The delicate peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina is hanging precariously in the balance as international diplomats gather in Sarajevo for the second attempt to agree on the next High Representative. At stake is a highly influential position that will shape the future of the war-torn nation, sparking a heated dispute between the US and several European allies, including the UK.
The Trump administration's push for Antonio Zanardi Landi, an Italian diplomat with limited direct experience or knowledge of Bosnia, has baffled many members of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) steering board. Conversely, European officials are rallying behind René Troccaz, France’s Balkans envoy, in a clear sign of discontent with the US-backed candidate.
The sudden demand for Christian Schmidt's immediate departure as High Representative, followed by an aggressive campaign to install Landi, has fuelled suspicions that the US manoeuvring is linked to a new regional priority: facilitating a £785 million gas pipeline contract. The Southern Interconnection, provisionally awarded without tender to AAFS Infrastructure and Energy, has raised eyebrows due to its minimal infrastructure experience but strong connections to Donald Trump.
The US policy shift in the Balkans, unveiled last month, indicates that American actions will now be guided by direct return for companies rather than institution building. Critics argue this reflects a trend of “politically connected Americans seek[ing] to earn money by weakening … international institutions,” threatening the region's three-decade peace.
The European Union has warned that the pipeline deal, awarded without competitive tender, could jeopardise Bosnia’s long-term integration with Europe. The High Representative holds significant powers to intervene in Bosnian politics, making this appointment crucial for maintaining the Dayton Agreement-established balance.