Europe and US on collision course over next high representative for Bosnia
Summary
Diplomats will meet in Sarajevo to try to resolve disagreements between the US and Europe over who should be the next high representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The US, led by the Trump administration, is pushing for a new candidate with a business-focused agenda linked to a controversial gas pipeline deal, causing tension with European countries.Key Facts
- The high representative position has strong powers to influence Bosnia’s future.
- The Trump administration wants to remove the current high representative, Christian Schmidt.
- The US supports appointing Antonio Zanardi Landi, an Italian diplomat with little experience in Bosnia.
- Europe objects because Landi is unfamiliar with Bosnia’s delicate political balance.
- The US aims to promote a $1 billion gas pipeline contract awarded to a US company connected to President Trump.
- The US’s new Balkan policy focuses on direct benefits for American businesses instead of international institution building.
- The pipeline deal was made without competitive bidding, raising concerns from the EU about Bosnia’s European integration.
- Landi has stated he would respect previous high representatives’ decisions and work with the international peace council.
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