Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina and European Union Special Representative

The Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of more than 130 Delegations that exist in third countries and international organizations. Its role is primarily to:

• present, explain and implement EU policy;
• analyse and report on the policies and developments in the countries/institutions to which they are accredited; and
• conduct negotiations in accordance with a given mandate.

The EU Delegation exercises functions conferred to it by the establishing treaties, promoting the Union’s interests that are embodied in the EU’s common policies, such as the Common Foreign and Security Policy, the common commercial, agriculture, fisheries, environment, transport and health and safety policies. The Delegation also plays a key role in the implementation of the EU’s substantial external financial assistance. The Head of Delegation, Ambassador Peter Sorensen, presented his credentials to the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina on 9 September 2011.

Ambassador Sorensen is ‘double hatted’ as EU Special Representative (EUSR). His mandate as EUSR is among other responsibilities to:

• offer the Union’s advice and facilitate the political process;
• ensure consistency and coherence of Union action;
• facilitate progress on political, economic and European priorities; monitor and advise the executive and legislative authorities at all levels of government in BiH, and liaise with the authorities and political parties in BiH;
• ensure the implementation of the Union’s efforts in the whole range of activities in the field of the rule of law and the security sector reform, promote overall Union coordination of, and give local political direction to Union efforts in tackling organised crime and corruption and, in this context, provide the HR and the Commission with assessments and advice as necessary;
• provide the Head of Mission of the European Union Police Mission (EUPM) with local political guidance;
• promote the process of integration with the Union through targeted public diplomacy and Union outreach activities designed to ensure a broader understanding and support from the BiH public on matters relating to the Union, including by means of engagement of local civil-society actors;
• contribute to the development and consolidation of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in BiH, in accordance with the Union’s human rights policy and the Union Guidelines on Human Rights.

The EU Special Representative reports to the Council of the European Union, the inter-governmental body representing the 27 EU member states, through the High Representative/Vice President of the Commission.