Address by Dr. Sven Alkalaj, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the USA, at the IGES 2026 International Conference

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Your Excellency Minister El Oraby,

Honorable Minister Lakić,

Your Excellencies Mr. Haggag and Mr. Ginkel,

Distinguished members and friends of IGES,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a profound honor to participate in today’s conference, centered on a theme of paramount relevance: “Transatlantic Relations, Trade, and Energy Security.” At the outset, allow me to extend my sincere commendations to the Institute for Geopolitics, Economy and Security (IGES), led by Director Adnan Kapo, for the successful organization of this forum. I also wish to thank all those who support the vital mission of this Institute, which serves as an essential pillar for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region. In an era of unprecedented global shifts, institutions like IGES act as indispensable beacons, illuminating the complex processes that define our shared future.

I stand before you today not only as the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Washington but as a witness to decades of profound geopolitical transformations that have resonated across the Southeast wing of Europe. Since the 1990s, we have observed the parallel evolution of the Transatlantic partnership. My current tenure on the other side of the Atlantic provides me with a direct insight into how vital the Balkans is as a piece of the grand puzzle we call the ‘Euro-Atlantic world’.

We are now in 2026. The world has moved far beyond the reality we knew only five or ten years ago. Europe, in particular, has transcended its late 20th-century form, characterized by the rapid expansion of the European Community and NATO. That process flourished through close cooperation with the United States—a nation that, while pursuing its own strategic interests, remained the cornerstone of European defense.

Following decades of prosperity and consolidation, the Transatlantic relationship has entered a more complex phase, marked by challenges that test the cohesion among allies. Nevertheless, these bonds remain resilient. While public discourse may at times appear fractured, the systems of collective defense and trade between North Atlantic allies continue to function effectively, despite occasional divergent perspectives.

From the vantage point of Washington, the Western Balkans remains a theater of strategic significance and, more importantly, a region of immense economic potential. Today, American engagement is not merely focused on peacekeeping but is increasingly defined by strategic investments. Bosnia and Herzegovina has transitioned from a passive recipient of assistance to a proactive factor of stability—a shift recognized across our political spectrum, which is a promising indicator for our future. Our primary interest remains stability through partnership with all friendly nations, spanning both East and West.

However, we must acknowledge that substantial investment does not flow where security is absent—and this includes legal certainty as the bedrock of capital investment. In this context, the issue of State Property is crucial for the legal and political stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina. State Property is not an unresolved matter; constitutionally and legally, it belongs to the State. Facilitated by our allies and the mechanisms of the Dayton Peace Agreement, this ownership must simply be reaffirmed. Only as such can it serve all citizens across every inch of our homeland. Under the Constitution, representatives elected to state institutions ensure that these assets benefit both the state and local communities. Conversely, should state property fall under the control of local political entities, our partners in America and Europe must recognize that global rivalries could exploit such fragmentation to further destabilize our country economically and politically. We must not underestimate this risk, and my colleagues from partner nations present today understand the gravity of this concern.

Trade and Economic Cooperation

Turning to trade, we cannot overlook the ongoing reconfiguration of global supply chains. This dynamic is driven by the strategic interests of global powers—the United States, China, the European Union, and India—as well as regional actors who control energy resources and critical raw materials, thereby dictating the tempo of global economic exchange.

Regarding the bilateral relationship between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United States, my ongoing discussions in Washington increasingly focus on how investors can assist in modernizing our infrastructure, energy sector, and digital landscape. Trade is inseparable from the broader economic architecture. For Bosnia and Herzegovina, deeper economic integration with our Western partners directly bolsters our sovereignty and territorial integrity, rendering us more resilient to external pressures.

Thus, I must emphasize our concern regarding continued secessionist rhetoric, which persists even after the imposition of sanctions on those responsible for our country’s stagnation. Such destabilizing policies must not be allowed to jeopardize our relations with friendly states for the sake of narrow interests or corruption. These forces are contrary to the values of liberal democracy and the institutions that Europe has painstakingly built over decades. Today’s conference is the right platform to send a clear message: Bosnia and Herzegovina is ready for major capital investments, but these must be secured through our membership in NATO and the European Union.

Energy Security as a Pillar of Stability

On the third pillar, Energy Security: this has moved beyond the realm of economics and into the domain of national security. We have seen globally how energy dependence can be weaponized. The answer is diversification. It is imperative for Bosnia and Herzegovina to reduce its reliance on a single source. Simultaneously, we must ensure that investments are not undermined by political forces that challenge the country’s sovereignty. Such rhetoric deters capital and slows the return on investment.

Conclusion and Message

Ladies and Gentlemen, dear friends,

The current global dynamic does not tolerate inertia or fragmented systems. Today’s world demands decisive action. Key political actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina must realize that blocking our integration into global currents primarily harms those who impede our progress. The world will not wait for us. Ultimately, those who embrace global dynamics and integration will gain an insurmountable advantage.

Through IGES, we are fostering an intellectual and strategic framework for a modern Bosnia and Herzegovina—one that is an active participant in the contemporary world rather than a nation captive to 19th-century ideologies. My message today is one of optimism grounded in knowledge, modernization, and connectivity. The Transatlantic link remains functional and essential. It is in the interest of the Balkans to maintain the stability of the international order, as history has shown that shifts in that order often bring hardship to our region.

Let us remain vigilant and strive to understand the global shifts surrounding us. I wish you a productive and fruitful continuation of this vital conference. Sarajevo has always been a place of encounter; let today’s gathering offer the ideas that lead to a more secure and prosperous Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Balkans as a whole.

Thank you.

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