Bosnia under US pressure as High Representative may resign and Moneyval adds country to gray list

The Office of the High Representative (OHR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing intense pressure from the United States for High Representative Christian Schmidt to step down. Schmidt is expected to announce his resignation at a UN Security Council meeting after submitting a semi‑annual report, though he may remain in office until a successor is appointed. The selection process could involve the Peace Implementation Council and require UN Security Council approval, a point of contention among Bosnian factions.

At the same time, Bosnia has been placed on Moneyval’s gray list after failing to adopt key legislation on the seizure and management of criminal assets. Opposition from Republika Srpska officials and delays by the Federation’s Justice Ministry prevented the passage of two draft laws, prompting criticism that political parties blocked reforms needed to avoid the gray listing.

Both developments highlight mounting international scrutiny of Bosnia’s governance and the challenges in implementing reforms required for compliance with European and US oversight mechanisms.