BiH Politician Links Gas Project to US Clarity on High Representative Role

The U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo indicated that European Union indecision about a new High Representative is causing the U.S. to rethink its presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Sabina Ćudić of Naša Stranka stated that BiH must not passively accept American interests, which are evident in the High Representative selection and US administration plans.

Ćudić called for a halt to the ratification of the Southern Interconnection agreement with Croatia. She also demanded that the Federation of BiH not sign a deal with any American investor. This hold should last until the US administration clarifies its plan for appointing the High Representative, their powers, and their stance on state property laws. Ćudić emphasized that if American investors want to profit in BiH, they should not back individuals who undermine BiH's Constitution. She added that BiH has a unique opportunity to align its interests with American geostrategic goals, alongside European partners.

A two-day meeting of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) in Sarajevo failed to appoint Christian Schmidt's successor. France and Germany, with UK support, rejected the US candidate, Italian diplomat Antonio Zanardi Landi. EU members preferred French diplomat René Troccaz. Due to a lack of consensus, Schmidt will remain High Representative. His resignation was weeks ago, and a decision on a successor is now postponed until late June.