Luigi Soreca

EU Ambassador and EU Special Representative (EUSR) 🇪🇺 for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)🇧🇦, former EU Ambassador to Albania. #EUDiplomacy

[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

Happy #UNDay to our colleagues and partners at @UN_BiH!

It was a pleasure to mark this day alongside our international and BiH 🇧🇦 partners.

The premiere of documentary "Peace Guardians" was a powerful tribute to BiH woman police officers who serve under the UN flag, reminding us that peace is built by people whose courage and commitment reach far beyond borders.

The EU 🇪🇺 and the UN 🇺🇳 are strong partners, working together every day to support BiH’s EU path and sustainable development goals.

Through our Strategic Dialogue and joint projects, we will continue working to advance human rights, economic development and tangible benefits for all citizens.

[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

Constructive discussions today at the Security Roundtable in Camp Butmir, co-hosted by @euforbih Commander Major General Maurizio Fronda and @natobih Commander Brigadier General Jamie Fowler.

We spoke about the political and security situation in 🇧🇦BiH following the general elections, as well as our continuous coordination and cooperation in supporting the country and its institutions in ensuring stability, development and a safe and secure environment for all.

Earlier this month, the 🇪🇺EU allocated a new €10 million package in support for Medical Units in the the Armed Forces of partners in the Western Balkans through European Peace Facility, and the BiH Armed Forces have previously also received €35 million over three assistance measures.

The EU remains unequivocally committed to BiH's territorial integrity, sovereignty and constitutional order, while #EUFOR Althea is a key element of our support.

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[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

Today, together with 🇪🇺EU Ambassadors in 🇧🇦BiH, we paid a visit to BiH Central Electoral Commission and met with its President Kalaba as well as other @IZBORI_BA members Arnautović, Rogić, Bakalar and CEC Secretary Mišković.

BiH CEC has worked with great commitment and professionalism to ensure the successful conduct of 2026 General Elections and implementation of new technologies, despite many challenges. We thank them and commend their dedication and hard work.

It was also good to discuss the elections overall, in particular the functioning of new technologies, including what lessons can be learned from both positive experiences and challenges so that the process can be further improved.

For our part, the EU and its Member States will continue to stand by BiH CEC and to support the efforts to strengthen electoral integrity and democratic processes in BiH, which are also key elements of the country's path towards the EU membership.

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[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

Stronger cooperation in justice and security is an important part of bringing 🇧🇦 closer to the EU.

Today’s signing of the Working Arrangement between 🇧🇦 and @Eurojust is an important step. It provides for the appointment of liaison prosecutors between BiH and Eurojust.

This will further strengthen judicial cooperation and the capacity to address serious cross-border crime.

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[Eurojust @Eurojust]

🇪🇺🇧🇦 Another step forward towards closer collaboration with Bosnia and Herzegovina!

✍️ Today at Eurojust, 🇧🇦 Minister @BunozaDavor & President Schmid signed a Working Arrangement that will help implement the international agreement signed by the EU in October 2024.
@eubih #WBCJ

[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

Glad to host Head of @osce_odihr Election Observation Mission Tana de Zulueta and Dario Jovanović from @pod_lupom for an exchange today with 🇪🇺EU Ambassadors in 🇧🇦BiH.

Independent international and domestic election observation is important in providing a full and clear picture of the electoral process and strengthening public trust in the elections.

We discussed their findings from the Election Day, including on the use of new technologies, and identified successes and challenges.

These insights can be very valuable to improve the process for the future, and ensure even more free, fair and transparent elections.

The EU and its Member States will continue to support such efforts and we thank ODIHR, Pod lupom and all independent observers for their essential work.

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[European External Action Service - EEAS 🇪🇺 @eu_eeas]

Joint statement by the HR/VP @kajakallas and Commissioner Kos on the general elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The EU reiterates its unequivocal commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU perspective as a single, united and sovereign country.

Read more: https://t.co/SrZl0BM09k

[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

Today, the @EU_Commission published a very important policy document outlining the future of EU enlargement. See below👇.

Enlargement has rarely been as high a political priority for the European Union as it is today.

In an era of heightened geopolitical volatility, enlargement remains the single best strategic investment in the long-term peace, stability, and prosperity of our continent.

Yet the EU is more than a community of shared values—it is a functional Union based on common standards and mutual trust. To join this Union, candidate countries must implement comprehensive reforms so that our integrated market and democratic institutions work seamlessly for everyone. The necessary reforms bring multiple benefits for citizens - a stronger economy, more functional democratic institutions and public administration, higher standards for basic needs such as water quality and food safety.

At the same time, the EU must adapt its governance to make decision-making swifter and more effective. Just as candidate countries must make changes, the Commission is also proposing to reform the EU's governance so that an enlarged Union remains strong, efficient, and capable of acting decisively.

It is also clear that candidate countries should not have to wait until full accession to feel the tangible benefits of the EU path. Through gradual integration, as BiH delivers on critical reforms, its citizens and businesses can progressively access key parts of the EU Single Market, cooperation programmes, and investments along the way.

Those partners who have demonstrated sustained political will and alignment with European standards will soon receive indicative roadmaps with tentative timelines towards accession.

Due to prolonged political deadlock, Bosnia and Herzegovina is regrettably not listed among them.

But the door to EU membership remains wide open for BiH.

Following the recent elections, the formation of new authorities presents a renewed opportunity. Delivering tangible progress toward EU integration should be a key priority for the newly established authorities.

The EU accounts for over two-thirds of BiH’s trade. Our citizens are connected by deep cultural, familial, and economic ties. Geographically and historically, Bosnia and Herzegovina is at the heart of Europe. Its future belongs in the European Union.

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[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

Good to meet with newly appointed World Bank Country Manager for BiH and Montenegro Liang Wang @liangw1015.

We spoke about recent political and economic developments in 🇧🇦BiH, its 🇪🇺EU integration process as well as our joint projects and initiatives, including de-mining the Sava River.

Together, we are working to support BiH with socio-economic reforms and development. Looking forward to our continued good cooperation and coordination.

@WorldBankGroup @WorldBankECA

[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

Two years ago, communities in BiH 🇧🇦were deeply affected by devastating floods and landslides.

The destruction, damage and lives that were lost left lasting marks. I still vividly remember everything I saw after the disaster.

We can never fully bring back what was lost, but we have spent the past two years working to restore infrastructure and facilities, and with that bring back a sense of normalcy and safety to the affected communities.

The 🇪🇺EU has mobilised its resources, with a €20 million package for long-term recovery and €45.7 million from #SolidarityFund, and has continued to stand with BiH in recovery efforts, from building homes and bridges to supporting prevention measures and providing assistance to businesses and farmers.

The work is still ongoing and we remain a loyal friend and partner.

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[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

Citizen participation is at the heart of democracy! The real protagonists of today are the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦. Polling stations are still open — use your right to vote and make your voice heard 🗳️!

Today, I visited polling stations in Hrastovi (Kiseljak), Ilidža and Istočna Ilidža, as well as the Call Centre of @pod_lupom.

The important novelty of this year's elections is the introduction of new technologies to strengthen integrity - it is inspiring to see citizens of all ages showing curiosity and enthusiasm for the democratic process.

A big thank you to everyone involved in organising the elections - the Central Election Commission @IZBORI_BA for their dedication and resilience; observers, @pod_lupom and other civil society organisations for their work to safeguard electoral integrity; and the media for ensuring transparency and accountability.

The European Union stands firmly with the people of BiH, their EU perspective and democracy.

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[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

Election day in Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦 today!

Go out, cast your vote and make your voice heard!
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[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

Good news! The EU has allocated a new €10 million package in support for Medical Units in the the Armed Forces of partners in the Western Balkans.

Through European Peace Facility, the EU is making large investments in security, stability and resilience in the region. The total invested in medical units through the Balkan Medical Task Force has now reached €16 million. Separately, the Armed Forces of BiH have also received €35 million over three assistance measures.

The EU remains a committed partner to BiH and the Western Balkans.

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[EU Council Press @EUCouncilPress]

#EuropeanPeaceFacility: @EUCouncil adopts the second assistance measure in support of the Balkan Medical Task Force worth €10 million.

A strong signal of EU continued commitment to security, stability & resilience in the Western Balkans.

Read more 👇
https://t.co/CONkzNHVgC

[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

Glad to meet today with numerous international observers, coordinated by @osce_odihr, who are in 🇧🇦BiH to support election monitoring efforts.

This year, election observation is also particularly important with the novel changes to the voting process with introduction new technologies. These will help in increasing trust, dealing with electoral irregularities as well as speeding-up the delivery of preliminary results.

But integrity goes beyond technology, and the monitoring work can also support and guide further reforms to improve electoral process and protect citizens’ fundamental right to choose who represents them and makes decisions on their behalf.

The 🇪🇺EU will continue to advocate for such reforms, support BiH Central Election Commission @IZBORI_BA and stand as partner to civil society organisations in efforts to strengthen integrity of elections.

🙏 Thank you to all of you dedicating your time and expertise in these observation missions, and to our @OSCEBiH @CoE_Sarajevo @OHR_BiH colleagues for our exchange today.

[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

The vote is precious. I still remember clearly my feelings the first time I cast my ballot in Naples - a mixture of civic pride that comes with holding a powerful democratic tool in your hands, nervousness about whether the decision you’ve taken is the right one, and curiosity about the result.

This Sunday, thousands of young people born across Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2008 will experience those feelings for the very first time.

My message to all voters - and especially to those voting for the first time - is simple: “Do not leave your future in anyone else’s hands."

Read my new op-ed👇

https://t.co/wBZVkGcqXo

[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

Glad to meet with the Election Observation Delegation of @Europarl_EN and have an exchange on the current political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with 🇪🇺 EU Ambassadors in 🇧🇦 BiH.

Elections observation work is essential for strengthening transparency, integrity as well as public confidence in the electoral process.

We wish you a successful mission!
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[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

Great to exchange today with @euforbih 🇪🇺 Commander, Major General Maurizio Fronda.

We spoke about the political and security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in particular ahead of the upcoming Sunday general elections.

We discussed the intensive outreach #EUFOR has had with local communities, which was vey well received across the country.

We also agreed on the importance of continued coordination among international partners, and in particular between EU and NATO.

#EUFOR Althea remains a vital element of 🇪🇺EU's support to 🇧🇦BiH in helping to maintain a safe and secure environment (SASE).

🙏 Thank you Commander for our continued, close cooperation in supporting BiH's long-term stability and progress towards EU accession.

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[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

Today I wished a warm welcome to the new Ambassador of 🇦🇱 Albania to 🇧🇦BiH, Spiro Koçi @ALAmbInSarajevo.

We discussed regional cooperation and its importance for the EU integration of the Western Balkans in numerous aspects, from economic development to security issues.

We also spoke about the next EU-Western Balkans Summit and the opportunities the EU offers to the region, including the Growth Plan with its potential to help candidate countries moving faster on their EU integration path.

[Marta Kos @MartaKosEU]

As Member State ambassadors pay tribute at the Srebrenica Memorial Centre today, my thoughts are especially with the Mothers of Srebrenica.

They have endured unimaginable loss, yet remain among the strongest voices for reconciliation, rooted in truth, justice, remembrance, and the possibility of a different future.

The European Union was founded on that same belief: that even after the most terrible crimes, former enemies can choose to build a common future in which such suffering can never happen again.

That is the future the Western Balkans deserves and people can build.

[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

Today, together with Ambassadors and diplomatic representatives of all EU Member States’ Embassies in BiH, we visited the Srebrenica Memorial in Potočari and paid our respects to the victims of the genocide.

The EU’s stance is clear. There is no room for the denial of genocide and crimes against humanity, or for the glorification of those convicted of war crimes. The rulings of international courts are facts to be respected.

The European Union and its Member States will continue to stand firmly with the victims and survivors. Our joint commitment is unwavering. To the truth, to justice, and to remembrance that honours more than 8,000 men and boys murdered in July 1995.

We spoke today with Munira Subašić and other Mothers of Srebrenica who have worked tirelessly to ensure the memory of the victims is never forgotten.

Remembering the Srebrenica genocide is a responsibility towards the future, to rebuild trust and to ensure that new generations inherit peace rather than division.

[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

🙏 to BiH Central Election Commission (CEC) @IZBORI_BA President Jovan Kalaba and Dario Jovanović from 'Pod lupom' Coalition @pod_lupom for joining today our meeting of 🇪🇺EU Ambassadors to 🇧🇦BiH.

President Kalaba updated us on the current state of play of preparation for the upcoming 2026 General Elections, including on introduction of election technologies. Dario Jovanovic explained how they are preparing the extensive election observation and voter education campaign.

The EU🇪🇺 and its Member States are supporting the CEC in strengthening its operational and technical capacities, as well as Pod Lupom in supporting citizen engagement, social media monitoring and election observation.

We will continue to support the CEC in the run up to the upcoming elections in its efforts to increase integrity, transparency and credibility of the election process, which is one of the key elements of the BiH’s path to the EU.

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