Christian Schmidt, the German politician and High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, is preparing to resign after nearly five years in office. Reports from the Sarajevo-based newspaper Oslobodjenje indicate that Schmidt will officially announce his resignation in the coming days, citing personal reasons for stepping down. However, it is noted that he does not intend to vacate the position until a new representative is elected.

Before resigning, Schmidt is expected to address the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) to initiate the process for selecting his successor. He believes that Bosnia and Herzegovina requires the guidance of a High Representative to navigate its complex political landscape. One significant point of contention during his tenure has been the unresolved 5+2 program, contingent upon various conditions like state property reform, military asset management, and a satisfactory political environment for progress towards EU membership.

Schmidt's tenure was marked by frequent clashes with Bosnian Serb leaders, particularly Milorad Dodik, who has opposed his authority. Controversially, Dodik and others in Republika Srpska have labeled Schmidt’s appointment as illegitimate, as it was not formally sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council.

Despite his impending departure, Schmidt is set to submit his regular report on Bosnia’s progress toward EU membership to the United Nations, reinforcing the ongoing challenges facing the nation. As he steps down, the decision is compounded by international pressure, including demands from U.S. officials for his exit, which some observers suggest is linked to broader geopolitical negotiations involving Bosnia's future governance structure.