Peter Sørensen to be new Head of EU Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina - Main contents

Brussels, 30 May 2011 - Following the closure of the publication for the post as EU Head of Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, High Representative/Vice-President Catherine Ashton i is pleased to announce her intention to transfer Peter Sørensen from his current posting as EU Head of Delegation in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the post of EU Head of Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This announcement comes at a crucial time for the Western Balkans region and Bosnia and Herzegovina in particular.

"Peter Sørensen brings unique experience of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider Balkans region to this job," Catherine Ashton said. "I can think of no-one better qualified to take over this enhanced role of Head of Delegation. I would also like to pay tribute to the excellent job Peter has done in Skopje. I am pleased to make this announcement just days after my visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a result of which the referendum in Republika Srpska was cancelled. We now have to build on this success as we strive to put BiH on a path towards the EU."

Peter Sørensen, a Dane, is currently Head of EU Delegation in Skopje, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. He has over 15 years experience in the Western Balkans region. His previous assignments include the posts of Personal Representative of the EU High Representative in Belgrade (2006-2010); Deputy Head of "Pillar IV" (Reconstruction and Economic Development) of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) (2002-2006); Senior Adviser to the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Kosovo (2001-2002); Legal Adviser to the United Nations Secretary General Special Envoy for the Balkans (2000); Head of Political Department and Senior Adviser to the Head of OSCE in Croatia (1997-1999); Legal Adviser to the High Representative in Sarajevo (1996-1997); and Political Adviser to and Observer in the European Community Monitoring Mission in the former Yugoslavia (1995-1996).

The Foreign Affairs Council has held several discussions on developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina in recent months. EU Foreign Ministers reiterated their commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU perspective and to its territorial integrity as a sovereign and united country. They also agreed on a reinforced, single EU Representative in BiH who will take a lead in supporting the country on its path towards the EU Council conclusions on Bosnia and Herzegovina, 21 March 2011.