James C. O'Brien spoke on the topic “US-BiH Relations” at the UNSA Faculty of Political Sciences

At the UNSA Faculty of Political Sciences on 2 February 2024, James O'Brien, Assistant Secretary of State Antony Blinken for European and Eurasian Affairs gave a lecture on relations between the USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina and answered questions from students, professors and civil society representatives. James O'Brien, with a long history of involvement in Bosnia and Herzegovina since the early 1990s, emphasized the importance of Bosnia and Herzegovina's integration into European and Euro-Atlantic institutions. He warned that BiH risks missing the opportunity for European integration due to the personal interests of its political leaders and secessionist threats from Republika Srpska. O'Brien highlighted significant progress in the region, but noted that the EU enlargement process will be lengthy, with the EU planning to grant access to parts of its single market in exchange for reforms. He emphasized the threat posed by internal challenges to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and multi-ethnic character of Bosnia and Herzegovina, condemning nationalist rhetoric and actions that undermine the Dayton Agreement. The Assistant Secretary of State criticized the politicization of public institutions and corruption among political leaders, which hinders the economic and political progress of BiH.