Minister Elmedin Konaković spoke with Italian Minister Antonio Tajani

On June 27, 2026, Elmedin Konaković, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, met with Antonio Tajani, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Italy. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 19th Dubrovnik Forum. It was timely, considering the ongoing international discussions about the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the election of a new High Representative. This meeting offered an important opportunity to exchange views on maintaining stability, the role of the international community, and Bosnia and Herzegovina's European future.

They addressed the current political landscape in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the broader region, focusing on the functioning of state institutions, reform processes, and the country's progress towards European Union membership.

Minister Konaković emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina still requires strong and credible international partners committed to safeguarding peace, stability, constitutional order, and the Dayton Peace Agreement. He asserted that the Office of the High Representative (OHR) remains an indispensable guarantor for the implementation of the Dayton Agreement, the protection of state institutions, and the upholding of the constitutional order. He stated that the full mandate and Bonn powers of the OHR should not be subject to discussion. While he acknowledged the desire to use the Bonn powers sparingly, he noted that their existence serves as a vital preventive mechanism against attempts to undermine institutions, constitutional order, and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Konaković warned that any weakening of the OHR's role before the fulfillment of the 5+2 conditions could pose significant risks to political stability, the rule of law, and Bosnia and Herzegovina's European path.

Regarding the election of a new high representative, Minister Konaković stressed the need for an impartial and credible candidate who understands the political and social landscape of the country. This individual should consistently protect the Dayton Peace Agreement, uphold the constitutional order, resist destabilizing efforts, and use their authority to foster political dialogue, enhance the functionality of institutions, and implement reforms.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Italy, Antonio Tajani, reaffirmed Italy's strong support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and its European aspirations. He underscored the importance of continued international engagement in Bosnia and Herzegovina, advocating for the preservation of the Office of the High Representative until the established conditions for its closure are met. He stressed that the rule of law, functional institutions, and political stability are essential for advancing European integration.

Both officials agreed that the European future of Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with the preservation of stability and the strengthening of state institutions, aligns with the interests of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the European Union, and the entire Western Balkans region.

Minister Konaković expressed gratitude to Italy for its ongoing support of Bosnia and Herzegovina's European path, particularly through engagement in the Friends of the Western Balkans initiative. He emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina values Italy's consistent backing of the EU enlargement policy.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of enhancing economic relations. It was noted that Italy is one of Bosnia and Herzegovina's key foreign trade partners and investors, and there exists significant potential for further strengthening trade and investment cooperation.