A U.S. policy institute has urged Washington to appoint a special envoy for the Western Balkans and take a more active role in constitutional reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy also recommends working toward conditions that would allow the country to join NATO by 2035.
The institute released its report on November 10. It identifies political gridlock, ethnic divisions and foreign influence as challenges for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its recommendations outline a course of action for Washington. The 2035 date is the institute’s proposed target.
Report Calls for Changes to the Dayton Framework
The institute calls for a stronger U.S. role in talks on constitutional reform. Its recommendations include revisiting parts of the system created under the Dayton Peace Agreement and strengthening state-level institutions.
The report also proposes a special U.S. envoy for the Western Balkans. That would give Washington a dedicated official for its work across the region, including its engagement with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
NATO Membership Is a Longer-Term Goal
The report puts NATO membership on a longer timeline. It calls for creating the conditions for Bosnia and Herzegovina to join by 2035, alongside efforts to strengthen the country’s institutions. That leaves two distinct proposals for Washington to consider: a diplomatic appointment and a longer-term effort to support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s integration into NATO.
