Bosnia & Herzegovina
November 2023
On 2 November, the Council held its semi-annual debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) (S/PV.9466) and unanimously adopted resolution 2706, renewing the authorisation of the EU-led multinational stabilisation force (EUFOR ALTHEA) until 2 November 2024. There was no briefer.
July 2023
On 7 July, at Russia’s request, Security Council members held a meeting on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) under the “any other business” agenda item. Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Mohamed Khaled Khiari briefed.
May 2023
On 10 May, the Security Council held its semi-annual debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) (S/PV.9319). High Representative for BiH Christian Schmidt briefed on the most recent report of the Office of the High Representative (OHR), which covers the period from 16 October 2021 to 15 April (S/2023/318). Željka Cvijanović, the Serb member of the rotating tripartite inter-ethnic Presidency of BiH and the incumbent Chairman of the Presidency, participated under rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, along with representatives from Croatia and Serbia. At the outset of the meeting, Russia raised a point of order objecting to Schmidt’s briefing, noting that the Council had not authorised Schmidt’s appointment as High Representative.
November 2022
On 2 November, the Council held its semi-annual debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) (S/PV.9179) and unanimously adopted resolution 2658, renewing the authorisation of the EU-led multinational stabilisation force (EUFOR ALTHEA) until 2 November 2023. There was no briefer. The debate was marked by sharp divisions regarding the legitimacy of Christian Schmidt’s appointment as the High Representative for BiH. Some members expressed regret that a lack of consensus had prevented Schmidt from briefing the Council.
May 2022
The Security Council held its semi-annual debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) on 11 May (S/PV.9029). High Representative for BiH Christian Schmidt briefed on the report of the Office of the High Representative (OHR), which covers the period from 16 October 2021 to 15 April (S/2022/374). Šefik Džaferović, the Bosniak member of the rotating tripartite inter-ethnic Presidency of BiH and the incumbent Chairman of the Presidency and representatives from Croatia and Serbia participated under rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure. The discussion focused on the growing divisive rhetoric in BiH and Republika Srpska’s withdrawal from state institutions. Council members were divided over the role of the OHR and the use of unilateral sanctions in contributing to peace and stability in the country.
November 2021
On 3 November, the Security Council held its semi-annual debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and unanimously adopted resolution 2604, renewing the authorisation of the EU-led multinational stabilisation force (EUFOR ALTHEA) until 3 November 2022. The debate was marked by sharp divisions regarding the legitimacy of Christian Schmidt’s appointment as the High Representative for BiH. It appears that China and Russia objected to a briefing by Schmidt and conditioned their support for EUFOR ALTHEA’s reauthorisation on the removal of all references to the High Representative and his Office (OHR) in the resolution. Unable to reach a compromise on this issue, the Council did not mention the High Representative and the OHR in the resolution. At the debate (S/PV.8896), several Council members, including Norway and Estonia, expressed regret that the Security Council had failed to adopt a more substantial resolution. Russia described support for EUFOR ALTHEA’s reauthorisation as the only “common denominator” among Council members on the issue of BiH.
July 2021
On 22 July, the Council voted in person (S/PV.8823) on a draft resolution on Bosnia and Herzegovina. Proposed by Russia and China, the draft resolution welcomed the designation of Christian Schmidt as High Representative and supported the appointment of the High Representative until 31 July 2022, with the “closure of the OHR [Office of the High Representative]”. It also decided that the powers of the High Representative for BiH, as described in the conclusion of the 1997 Peace Implementation Conference (PIC), are no longer necessary, given the progress achieved by the Bosnian parties.
With a vote of 2 in favour and 13 abstentions—the highest number of abstentions recorded since the inception of the Security Council—the draft resolution failed to be adopted. Following the vote, China argued that the outcome suggests that the Council does not support the appointment of the new High Representative. In agreement, Russia added that the post therefore remains vacant. Other Council members maintained that the decisions of the PIC Steering Board do not require the Council’s endorsement and that abstentions were made on the basis of the resolution constraining the power of the High Representative and imposing a timeline for the closure of OHR without consideration of the “5+2” agenda, which is a set of five objectives and two conditions that need to be fulfilled prior to the OHR’s closure, that was adopted by the PIC Steering Board in 2008.
June 2021
On 29 June, the Council held a briefing and consultations on BiH, focused on the appointment of a new High Representative for BiH. The meeting was requested by Russia. Officer-in-Charge of the Europe and Central Asia Division of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Hervé Lecoq briefed the Council. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of BiH, Bisera Turković, participated in the meeting.
May 2021
The Security Council held its semi-annual open debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) via videoconference on 4 May (S/2021/436). During his briefing, High Representative for BiH Valentin Inzko observed that BiH essentially remains a frozen conflict while political leaders push nationalistic agendas. Inzko resigned from his position as High Representative on 27 May.
November 2020
On 5 November, the Council held its semi-annual debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina (S/2020/1103). High Representative Valentin Inzko briefed on the report of the Office of the High Representative (S/2020/1052). The Council unanimously adopted resolution 2549, renewing the authorisation of the EU-led multinational stabilisation force (EUFOR ALTHEA) for another year (S/2020/1087). On 24 November, Council members convened for a virtual Arria-formula meeting, organised by Russia, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The briefers at the meeting were Inzko; Dragan Čović, a former member of the tripartite presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the head of the Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina; and Milorad Dodik, a Republika Srpska politician who is the head of the Alliance for Independent Social Democrats and one of three members of the rotating tripartite presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
May 2020
On 6 May, the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Valentin Inzko, briefed in an open VTC on his semi-annual report. A civil society briefer, Irena Hasić, Executive Director of Youth Initiative for Human Rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina, also briefed the Council. Inzko applauded the tripartite presidency for launching the process on 28 April to implement 14 key priorities for achieving EU membership. However, he expressed concern that some political parties “will soon return to the pre-pandemic status quo” where decision-making at the State level was blocked by parties belonging to Republika Srpska’s governing coalition. Hasić explained that filling the gaps in the current educational system is “crucial to offering Bosnia and Herzegovina youth the tools they need to become active and responsible citizens and promoters and drivers of change.”
November 2019
On 5 November, the Council held its semi-annual debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina. High Representative Valentin Inzko briefed on the report of the Office of the High Representative. Selma Korjenić, Head of Programme-Bosnia and Herzegovina for the NGO TRIAL International also briefed, via videoconference. The Council unanimously adopted resolution 2496, renewing the authorisation of the EU-led multinational stabilisation force (EUFOR ALTHEA) for another year.
May 2019
On 8 May, the Council held its biannual debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The High Representative for BiH, Valentin Inzko, briefed and presented the report of the Office of the High Representative (S/2019/364). Inzko told the Council that no state-level Council of Ministers or new federal government has been appointed since general elections seven months ago, and divisive and destabilising rhetoric persists.
November 2018
On 6 November, the Council held its semi-annual debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina and unanimously adopted resolution 2443, renewing the authorisation of EUFOR ALTHEA for an additional year (S/PV.8392). High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina Valentin Inzko briefed the Council on his report (S/2018/974).
May 2018
On 8 May, the Security Council held its semi-annual debate on BiH. High Representative for BiH Valentin Inzko presented his office’s report. With general elections scheduled for 7 October, and in light of an increase in divisive nationalist rhetoric, the international community must remain united and coordinate its efforts to ensure a stable and prosperous country, Inzko said.
November 2017
On 7 November, the Council held its semi-annual debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina and unanimously adopted resolution 2384, renewing the authorisation of EUFOR ALTHEA for an additional year (S/PV.8089). Valentin Inzko, the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, briefed on developments (S/2017/922).
May 2017
In a debate on 18 May, the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Valentin Inzko, briefed the Council on his six-month report on the implementation of the peace agreement, expressing concern about the lack of progress in addressing the need for real reforms.
November 2016
On 8 November, the Council held its semi-annual debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina and adopted resolution 2315, renewing the authorisation of EUFOR ALTHEA for an additional year. Valentin Inzko, the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, briefed on developments covered in both his 28 October six-month report and an appended 21 October special report.
May 2016
On 5 May, the Council held its semi-annual debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina. High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina Valentin Inzko presented his office’s report.
November 2015
On 10 November, the Council held a debate on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (S/PV.7555) and adopted resolution 2247, renewing the authorisation of the EU-led multinational stabilisation force for a year. Russia, this year’s penholder, wanted to reduce the resolution’s scope to focus on elements directly related to EUFOR. At the debate, High Representative Valentin Inzko briefed on his report to the Council (S/2015/841).
July 2015
On 8 July, the Council held a briefing by Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson and High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein on the 20th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. The Council voted on a draft resolution to commemorate the anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, but it was vetoed by Russia with Angola, China, Nigeria, and Venezuela abstaining. The briefing and vote had been scheduled for 7 July but were postponed by a day in an effort to avert a veto.
May 2015
On 12 May, the Council held its semi-annual debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina. High Representative Valentin Inzko briefed on his office’s report. Inzko stressed the country had an opportunity to break the negative political and economic trends with the EU’s initiative to activate Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Stabilization and Association Agreement, a precursor to applying for EU membership.
November 2014
On 11 November, the Council adopted resolution 2183, which renewed the authorisation for the EU-led multinational stabilisation force for a year. Following the adoption, the Council held its semi-annual debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina (S/PV.7308), which included a briefing by High Representative Valentin Inzko on his report on the situation in the country (S/2014/777).
May 2014
The Council held its semi-annual debate on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) on 15 May. High Representative Valentin Inzko presented his report on the implementation of the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement. Inzko highlighted the February protests, which he described as an expression of citizen frustration over the failure of political leaders to address socio-economic problems and rampant corruption. He said that the demonstrations should also be a “wake-up” call to the international community to change its approach to BiH. Inzko also highlighted the forthcoming October general elections.
November 2013
On 12 November, the Council adopted resolution 2123, reauthorising the EU-led multinational stabilisation mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina for a year. Valentin Inzko, the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, briefed the Council prior to its debate of his office’s report. Inzko said the negative trends of political gridlock continued, which he warned could negatively impact the October 2014 national elections. He also welcomed the Council’s decision to reauthorise the EU-led multinational force, in light of continued separatist rhetoric by political leaders of Republika Srpska.
May 2013
On 14 May, High Representative Valentin Inzko briefed the Council at its debate on the report on implementation of the peace agreement in Bosnia and Herzegovina and other developments. He stressed that the country is at a critical juncture, where progress is still attainable, but there is also strong risk of failing to escape a “zero-sum approach” to politics. Critically, national leaders failed to reach an agreement regarding implementation of a European Court of Human Rights ruling affirming the right of minorities outside the three constituent peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina to stand for political office. This remains a principal obstacle toward further progress on integration with the EU. In addition to Council members, representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and the EU also participated in the discussion.
April 2013
The ICTY was a subject of discussion in the UN General Assembly on 10 April during a thematic debate on the role of international criminal justice in reconciliation, organised by Assembly President Vuk Jeremić of Serbia. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the work of the ICTY had helped establish the foundation for an “age of accountability”. In contrast, Nebojša Radmanović, chairman of the presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, claimed there was a widespread perception among the Bosnian Serb public and Republika Srpska officials that the ICTY discriminates against Serbs and has not been impartial. President Tomislav Nikolić of Serbia argued the ICTY makes unjust legal decisions under political pressure and based on “untruths”, resulting in what Serbs have reportedly termed “Hague justice”. The event was boycotted by many invited speakers and was characterised as “unbalanced” and “inflammatory” by the US, which joined Canada and Jordan in boycotting the debate.
March 2013
On 27 March, the ICTY convicted Bosnian Serbs Mićo Stanišić and Stojan Župljanin, a former minister and former senior police official respectively of Republika Srpska, for crimes against civilians and sentenced them to 22 years each in prison.
February 2013
On 28 February, appeals judges at the ICTY overturned the conviction of General Momčilo Perišić for aiding and abetting crimes against civilians in 44 months of attacks on Sarajevo and the killing of more than 7,000 Bosniak men and boys at Srebrenica in 1995.
November 2012
On 14 November, following the biannual Council debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina the day before, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2074 authorising the EU-led multinational stabilisation force for a further twelve months. During the debate, the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Valentin Inzko, said that the country’s political leaders were failing to make progress. He also noted that secessionist rhetoric had intensified considerably in the six months prior, and singled out the Bosnian Serb leadership for criticism. Several Council members likewise condemned the increased divisive political rhetoric. Russia, however, said that Inzko’s report was “again written in alarmist tones.” It suggested that a more balanced interpretation should be given and emphasised that the main task of the international community was to “transfer responsibility for the fate of the country to the Bosnians themselves.”
On 16 November 2012, appeals judges at the ICTY overturned the convictions of Croatian generals Ante Gotovina and Mladen Markač for crimes related to attacks on Serb civilians in the Krajina region of Croatia in 1995.
May 2012
On 15 May, the Council held a six-monthly debate on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina briefed the Council on his report, noting that 2012 has seen several positive developments, including the formation of a Council of Ministers and progress on two of the issues that are considered preconditions for the closure of the Office of the High Representative, but also “less welcome” developments, including the continuation of statements challenging the statehood of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
November 2011
On 15 November, the Council was briefed by the High Representative for Bosnia and who reported that there was still a need for his office to remain in place and given the continued negative trends and political instability, it was essential for EUFOR to remain in place. The Council met again on 16 November and adopted resolution 2019 authorising a one-year extension of EUFOR’s mandate. On 3 November, the Council received a report on the implementation of the peace agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina.
May 2011
On 9 May, the High Representative briefed the Council on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He said that with political parties employing zero-sum politics, state-level legislative processes were at a standstill, and the country is facing the most serious and most direct challenges to the Dayton-Paris Peace Agreement since it was signed over 15 years ago.
November 2010
On 18 November, the Council adopted resolution 1948, reauthorising the EU force for another year. On 11 November, the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina briefed the Security Council. While praising Bosnia and Herzegovina for the completion of general elections, he continued to urge the country to put an end to internal disagreements and divisive rhetoric.
September 2010
At the Council Summit on 23 September, speaking on behalf of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Chair of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency accused the Bosnian Serbs of genocide in Srebrenica.
May 2010
The High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina briefed the Security Council on 24 May, noting progress in addressing the membership action plan to join NATO; EU visa liberalisation; and positive attempts at regional reconciliation.
November 2009
On 23 November, in a briefing to the Council on his report, the High Representative noted that there had been persistent political problems and a lack of progress, even regression, on key issues. The objective relating to the completion of the Brcko Final Award had been met only partially. On 18 November, the Council reauthorised the EUFOR for another 12 months in resolution 1895.
October 2009
On 15 October, Bosnia and Herzegovina was elected member of the Security Council for a two-year term beginning in 2010.
May 2009
The High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina briefed the Council on 28 May, saying that of the five objectives and two conditions set by the PIC for the transition of the Office of the High Representative to an office of the EU Special Representative, three objectives had been met (completion of the Brcko Final Award, fiscal sustainability and entrenchment of the rule of law).
March 2009
On 25 March, the Council adopted resolution 1869 welcoming and agreeing to the designation of Valentin Inzko as High Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina by the PIC Steering Board.
December 2008
The High Representative and EU Special Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina presented his third report to the Council on 5 December and expressed concern that while there were some encouraging signs, “negative and nationalist” rhetoric threatened to slow down Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path toward Euro-Atlantic integration. The Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina presented a different assessment and provided reasons for why he felt 2008 had been a successful year for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
November 2008
On 20 November, the Council adopted resolution 1845, reauthorising EUFOR until 20 November 2009.
June 2008
On 16 June, Bosnia and Herzegovina signed the EU Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA).
May 2008
On 19 May, the High Representative for the Implementation of the Peace Agreement in Bosnia-Herzegovina briefed the Council on his report. He said that although important progress had been made, the international community’s job there was not finished. He informed the Council that the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board had agreed on a set of five objectives and two conditions that needed to be met before the Office of the High Representative could close.
February 2007
The ICJ ruled that there was not enough evidence to prove Serbia bore state responsibility for genocide during the Bosnian war, but that genocide occurred at Srebrenica where thousands were killed by the Bosnian Serb army.
January 2006
Follow-on mission to EU Police Mission was launched for two years on 1 January.
December 2004
European Forces in Bosnia Herzegovina (EUFOR) was launched on 2 December.
January 2003
On 1 January, The EU Police Mission took over from the UN Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH) which was terminated on 31 December 2002.
December 1996
On 21 December, the UN Stabilisation Force (SFOR) succeeded IFOR.
December 1995
The Council established the UN International Police Task Force and the UN Mission in Bosnia Herzegovina (UNMIBH) on 21 December. On 20 December, UNPROFOR withdrew, and the NATO-led Implementation Force (IFOR) was deployed. The Dayton Accords were signed on 14 December.
November 1995
General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina with its annexes was agreed upon in Dayton, Ohio on 21 November.
October 1995
Fighting in Bosnia and Herzegovina ended on 11 October.
July 1995
Srebrenica massacre took place.
February 1992
The Council established the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) through resolution 743.
25 May 1993
The Council established the ICTY.
1991
War broke out in the former Yugoslavia.
