would like to embolden and encourage all such individuals to persevere in their endeavours.