Emerging
May 26, 20261
Republic of Srpska Parliament Calls for Closure of Bosnia’s High Representative Office
The parliament of the Republic of Srpska voted overwhelmingly to call for the closure of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Office of the High Representative. The resolution asks the UN Security Council to end the mandate of current High Representative Christian Schmidt, whose legitimacy has been disputed by Bosnian Serb leaders.
Quick Facts
- Approved a resolution calling for the abolition of the Office of the High Representative
- Urged the UN Security Council to terminate the High Representative's mandate
- Called for the office to be shut down
- Questioned the legitimacy of the current High Representative
- Parliament of the Republic of Srpska
The parliament of the Republic of Srpska has approved a resolution urging the abolition of the Office of the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to Republika Srpska’s state broadcaster, the measure passed by a large majority, with 57 of 60 lawmakers present voting in favor.
The resolution calls on the United Nations Security Council to adopt a decision ending the High Representative’s mandate and shutting down the office. The move reflects long-running criticism from leaders in the Serb-majority entity, who have questioned the legitimacy of the current officeholder, German diplomat Christian Schmidt.
The Office of the High Representative was created under the 1995 Dayton peace agreement, which ended the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina and established the country’s current constitutional structure of two entities and the Brcko District. Although the office remains a central part of Bosnia’s governance framework, its authority and the appointment process for its head have been disputed, especially by officials in the Republic of Srpska.
The vote comes after Schmidt said on May 10 that he had tendered his resignation but would stay on until a successor is chosen. Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik later said the Republic of Srpska would seek to limit the mandate of Schmidt’s successor to two years.
Why This Matters
This vote increases political pressure on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s international oversight mechanism and could deepen institutional friction between the Serb-majority entity and central authorities. Readers should watch for any response from the UN Security Council, the Office of the High Representative, and EU or U.S. diplomats, because changes to Schmidt’s status or mandate could affect governance, reform momentum, and stability in Bosnia.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 1995
WireThe Dayton Agreement established the current constitutional framework for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Office of the High Representative.
Jan 1, 2021
WireHans Christian Schmidt was appointed High Representative without agreement from the UN Security Council.
May 10, 2026
WireChristian Schmidt said he had tendered his resignation but would remain until a successor was elected.
May 11, 2026
WireMilorad Dodik said the Republic of Srpska would seek to limit the mandate of Schmidt's successor to two years.
May 26, 2026
WireThe Republic of Srpska parliament approved a resolution calling for the abolition of the Office of the High Representative.