As the European Union's Special Representative I am responsible for ensuring the full coordination of all EU bodies in Bosnia and Herzegovina – in the political, economic, security and social fields – so that they have the maximum positive impact on the country’s efforts to develop a prosperous and sustainable democracy and integrate fully in the broader community of Europe.
One of my tasks is to develop the Office of the EUSR in such a way that it will have the political and administrative capacity it needs to offer Bosnia and Herzegovina sustained and effective support after the closure of the Office of the High Representative.
I am seeking to ensure that the European integration process and the prospect of eventual EU membership drive forward a reform agenda that can boost Bosnia and Herzegovina’s prosperity, security and democratic maturity. This involves playing a constructive role in helping BiH representatives modernise the constitution to make it more efficient and bring it into line with European democratic and human-rights norms.
As part of the overall effort to enhance the security of BiH and EU citizens I am extending practical and political assistance to the BiH authorities in the fight against organised crime, and I will take whatever steps are necessary so that the EU Force and the EU Police Mission are able to make an optimal contribution in this field.
Together with the Head of the EU Delegation I am working to ensure that EU aid under the Instrument of Pre-Accession Assistance programme is disbursed in ways that help improve Bosnia and Herzegovina’s political, business and social environment.
These EUSR priorities are consistent with and complementary to my mandate as High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this capacity I am giving the highest priority to helping the BiH authorities meet the five objectives and two conditions set by the Peace Implementation Council. When these objectives and conditions have been met it will be possible to close the OHR – and it will also be possible for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina to view this closure with absolute confidence that their interests and aspirations are not going to be placed in jeopardy by negative political developments.
One of my most important priorities, as EU Special Representative and as High Representative, is to reverse the culture of political brinksmanship and irresponsible rhetoric that has seriously impaired Bosnia and Herzegovina’s progress towards Europe and eroded the considerable progress that had been made in increasing the security and prosperity of the country’s citizens. I will address this problem with dispatch, with firmness and with necessary vigour, using the authority that the European Union and the International Community have invested in my office.
Valentin Inzko
EU Special Representative in BiH