Minister Konaković met with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset

On April 25, 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, met with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, in Sarajevo.

The meeting reaffirmed Bosnia and Herzegovina's strong commitment to the fundamental values of the Council of Europe, including the protection of human rights, the strengthening of democracy, and the rule of law. It was emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina's active participation in the mechanisms of the Council of Europe is a crucial aspect of its path toward European integration and the continuation of vital reform processes.

Minister Konaković highlighted the significance of Secretary General Berset's visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, describing it as a strong political signal of support for the country's reform agenda. He expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the Council of Europe and emphasized the readiness of local institutions to implement reforms in line with European standards. Additionally, he briefed Berset on the current political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, noting the complexities of the constitutional arrangement that allow certain political actors to create blockages, thereby hindering the country's European progress.

The conversation also centered on Bosnia and Herzegovina's obligations as outlined in the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 2638 (2026), which reaffirms support for the sovereignty, constitutional order, and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The importance of improving constitutional and electoral reforms in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights was highlighted, including the implementation of judgments in the Sejdić-Finci and Kovačević cases. There was a shared emphasis on the need to achieve political consensus on reforms to facilitate inclusive representation and enhance the efficiency of state institutions.

Furthermore, the necessity of ensuring the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina's full functioning was discussed. Continuous cooperation with the bodies of the Council of Europe, particularly the Venice Commission, was deemed essential. The meeting also addressed that Bosnia and Herzegovina has completed the nomination procedures for candidates for the European Court of Human Rights judges, and the list has been submitted to the Council of Europe.

Lastly, the participants discussed the importance of program cooperation through the Horizontal Facility, which is a key mechanism for supporting reforms in areas such as justice, the fight against corruption, human rights protection, inclusion, and education. It was concluded that the Council of Europe's Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina for the period 2026-2029 would further enhance this cooperation framework.