High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina gives evidence to Lords Committee
Monday 15 January 2024
On Wednesday 17 January at 10.35am, the House of Lords International Relations and Defence Committee will hear evidence from Christian Schmidt, the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina in a session that will look at threats to security in the country amid destabilising secessionist actions by the leadership of Republika Srpska.
The session is part of the Committee’s inquiry into the UK and the Western Balkans.
The session will be available to watch live or on demand at Parliament TV, or attend in person in Committee Room 3, Palace of Westminster.
Questions will include:
- What are the main obstacles to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s integration with the EU?
- How can Bosnia and Herzegovina move beyond a constitution that embeds and perpetuates ethnic divisions?
- What steps do you and your colleagues take to ensure that your role is understood both by the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and to make sure the Office of the High Representative is seen as being legitimate both by politicians and all parts of society?
- Is the EUFOR Operation Althea peacekeeping force sufficient to maintain the security and stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina? Does it need to be reinforced?
- Have UK and US sanctions in response to the secessionist activities of the leadership of Republika Srpska been effective? In your view, should the EU follow the example of the UK and US in imposing sanctions on Dodik?
- What is your latest assessment of Russia’s role in driving instability in Bosnia and Herzegovina? Last year, you told the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee that you had not seen evidence of strong Russian influence in the country. Is this still the case?
- Are there specific recommendations or requests you would make of the UK government to support Bosnia and Herzegovina?
