Speaking in meetings at the summit of regional leaders in Dubrovnik yesterday and today, High Representative and EU Special Representative Valentin Inzko stressed that BiH political leaders must adopt a new approach so that Bosnia and Herzegovina is not left behind as the rest of the region progresses.

First and foremost, he said, the main political parties must end the damaging political deadlock and reach agreement on forming a BiH Council of Ministers. This is the only way to tackle the current economic crisis and get the country back on the road to Europe.  

The sixth “Croatia Summit” drew leaders from the Western Balkans to discuss the region’s transition to full European integration, security and prosperity in the present decade.

In talks last night with Croatian President Ivo Josipovic and again this morning at meetings with United States Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns, and Foreign Affairs Minister of the Czech Republic, Karel Schwarzenberg, the HR/EUSR said the need for a change of approach in Bosnia and Herzegovina is highlighted by the rapid progress now being made by the country’s neighbours.

Among positive regional developments, he cited the willingness of leaders in Croatia and Serbia to forge a new and forward-looking regional diplomacy. 

“The failure to form a Council of Ministers nine months after the election is a disgrace,” the HR/EUSR said. “BiH citizens should be benefiting from the momentum of regional progress – instead they are forced to watch things get better for their neighbours while Bosnia and Herzegovina is lagging behind.”