AGP Executive Report

UN Diplomacy: Dozens of delegations walked out of the UN General Assembly hall as Benjamin Netanyahu began his speech, leaving large sections empty and prompting him to call those who stayed “moral cowards.” Bosnia Politics & EU Path: Foreign Minister Elmedin Konaković met Lithuania’s top diplomat in New York, stressing Bosnia’s EU course while warning that secessionist moves and attacks on state institutions slow reforms. Election Tech: Bosnia’s Central Election Commission says preparations for new election technologies for the Oct. 4 general election are on schedule, including device testing, ballot controls, QR checks, and staff training. Security & Justice: Investigators, with Europol support, are tracing firearms bought via abused permits near Sarajevo into wider Europe-linked criminal networks, including an Iran-linked Swedish group. Travel & Economy: Sarajevo International Airport announced two new easyJet direct routes to Switzerland—Sarajevo–Geneva (from Apr 22, 2027) and Sarajevo–Basel (from May 10, 2027). Sports (BiH Focus): Bosnia and Herzegovina open UEFA Nations League Group B in Poland, while the international break continues across the region.

Bosnia Courtroom Update: The first-instance verdict against former BiH Intelligence and Security Agency director Osman Mehmedagić is set for October 19, after prosecutors sought a near-maximum sentence over alleged diploma irregularities and alleged abuse of office. Armed Forces Discipline: Bosnia’s Defence Minister Zukan Helez dismissed two soldiers for glorifying convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic, following an internal probe into “ethno-nationalist misconduct.” Election Watch: Bosnia’s 4 October general elections will use biometric voter ID and ballot scanners, but ODIHR warns of unresolved risks, including delivery delays and discriminatory candidacy rules. EUFOR Local Outreach: EUFOR commander Major General Maurizio Fronda met mayors in Konjic and Visoko, stressing continued direct engagement with local authorities. Digital Governance: BiH’s IDDEEA launched a public administration digitalisation project with Czech support, aiming to speed the digital transition. Energy Deal: EPBiH signed an MoU with Universal Energetics on energy transition and new energy sources. Security Cooperation: BiH FM Elmedin Konaković met US-Adriatic Charter partners in New York, highlighting energy security, resilience, and hybrid threats. Public Broadcaster Pressure: Calls continue to prevent the shutdown of BHRT, with warnings that the broadcaster is “slowly shutting down.”

War Crimes Accountability: Bosnia’s Defence Minister Zukan Helez dismissed two soldiers after an internal probe found “ethno-nationalist misconduct” tied to glorifying convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, with further cases referred to prosecutors. Elections Watch: Ahead of Bosnia’s 4 October vote, ODIHR says new biometric ID and ballot scanners could strengthen safeguards, but delayed deliveries and discriminatory candidacy rules still raise risks; the Central Election Commission also fined parties and candidates for premature campaigning and for using children in political posts. EU & Regional Politics: Foreign Minister Elmedin Konaković urged EU consistency after Serbian officials’ role in Mladić’s funeral, while the EC said Von der Leyen’s UN meeting with Vucic was brief and unplanned—and her next Western Balkans tour will skip both Serbia and Bosnia due to election timing. Security & Justice: Sarajevo Canton prosecutors received suspects from the “Panther” operation over alleged unauthorized production and trafficking of narcotics, after police found cannabis plants and seized equipment. Energy Transition: EPBiH and Universal Energetics signed an MoU on energy transition and new energy sources, with U.S. Embassy officials present. Local Hardship: Firefighting efforts on Mount Cvrsnica continued amid strong winds and difficult terrain.

UN Diplomacy: Bosnia’s Denis Bećirović used the UN General Assembly to stress that RS leadership continues to threaten peace and security, while he also met Erdoğan and Macron in New York. Ceasefire Push: More than 50 UN member states and the EU backed a call for Russia to agree to a full, immediate ceasefire in Ukraine—Bosnia among the signatories—while the US stayed out. Regional Security & Migration: Lithuania is closing external residence-permit service centres in Bosnia and three other countries, citing terrorism risks flagged by intelligence. Economy: Bosnia’s foreign trade deficit has surged past 9.3 billion marks, even as exports rise. Energy & Business: Azelis expanded its distribution partnership with Imerys to cover Bosnia and the wider region from Dec. 1, 2026. Sports (BiH): Bosnia and Herzegovina host Romania in the UEFA Nations League in Zenica, with ticket sales routed through the BHFA portal. Weather: First snow hit higher areas across the Balkans, including parts of Bosnia.

UN Diplomacy & Genocide Memory: Bosnia’s Presidency chair Denis Bećirović told the UN General Assembly that Bosnia remains on the path to EU and NATO, warning that Serbia’s leadership is still violating international standards by glorifying convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić. EUFOR & Security Cooperation: EUFOR commander Major General Maurizio Fronda met French senior leadership at Camp Butmir, highlighting France’s ongoing support for Operation Althea and the arrival of French reserve forces for Exercise Quick Response 2026. Public Media Under Threat: The EBU says BHRT is on the brink of collapse, unable to pay staff and suppliers, warning that losing national public service media would hit democracy ahead of the Oct. 4 elections. Trade Snapshot: Bosnia’s foreign trade deficit jumped past 9.3 billion marks even as exports rose, with the EU remaining the main trading partner. Regional Flashpoints: Croatia is sending Canadair aircraft to help fight a major Blidinje fire, while Bosnia and Pakistan pledged deeper cooperation in defence, economy, education, and tourism. Road & Transport: Una-Sana Canton secured 400,000 BAM to restart passenger traffic on the Una railway in Krajina, with a tourist line running this summer. Sports: Georgi Georgiev won a world veterans judo title in Sarajevo; Bosnia’s national team held media activities ahead of Nations League matches, and Juventus keeper Kamil Grabara is set to miss Bosnia games after knee surgery.

UN Diplomacy: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Presidency chairman Denis Bećirović warned the UN General Assembly that the world is failing to respond adequately to the genocide in Gaza, drawing parallels with Bosnia’s 1990s experience and stressing the need to act against authoritarian populism and ongoing regional crises. Public Media Crisis: The European Federation of Journalists and Bosnia-Herzegovina journalists’ groups say BHRT is on the verge of shutting down, citing blocked bank accounts, reduced programming, and fears for salaries and jobs—warning that it could collapse the whole public broadcasting system. Economy & Trade: Bosnia’s Council of Ministers adopted a decision to temporarily suspend or reduce customs duties on certain imports until Dec. 31, 2027, to support domestic production in sectors like textiles, chemicals, metals, and food. EUFOR in Sarajevo: EUFOR commander Major General Maurizio Fronda met Egypt’s ambassador in Sarajevo to reaffirm cooperation supporting stability and Bosnia’s security. Weather: First snow hit Bjelasnica as a sharp temperature drop swept across Bosnia. Sports & Youth: Sarajevo is set to host major veteran judo events, with two more Azerbaijani judokas winning gold in Sarajevo’s 2026 World Veterans Championships.

Customs Relief for Industry: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Council of Ministers adopted a decision to temporarily suspend or cut customs duties on selected imported inputs until Dec. 31, 2027, aiming to support domestic producers across sectors like textiles, chemicals, metals, electrical equipment, food and autos. Regional Transport Cooperation: Sarajevo will host the next Transport Community regional ministerial meeting, with Edin Forto and the Permanent Secretariat director discussing better connectivity, traffic safety, and EU-linked cooperation, including support for professional drivers. Elections Under Strain: OSCE/ODIHR’s interim report says Bosnia’s 4 October general election campaign is highly polarised, with added tensions after Ratko Mladić’s death and complaints over alleged glorification of a convicted war criminal, while the first nationwide use of electoral ICT faces delivery delays. Public Broadcaster at Risk: Journalists’ groups warn BHRT could be forced to shut down as funding problems deepen and bank accounts remain blocked, threatening the wider public broadcasting system. Sarajevo Judo Inclusion: Sarajevo will host the Special Olympics Judo Open (25–26 Sept), integrating all ability levels with the International Judo Federation as part of the World Judo Championships Veterans and Kata programme. Energy Transition Focus: The 4th Sarajevo Energy and Climate Week in Ilidža gathers 200+ experts to push solutions on renewables, green hydrogen, smart grids and energy justice.

Srebrenica & UN diplomacy: Denis Bećirović met UN chief António Guterres at UN HQ, calling the 2024 UN General Assembly Srebrenica genocide resolution a “victory for truth and justice,” while Guterres condemned ongoing glorification of Ratko Mladić as a threat to reconciliation and regional stability. War-crimes politics: A separate report quotes Serbian cardinal Ladislav Nemet urging Western governments not to let Mladić funeral controversy derail Serbia’s EU ties, arguing it involved only a small group. Football—BiH Nations League: Bosnia’s national team gathered in Sarajevo ahead of four Nations League matches; coach Sergej Barbarez confirmed Amar Dedić is out with a hamstring issue and Kenan Busuladžić is absent longer. Crime crackdown: Operation ATLAS NEXUS—covering dozens of transnational networks—reported 156.9 tonnes seized and 490+ arrests, with Bosnia named among filming/target countries in related reporting. Public broadcaster pressure: Unions warn BHRT is in crisis after accounts were blocked and programmes cut over funding, raising fears of a wider shutdown. Sport & culture: Sarajevo hosts the World Veterans Judo Championships, while Puerto Flamenco’s mini-tour in Bosnia and Herzegovina concluded in Tuzla.

Public Broadcasting Crisis: BHRT accounts have been blocked since Aug. 21, with unions warning salaries and jobs are at risk and calling on state institutions and OHR to act before a shutdown becomes reality. Politics & Rhetoric: Finance Minister Srđan Amidžić sparked outrage with a statement suggesting he would take “political Sarajevo” to churches, adding fuel to already tense inter-ethnic and political relations. EU Engagement: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will skip Serbia and Bosnia on her Western Balkans tour, citing election timing, but will visit Tirana, Pristina, Podgorica and Skopje. Elections & Diaspora Voting: A CEC member says Bosnia should introduce automatic “passive” registration for citizens voting abroad and simplify mail voting through consulates to cut costs and “torture” for the diaspora. Sports in Sarajevo: The World Judo Championships for Veterans are underway in Sarajevo, with 1,347 judokas from 65 nations competing; meanwhile, BiH’s Nations League match vs Romania in Zenica sees ticket sales starting Sept. 21. Economy & Payments: Bosnia’s instant payment system (IPS BiH) has processed 108,706 orders worth about 67.7 million KM in its first two months, with more banks expected to join. Culture & Arts: Atelier 212 won a top design award at Zenica’s Drama Festival for “Healing Mode,” while Puerto Flamenco begins a Bosnia tour with stops in Sarajevo and Tuzla.

Drought Pressure on Farms: Bosnia’s Federation farmers’ association is urging cantonal governments to declare a natural disaster over prolonged drought, warning crop yields have dropped by over 50% and that rising fuel, fertilizer and seed costs could push many producers toward closure. EU Balkans Visit Update: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will skip Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina on her Western Balkans tour, citing upcoming elections, and will instead visit Tirana, Pristina, Podgorica and Skopje. Sarajevo Judo Spotlight: The World Judo Championships Veterans have opened in Sarajevo, bringing 1,347 judoka from 65 nations to Hotel Hills, with daily categories running through Sept. 24. Srebrenica Memorial Cooperation: The Srebrenica Memorial Center is expanding ties with Ukrainian partners, sharing Bosnia’s experience in documenting war crimes and preserving memorial archives. Sports & Tickets: Bosnia’s UEFA Nations League home match vs Romania in Zenica (Nov. 17) has ticket prices set at 40–60 KM, with sales starting Sept. 21. Security & Justice: Three suspects in the “Bura” operation have been ordered into custody by Bosnia’s Court, linked to alleged unauthorized drug trafficking.

Judo in Sarajevo: The Sarajevo World Judo Championships Veterans are underway at Hotel Hills, bringing 1,347 judoka from 65 nations for five days of competition, with the event also spotlighting the wider judo community that keeps the sport alive beyond the tatami. Demining Workforce Bill: Bosnia’s proposed new legislation aims to secure funding and protect personnel as the demining workforce shrinks sharply, regulating early retirement, pensions, risk allowances and benefits for those entering minefields. War Memory & Justice: The Srebrenica Memorial Center is expanding cooperation with Ukraine on war crimes documentation and memorialization, sharing Bosnia’s long-running methods for preserving records and supporting accountability. Public Broadcaster Under Pressure: BHRT says authorities’ inaction is effectively extinguishing the public RTV service, warning it could undermine the state itself. Sports & Culture: Bosnia’s karate youth team won two bronze medals in Mexico, while Puerto Flamenco’s “PURO” kicks off a Bosnia tour with performances in Mostar, Sarajevo and Tuzla. Economy & Daily Life: Bosnia imported nearly 210 million BAM worth of meat in seven months, while farmers warn imports and costs are squeezing local producers. Politics & Voting Abroad: A CEC member says citizens voting from abroad should be automatically registered, and mail voting should be handled through diplomatic-consular offices to cut diaspora costs and “torture” of sending envelopes. Infrastructure Payments: Central Bank data says IPS BiH has settled 108,706 orders worth about 67.7 million BAM in its first two months. Security Concerns: US Senator Jeanne Shaheen warns Russia is trying to destabilize the Western Balkans and says the US and allies are monitoring closely, including via Serbia as a transit hub. Sports Tickets: Tickets for BiH’s Nations League match vs Romania in Zenica (Nov 17) go on sale starting Sept 21, with prices set at 40–60 KM.

BHRT Under Pressure: Bosnia’s public broadcaster says it’s being pushed off air as bank accounts remain frozen, warning it’s “extinguishing the state” if authorities keep failing it. Custody in “Bura” Case: The Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina ordered detention for three suspects arrested in the Bura operation, with custody set to last up to mid-October depending on the defendant, while an appeal won’t stop the decision. Srebrenica Memorial Cooperation: The Srebrenica Memorial Center completed a week-long visit to Ukraine to expand ties on war-crimes documentation and memorialization, focusing on Bosnia’s court experience. Veterans and Police Parade: Sarajevo held a parade of police forces and veterans under the ceremony “From the first call to the defense of the state,” marking the 35th anniversary of the reserve police mobilization in 1992. Cost-of-Living Measures: The Federation extended “locked prices” for the same 100 products until Dec. 31, and also prolonged margin limits on oil derivatives for 90 days to protect household purchasing power. MONEYVAL Update: Bosnia and Herzegovina remains on the MONEYVAL gray list for a third month, with reform delays raising reputational and investment concerns. Security Concerns: US Senator Jeanne Shaheen warned Russia is trying to destabilize the Western Balkans, citing links between Moscow and Republika Srpska leadership and urging close monitoring. Miners’ Health Certificates: In Zenica-Doboj Canton, miners can verify health certificates again after the Health Insurance Institute resumed certification, easing planned protests. Sports—Local Interest: Sarajevo hosts the World Veterans Judo Championships starting Sept. 20, with nearly 1,400 judoka expected.

EU Integration & Diplomacy: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will tour the Western Balkans Sept. 30–Oct. 2 but will skip Bosnia and Serbia, saying elections are the reason and that visits will come later. Public Finance & Corruption Risk: Bosnia remains on the MONEYVAL gray list for the third month in a row, with analysts warning of slower, costlier transactions and tougher scrutiny that can deter foreign investment. Cost of Living Measures: The Federation of BiH extended “locked prices” for the same 100 basic products until Dec. 31, 2026, and also prolonged margin limits on oil derivatives for another 90 days to curb fuel price pressure. Crime & Security: Bosnia seized about 1.1 tonnes of synthetic drugs worth up to €33m and arrested two suspects, marking the country’s biggest synthetic drug bust. Sports & Culture: Italy coach Roberto Mancini named a 34-player squad for Nations League games, while Bosnia’s Oscar bid film “The Widower” was selected to represent the country.

Bosnia Drug Bust: Bosnia and Herzegovina seized 1.1 tons of synthetic drugs worth up to €33 million and arrested two suspects, in the country’s biggest such operation, with investigators still tracing where the shipment came from and where it was headed. EU Politics: European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen will skip Serbia and Bosnia on her Sept. 30–Oct. 2 Balkan tour, citing upcoming elections, while saying she plans to visit later. Border Security: BiH Border Police chief Mirko Kuprešaković met the Czech ambassador to discuss migration trends along the Western Balkans route and cooperation against cross-border crime. US War-Crimes Case: A Bosnian national, Miran Kostic, was charged in the US with attempting to obtain citizenship by hiding alleged war-crimes involvement. Elections Watch: Bosnia’s Central Election Commission issued record fines for campaign violations, but experts warn they won’t stop ruling parties from using state resources. Croatia Visa Change: Croatia will allow professional drivers from BiH to apply for visas starting Sept. 23, easing a major problem caused by Schengen stay limits. Sports—Local Link: England coach Thomas Tuchel called up Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who previously earned a cap against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

EU-Western Balkans Diplomacy: European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen will skip Serbia and Bosnia on her next Western Balkans tour due to elections, planning separate visits later. Election Watch in BiH: Bosnia’s Central Election Commission issued record fines over campaign violations, but an election-monitoring expert warns parties will treat penalties as a “cost of doing business.” EUFOR & Security: COM EUFOR highlighted the Women, Peace and Security agenda at a Sarajevo summer school, stressing it as part of operational effectiveness. Regional Security Concerns: US Senator Jeanne Shaheen warned Russia is trying to destabilize the Western Balkans and urged keeping NATO/Kosovo and EUFOR/BiH missions on high alert. Cross-Border Work Rules: Croatia opened visa applications for professional drivers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, aiming to ease Schengen stay limits that disrupt road transport. Sports & Politics: UEFA rejected Ireland’s request to be kept apart from Israel in future draws, while FIFA rejected Spain’s bid to suspend Gavi’s ban. Local Commemoration: Sarajevo marks the 35th anniversary of Bosnia’s reserve police mobilization with a ceremonial police parade and academy program.

U.S.-Bosnia Diplomacy: A key U.S. Senate hearing opened with Senator Jim Risch stressing continued American support for Bosnia’s sovereignty under the Dayton framework, while nominees included Ronald Johnson for ambassador to BiH. Bosnia Elections: The Central Election Commission issued new fines over election rule violations, adding to a week of complaints and penalties. War-Crimes Justice: OSCE’s Bosnia head Rick Holtzapple met HJPC chief Sanin Bogunić to boost prosecution capacity for war-crimes glorification and hate-incitement, and to discuss election-day safeguards. Regional Security & U.S. Policy: U.S. lawmakers pressed the State Department on Balkans policy, including Dodik sanctions and Mladic glorification concerns. Climate & Water Stress: An AFP analysis says nine European countries, including Bosnia, saw their driest August on record, worsening water scarcity. Local Economy/Trade: Bosnia’s energy minister met Sarajevo Airport officials to strengthen logistics for exporting the domestic weapons industry via a cargo center and better storage/transport. Tech & Media: United Group rolled out its AI-driven EON 3.0 platform across Southeast Europe, with Bosnia among markets slated for rollout.