11 March 2026 11:20 UTC · UK Government · GOV.UK Speech · Source · Email X Link

UK Government reaffirms support for Article IV arms control

Key points

UK Government reaffirms support for the Dayton Peace Agreement and Bosnia and Herzegovina's sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence
UK Government recognises need to modernise Article IV and will work with the Parties and participating States to maintain it as a pillar of regional stability

TL;DR

UK Government praises Article IV's role in reducing military imbalances, promoting transparency, verification and regional ownership with OSCE support.
UK Government notes parts of Article IV may be outdated amid deteriorating OSCE-region security and emphasises modernisation and sustained commitment.

Original text

Madam Chair, the United Kingdom is pleased to join others today in marking the 30th Anniversary of the Sub Regional Arms Control Agreement under Article IV of Annex 1B of the Dayton Peace Accords. This milestone provides an important opportunity not only to reflect on the Agreement’s achievements, but also to consider how it can continue to contribute to regional stability in the decades ahead. The United Kingdom also reaffirms its support for the Dayton Peace Agreement as a whole, which brought an end to one of the deadliest conflicts in Europe since WWII. We fully support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence and the ongoing vital role of the High Representative. Over thirty years after its signature, the Agreement continues to preserve peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is vital to the security of Europe. For thirty years, Article IV of Annex 1B of the Dayton Peace Agreement has stood as a practical demonstration of what conventional arms control can achieve when it is grounded in political will, reciprocity and cooperation. The Parties have shown sustained commitment to transparency, verification and responsible force postures, principles that sit at the very heart of the OSCE’s acquis. We pay tribute to their continuous engagement, and to the OSCE and its implementing teams for their steady support, professionalism and technical expertise. The success of Article IV deserves recognition. It helped translate the Dayton Peace Accords into concrete and measurable security outcomes, reducing military imbalances and lowering the risk of renewed conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina and across the wider region. The comprehensive verification regime, built around regular inspections and information exchange, has been essential in rebuilding confidence among former adversaries. Importantly, the model of regional ownership, supported but not directed by the international community, remains one of the Agreement’s defining strengths. The United Kingdom views Article IV not merely as a historical achievement, but as a living example of how arms control can function even in post‑conflict environments, provided arrangements are realistic, inclusive and underpinned by genuine political commitment. The Agreement has illustrated that small‑scale, tailored and regionally led mechanisms can complement wider Euro‑Atlantic arms control frameworks and provide stability where it is most needed. However, anniversaries are also a moment for forward‑looking reflection. The United Kingdom recognises the assessment shared by the Parties that aspects of Article IV are becoming out of date and may no longer fully reflect the region’s present or future security environment. At a time of deteriorating security across the OSCE region, we are reminded daily of the value of functional, verifiable arms control. When these mechanisms erode, mistrust deepens and risks grow. When they are supported, modernised and respected, they contribute directly to stability and peace. The United Kingdom remains fully committed to the OSCE as the inclusive platform for dialogue, confidence‑building and cooperative security. We will continue to work with the Parties and all participating States to ensure that Article IV remains a pillar of regional stability for many years to come. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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