Minister Elmedin Konaković participated in the 135th session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Chisinau

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, participated in the 135th session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, held on May 14 and 15, 2026, in Chisinau. He attended the session at the invitation of Mihai Popșoi, the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, and Alain Berset, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

The session took place against the backdrop of increased international tensions and complex security challenges stemming from the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, as well as growing geopolitical tensions that impact regional and international security. The foreign ministers from member states shared their views on the aggression against Ukraine and its consequences, the establishment of a Special Court for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, the Council of Europe's actions regarding migration, the New Democratic Pact for Europe, and the strategy for the Council of Europe's external action.

Minister Konaković emphasized that the Council of Europe is one of the key European institutions that upholds the principles of peace, democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights. He highlighted the importance of maintaining standards of equality, protecting human dignity, and adhering to international law. He welcomed the reform processes within the Council of Europe, including the initiatives led by Secretary General Berset and the introduction of the New Democratic Pact for Europe, viewing them as significant steps toward strengthening democratic institutions and enhancing the resilience of European societies. He also stressed the need to bolster the Council of Europe's external action strategy through improved partnerships and international cooperation, along with the significance of the Joint Declaration adopted during the session.

From Bosnia and Herzegovina's perspective as a candidate country for European Union membership, the Minister underscored the importance of close cooperation between the Council of Europe and the European Union. He particularly noted the relevance of the Council of Europe's Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina, which provides professional and advisory support to reform processes and the country's European integration efforts.

In the latter part of his address, Minister Konaković specifically addressed the internal political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, indicating that the country is facing a new crisis and that discussions are ongoing regarding the appointment of a new high representative. He cautioned against suggestions that the new high representative should maintain close communication with the Russian Federation. He reaffirmed Bosnia and Herzegovina's commitment to dialogue, compromise, and agreement, but contended that proposals aimed at "pacifying Russia" by appointing a new high representative do not constitute a true compromise. Instead, he deemed such suggestions as unacceptable concessions that could have detrimental consequences for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine-an aggressor with Russia-and Moldova, along with other nations exposed to hostile Russian influence.

"I urge all of you to unite and demonstrate that there are no rewards for aggressors or agreements with them on their own terms. We may be a small country, but we are proud. We are open to compromise, but never at the expense of our country, under no circumstances and under no pressure. If the goal of our friends is de-escalation and stabilization, I must warn that such a choice would lead us toward instability and a much greater escalation," Minister Konaković stated.