Joint Statement by President Marcos Perestrello and Mike Turner on the 30th Anniversary of the Dayton Accords and Preserving Peace & Security in the Western Balkans

Over the course of the 2025 NATO PA Spring Session in Dayton, Ohio, we have commemorated the legacy of the Dayton Peace Accords, signed 30 years ago to bring an end to one of the most devastating conflicts on European soil since the Second World War. We were joined by Heads of State and Government from across the region, by key leaders who were instrumental in the negotiations of the Dayton Peace Accords and by others who play essential roles in support of peace and stability in the region today.   

Our discussions in Dayton have highlighted the successes and lessons of the peace born in Dayton 30 years ago as well as the challenges which remain to stability and reconciliation in the region. We urge Allied governments to step up pressure on individuals and institutions who seek to undo the achievements of Dayton and urgently renew efforts to promote democratic consolidation and full normalisation across the region. 

The Dayton Accords saved many lives in Bosnia and Herzegovina, laid the groundwork for the country’s and the region’s reconstruction and opened the door for Euro-Atlantic partnership in Southeastern Europe. They remain an essential foundation for stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the broader region. 

Southeastern Europe’s transformation over the past 30 years has been remarkable. Albania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Slovenia have emerged as indispensable NATO Allies and active contributors to Euro-Atlantic security. We commend their leadership in support of stability, reform, and normalisation in the Western Balkans.  

Croatia and Slovenia have also joined the European Union, and all the other countries of the region are on their way to membership. We look forward to the day when the whole region has joined the European family, sealing long-term reconciliation and peace. 

Complex challenges remain. Bosnia and Herzegovina stands at a critical juncture. We are deeply concerned by secessionist rhetoric and actions emanating from the Republika Srpska entity, which threaten the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and constitutional order of the State. We welcome the strong and united stance by the United States and European leaders in unequivocally condemning this dangerous and destabilising behaviour. Their clear resolve to push back against such actions and to prevent the emergence of a security vacuum in the region is both necessary and commendable. A return to instability and violence is not an option.  

We call on all political actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina to engage in constructive dialogue, in good faith and with full respect for the Constitution. It is essential to uphold the rule of law, advance necessary reforms, and, above all, strengthen the cohesion of the country and the integrity of its institutions. These efforts are crucial to advancing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. 

We also reaffirm our strong support for the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. Normalisation of relations is essential for the long-term stability of the region and its European aspirations. We urge both parties to uphold their commitments and refrain from unilateral steps that risk escalating tensions. We call on all Allies to continue supporting KFOR, which remains a vital force for maintaining peace in Kosovo and stability in the broader region. 

The Western Balkans must not become a battleground for malign external actors. Russia continues to exploit ethnic divisions and disseminate disinformation to undermine democratic progress. China’s opaque investments raise concerns over long-term economic dependency and governance standards.  

The enduring commitment and presence of NATO and the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region has been instrumental in securing peace. They must remain fully engaged, aligned, and proactive in supporting democratic resilience, good governance, countering hybrid threats in the Western Balkans, and supporting European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. 

On this anniversary, we reaffirm the NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s unwavering commitment to peace, security and democratic progress in the Western Balkans. For over 30 years, through parliamentary dialogue and cooperation, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly has helped promote reconciliation, democratic consolidation and resilience, regional cooperation as well as Euro-Atlantic and European integration.  

It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the promise of Dayton – of North America’s and Europe’s steadfast commitment to a peaceful, prosperous multiethnic Southeastern Europe – is fully realised. 

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The Assembly, though institutionally separate from NATO, serves as an essential link between NATO and the parliaments of the NATO nations. It provides greater transparency of NATO policies and fosters better understanding of the Alliance’s objectives and missions among legislators and citizens of the Alliance. Throughout 2025, the Assembly celebrates 70 years of parliamentary diplomacy. 

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