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Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Progress Towards European Union Membership

Overview

In November 2023, the European Commission released a comprehensive report on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s progress towards European Union (EU) membership. The report assesses the country’s performance in various areas, including economic reform, green agenda, resources and agriculture, and external relations.

Economic Reform Programme

Bosnia and Herzegovina has made some or limited progress in addressing structural weaknesses such as low competitiveness and high unemployment. Key challenges include:

  • Low Competitiveness: The country needs to improve its business environment and enhance the competitiveness of its economy.
  • High Unemployment: Bosnia and Herzegovina must implement effective policies to reduce unemployment rates.

Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity

The country is at an early stage on energy, environment, and climate change but has some level of preparation in transport and trans-European networks. Key areas for improvement include:

  • Energy and Environment: Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to strengthen its preparedness and alignment with EU policies.
  • Transport and Connectivity: The country must enhance its transport infrastructure and connectivity to European networks.

Resources, Agriculture, and Cohesion

Bosnia and Herzegovina made no progress in this area, requiring significant efforts to prepare and adopt post-2021 countrywide strategies for:

  • Rural Development
  • Food Safety and Veterinary Policy
  • Fisheries and Aquaculture
  • Financial and Budgetary Provisions

External Relations

Bosnia and Herzegovina has some level of preparation in this area, with improved alignment with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). However, additional protocols to the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) need to be implemented.

Key Dates

  • June 2003: EU-Western Balkans Thessaloniki Summit confirms the EU perspective for the Western Balkans.
  • November 2005: Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) negotiations opened.
  • June 2015: The EU-Bosnia and Herzegovina Stabilisation and Association Agreement enters into force.
  • February 2016: Bosnia and Herzegovina submits its application for EU membership.
  • October 2022: European Commission recommends to grant Bosnia and Herzegovina candidate status, on the understanding that a number of steps are taken.
  • December 2022: The European Council grants candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Conclusion

The European Commission recommends opening EU accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina once the necessary degree of compliance with membership criteria is achieved. Adoption of countrywide sector strategies will be crucial for the country to benefit fully from Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance 2021-2027 (IPA III) funding.