3117th FOREIGN AFFAIRS Council meeting Luxembourg, 10 October 2011
The Council adopted the following conclusions:
“1. Recalling its Conclusions of 21 March, the Council reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen its support to Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this context it welcomed the arrival of Peter Sorensen as EU Special Representative and Head of Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomed him taking the lead in supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in EU related matters. It looked forward to the implementation of all the elements of the EU policy. The Council expressed its gratitude to the High Representative Valentin Inzko for his work and efforts undertaken during his time as EU Special Representative.
2. The Council called on the political leadership of Bosnia and Herzegovina to form, through an nclusive process, a state level government as a matter of urgency and to address the outstanding urgent and necessary reforms to achieve qualitative steps forward on its path towards the EU. It noted the talks of the political leaders and encouraged their rapid translation into concrete results.
3. As regards the EU overall strategy for Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Council looked forward to the discussion with the international community on the reconfiguration of the international presence, including its downsizing and possible relocation of the OHR, in the appropriate forum.
4. The Council confirmed the EU’s readiness to continue at this stage an executive military role to support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s efforts to maintain the safe and secure environment under a renewed UN mandate. The main effort of Operation Althea will be on capacity-building and training while maintaining situational awareness and a credible reserve in case called upon to support efforts to maintain or restore the safe and secure environment. The Operation will be reconfigured with forces based in Bosnia and Herzegovina which will focus on capacity-building and training while also retaining the means to contribute to the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities’ deterrence capacity. A reserve force will be based over the horizon with regular in-country reconnaissance and rehearsal. The Council agreed to keep the operation under regular review including on the basis of the situation on the ground.
5. The Council reiterated its unequivocal commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU perspective, as agreed at the 2003 Thessaloniki European Council. The Council reaffirmed its unequivocal commitment to the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a sovereign and united country.“
