NATO chief stresses Western Balkans stability as US‑EU clash over Bosnia’s High Representative deepens

Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Alexios Grinchyev told a BGNES briefing that NATO is watching the Western Balkans “very carefully”. After a recent visit to Serbia he said Serbian officials share an interest in regional stability and highlighted Serbia’s upcoming Expo 2027 as a factor that benefits security.

At the same time, the United States and the European Union are sparring over the future of the Office of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Washington wants to curb the EU‑run institution and has backed a U.S.‑linked diplomat, while the EU supports a French candidate. The dispute is linked to a $1 billion gas‑pipeline project and recent U.S. sanctions on Republika Srpska leader Milorad Dodik. Former U.S. diplomat Jim O’Brian warned that such moves “undermine the peace that has lasted 30 years”.