SARAJEVO, 6 November 2025 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Pere Joan Pons Sampietro (Spain), is leading a delegation of parliamentarians on an official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina from 5 to 8 November 2025. The OSCE parliamentarians underscored the Assembly’s commitment to strengthening parliamentary engagement, promoting democratic institutions, and supporting stability in the South East European region.
Meeting with the OSCE Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, 6 November 2025The delegation of 15 parliamentarians from 14 OSCE countries held meetings in Sarajevo today focused on domestic and regional developments, fostering dialogue on key policy issues, and enhancing co-operation with the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"While our delegation represents diverse political backgrounds, we are united in our belief in the OSCE process and our commitment to supporting stable and cooperative societies in the region. Political dialogue, mutual respect, and a readiness to co-operate are essential for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s stability and its European future,” said President Pons. “Reforms that serve the citizens, particularly in the areas of the rule of law, bringing electoral processes in line with OSCE commitments, and the fight against corruption, are key to building public trust in institutions.”
Members of the delegation received an in-depth briefing on the OSCE Mission’s work, including projects promoting democratization, electoral support, security co-operation, the rule of law, anti-corruption measures, and the protection of human rights. The parliamentarians thanked Ambassador Rick Holtzapple, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and his entire team for the contributions they are making in the country.
Meeting with the members of the Collegium of the Parliamentary Assembly, Sarajevo, 6 November 2025“We are here not only to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing Bosnia and Herzegovina, but to reinforce the role of parliamentarians in supporting democratic governance and regional stability,” said President Pons. “Bosnia and Herzegovina plays a central role in fostering stability and co-operation both regionally and beyond. I urge all political actors to put common interests above divisions, work together, and advance the country’s desire for European integration, ensuring practical solutions that benefit all citizens regardless of ethnic or political affiliation."
During the visit, the delegation engaged with a broad spectrum of state and parliamentary authorities, including members of the Joint Collegium of the Parliamentary Assembly – Kemal Ademović, Dragan Čović, Nikola Špirić, Darko Babalj i Nihad Omerović, and the Delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the OSCE PA. They also met Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmedin Konaković as well as representatives of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The parliamentarians from the OSCE PA were received by the Office of the High Representative and briefed about its work and activities, before concluding the day with meetings with civil society organizations.
The visit is part of a wider series of OSCE PA engagements in South East Europe designed to strengthen regional co-operation, enhance understanding of field operations, and promote the active role of parliamentarians in advancing OSCE objectives.
The delegation will also visit the OSCE Mission Field Office in Srebrenica, gaining firsthand insight into the work and activities of the Office. Through these engagements, the OSCE PA continues to foster democratic governance, reinforce institutional capacity, and encourage regional co-operation, highlighting the vital role of dialogue, partnership, and collective effort in achieving peace, stability, and prosperity in South East Europe.
The OSCE PA delegation includes four Vice-Presidents including the Assembly’s Special Representative on South East Europe, Kyriakos Hadjiyianni (Cyprus), and parliamentarians from Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and the United Kingdom, as well as OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella.
The visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina is the third in a series of visits by parliamentarians to countries hosting an OSCE presence, following the visits to Serbia and Tajikistan.
Photos from the visit are available on Flickr.
