Ferdinand Koenig

Head of Comms/Spox @EUBiH. Working with 🇧🇦 & 🇪🇺 colleagues for an EU future in BiH. Personal account. Views my own.

[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

Thank you very much 🇪🇺 HR/VP @kajakallas for your important visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦, the third in 15 months.

This was a clear demonstration of EU's commitment to BiH's stability, security, prosperity and EU path.

Today, in an important speech at @euforbih, HR/VP Kallas underlined that sustainable peace is built on its enforceability, the importance of unity in the international community, and the ways in which the EU path helps build a well-functioning state responds to the demands of the citizens.

As the HR/VP said, "you can count on us". 🇪🇺🤝🇧🇦

[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

Čestitke!!! 🇧🇦⚽

A fantastic performance and a well-deserved victory!

Hajmo Bosno i Hercegovino! 🙌

#BiH #HajmoBiH #Zmajevi

[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

Glad to take part today in the "30 Years of Peace and the Future of Multilateralism" conference, organised by @mfa_bih with the support of @UN_BiH, 🇨🇭& 🇬🇧 Embassies.

In the modern global context, working together in the multilateral sphere has become more important than ever, as that is the only way we can tackle many of the challenges we all face.

The conference was a good opportunity to reflect on BiH’s 🇧🇦 evolving role in global multilateralism. Today, this country makes an active contribution on the global stage, but more can be done to strengthen its engagement and enhance its voice in global decision-making processes.

EU 🇪🇺 accession would significantly enhance BiH's ability to influence global processes. The EU remains a dedicated partner, but progress requires a sustained commitment to reforms.

🇪🇺🤝🇧🇦

[Ursula von der Leyen @vonderleyen]

The tide is turning for Ukraine.

The situation in 2026 is very different from 2025.

Ukraine is bravely holding the frontline.
Russia’s fatigue is openly showing.

That’s the time to double down on our support.

With the first disbursement of the €90 billion EU loan.

With a winter package to support Ukraine later in the year.

The G7 stands in support of a strong and sovereign Ukraine.

[EU in Bosnia and Herzegovina @eubih]

From railway to cycling route 🚲

“Giro di Ćiro” Sarajevo–Pale (13 km), made possible with €2.3 million in 🇪🇺 funding, is now open - connecting landscapes, tunnels and communities along the way.

🎥Have a look - and join the ride.

[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

The latest @Direkcija_EI survey shows BiH 🇧🇦 support for EU🇪🇺 accession rose to 74.4% - a 4.5 point rise compared to last year.

This includes majorities across the entire country: 86.1% in FBiH, 54.1% in RS, and 74.7% in BD.

These figures are a powerful message. The majority of BiH citizens know that EU membership means a more secure, more prosperous future.

Political actors should listen to the public and act now.

The EU remains a loyal partner to BiH.

🇪🇺🤝🇧🇦

[EU in Bosnia and Herzegovina @eubih]

Critical voices matter.

🇪🇺 remains committed to media freedom and freedom of expression in 🇧🇦.

Today in Banja Luka, we joined @portal_CAPITAL & partners for an honest conversation about the pressures journalists face.

[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

Today, the “Giro di Ćiro Sarajevo–Pale” cycling route officially opened!

This 13-kilometre route - constructed with an €2.3 million 🇪🇺 grant - connects Sarajevo and Pale through forests, tunnels and remarkable landscapes. But more than that, it demonstrates how concrete cooperation can bring communities closer together.

Even before today’s official opening, cyclists have been riding this route, filming videos, sharing photos and inviting others to come and experience it.

And this morning, cyclists from opposite sides of the trail rode towards each other, meeting in the middle.

Today’s event is a powerful response to those who wish to promote division, including those who have been defacing the route with divisive graffiti. The enthusiasm of citizens for this trail is proof that there will always be more that unites this country than divides it.

Thank you to the Mayors of the five municipalities along the route for recognising the value of this project and working together to make it a reality!

🇪🇺🤝🇧🇦

[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

Thank you @eucopresident António Costa for starting your Western Balkans tour with an important visit to 🇧🇦BiH.

As you underlined yesterday, "EU membership is a free and sovereign choice for Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is about more than access to the Single Market. It means joining a political Union built on common values and shared strategic choices".

The 🇪🇺EU remains a committed partner supporting BiH on the path to EU accession. It is important BiH moves forward and does not miss valuable opportunities.

🇪🇺🤝🇧🇦

[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

In Aesop’s famous fable, a fox tries unsuccessfully to reach a high bunch of grapes before walking away in a huff, muttering that they were probably sour anyway.

A remarkably similar narrative seems to be emerging in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It is claimed for example that the risk to Bosnia and Herzegovina of losing €373.9 million from its Growth Plan allocation - on top of the €108 million already forfeited – is inconsequential.

It is said that funds available under the Growth Plan are unimportant, because they are "merely loans" rather than grants. This is highly misleading.

Of the total €976.6 million allocated to Bosnia and Herzegovina in exchange for delivering on 113 clear reform steps, €280.3 million (548.21 million KM) consists entirely of non-repayable grants.

To put this in perspective: the draft annual state budget adopted by the Council of Ministers on 21 May 2026 stands at 1.58 billion KM. The Growth Plan's grant component alone is therefore equivalent to more than one-third of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s entire annual state budget.

As for the loan component, these funds are offered on exceptionally favourable terms that far outmatch what is available from any other partner. The economic growth Bosnia and Herzegovina stands to achieve through these investments is projected to vastly exceed the value of the debt itself.

Bosnia and Herzegovina possesses immense, unrealised economic potential. The Growth Plan provides the exact toolkit needed to unlock sustainable growth, prosperity, and long-term stability.

Read more in my latest op-ed 👇

https://t.co/5Td8AkfY5a

[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

The EU 🇪🇺 continues to invest in stability and security in BiH 🇧🇦.

Today, the the EU has authorised a new €15 million package to support the 🇧🇦BiH Armed Forces.

This is the third measure through the European Peace Facility directly for BiH. There was also another recent package for medical units in armed forces across the Western Balkans. This brings the total amount of money allocated by the EU to the Armed Forces of BiH to almost €50 million since 2021.

Our supports helps strengthen the military and defence capabilities of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including strengthening interoperability and operational readiness.

We remain a loyal and committed partner to 🇧🇦 BiH.

🇪🇺🤝🇧🇦

[EU in Bosnia and Herzegovina @eubih]

The "Think Freedom" exhibition 🕊️ by Edina Selesković opened tonight in Europe House!

The exhibition has travelled the world, exploring themes of freedom, peace and youth.

Support for art and culture is a key component of building a more united Europe. 🇪🇺🇧🇦

#EUforCulture

[EU in Bosnia and Herzegovina @eubih]

Yesterday, another life was lost to femicide in BiH. Our thoughts are with the victim's family and loved ones.

We urge BiH authorities & society to take more decisive action to prevent gender-based violence.

[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

Honoured to host a delegation of top military commanders from the EU and NATO today for a very valuable exchange on the current political and security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The visit of General Seán Clancy, @ChairmanEUMC, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chair of the @CMC_NATO Military Committee, and Lieutenant General Ludovic Pinon de Quincy, Operational Commander for @euforbih, underlines the unified and complementary approach of the EU and NATO in working alongside domestic institutions in BiH to ensure lasting peace, stability, and security for all.

🇪🇺🤝🇧🇦

[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

Thank you to @klixba and Semir Hambo for the opportunity to discuss BiH’s 🇧🇦 EU 🇪🇺 path.

Opening accession negotiations would be a historic next step for BiH - an opportunity for political actors to work better together and deliver concrete improvements to the quality of life of citizens.

Implementing the Reform Agenda of the Growth Plan represents an opportunity to transform the country and support strengthened democratic institutions, investment and prosperity.

There is however a signifcant cost to inaction and a risk BiH will lose EUR 373 million from its Growth Plan allocation if there is no progress in the next months. Too much time has been lost to divisive politics.

More in the interview 👇

https://t.co/wNNjxZvaNz

[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

Glad to see 🇪🇺 continue its support to 🇧🇦 Border Police!

Alongside Germany, Italy, France and the Netherlands, the EU is donating specialised equipment to the Border Police, reinforcing their capacity to respond to complex migration challenges. #TeamEurope

From document examination tools and heartbeat detectors that help uncover life-threatening smuggling situations, to a patrol boat supporting river surveillance and rescue operations, this assistance directly strengthens operational readiness on the ground.

Through the EU4FAST 🇪🇺 project, we are investing not only in equipment, but also in training and institutional capacity. Effective border management requires modern technology, skilled professionals, and strong, accountable institutions and this support addresses all three. It is moreover important that BiH updates its contingency plans and is prepared in case of increased irregular migration.

Our shared goal is clear: to combat migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings, protect lives and human dignity, and ensure borders are managed in line with EU standards and best practices.

🇪🇺🤝🇧🇦

[EU in Bosnia and Herzegovina @eubih]

“Critical voices must be heard and must be protected.” - 🇪🇺 Ambassador @LSorecaEU

📽️ A look back at the “Critical Voices Under Pressure” conference on media freedom in BiH.

[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

Freedom of expression and media freedom are the backbone of democracy. Journalists must be able to work safely, without fear or pressure, and hold power to account.

Today, I addressed the fourth of our series of "Critical Voices Under Pressure" conferences, and underlined that without free journalists, there is no genuine public debate.

The EU 🇪🇺 remains committed to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦 on its European path — strengthening media freedom, protecting critical voices, and ensuring accountability.

Threats and intimidation against journalists are unacceptable and must be met with swift institutional response. Media integrity, especially ahead of elections, is essential to a fair and transparent democratic process.

Critical voices must be heard — and protected.

🇪🇺🤝🇧🇦

[EU in Bosnia and Herzegovina @eubih]

#EU support brings concrete results!

Today in #BanjaLuka, @eubih Dep. Head Babajide highlighted results of #EU4Emplyoment, supported by 🇪🇺&🇸🇪, that provided guidance for 2000+, assistance for 1760 & helped secure employment for 800 participants.

More ℹ️: https://t.co/phY0RK7Yfl

[Luigi Soreca @LSorecaEU]

I paid respect today in #DonjaGradina, together with other representatives of the international community, to the victims of the #Jasenovac concentration camp and all victims in Bosnia and Herzegovina of the fascist regimes during World War II.

The crimes committed by the Ustaša regime and their fascist allies were horrific. Serbs, Jews and Roma, including young children, were systematically exterminated on the basis of their ethnicity, and others were brutally murdered for their political opinions, faith, sexuality, disabilities or for simply helping their persecuted neighbours.

Following World War II, the EU was born as a rejection of the horrors of fascism and a determination to fight against hatred, discrimination, and division. And to contribute to the long term stability and prosperity of Europe.

It remains our duty to never forget the victims of fascism and to work together every day for peace, unity and tolerance in order to continue building a better future.

#NeverAgain