Bosnia and Herzegovina to name new high representative by July 14, UK backs full‑mandate appointment

British Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty, on a working visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, said London expects the appointment of a new high representative with full powers to support the implementation of reforms. He noted that only one of the two “two‑plus‑five” conditions – the EU Stabilisation and Association Agreement – has been met and reaffirmed UK commitment to a strong OHR mandate, including the use of “bonss” powers if the Dayton peace accord is threatened.

The current acting high representative is U.S. diplomat Louis J. Crishock, who confirmed he holds the full legal authority of the office and can exercise bonss powers when necessary. Crishock emphasized that the OHR must work with elected Bosnian leaders, that denial of the Srebrenica genocide is not protected speech, and that the Office should not become a permanent fixture in Bosnian politics. Both officials said the Peace Implementation Council expects a permanent high representative to be appointed by 14 July, with the EU and the United States seeking a consensus candidate.

Doughty also warned that Europe faces hybrid threats from Russia and called for stronger EU cooperation on energy security, supply‑chain resilience and transport‑communication infrastructure to bolster the continent’s economies.