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Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Progress in EU Accession Process

The European Commission’s Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina (2023) provides a comprehensive assessment of the country’s progress in its EU accession process. The report highlights both the positive developments and areas where improvement is needed.

Progress in EU Integration

Bosnia and Herzegovina has made significant progress in aligning with EU policies, particularly in areas such as:

  • Justice, Freedom and Security: The country has shown notable improvements in this area.
  • Internal Market: Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to work towards creating a more integrated internal market.

Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity

While the country is at an early stage on energy, environment, and climate change, it has made some level of preparation in areas such as:

  • Transport: Bosnia and Herzegovina has shown progress in improving its transport infrastructure.
  • Trans-European Networks: The country continues to work towards connecting with European networks.

Regional Cooperation

Bosnia and Herzegovina actively participates in regional cooperation and maintains good neighborly relations, which is essential for a successful EU accession process.

External Relations

The country has made significant improvements in aligning with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), particularly on restrictive measures following Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Challenges Ahead

While Bosnia and Herzegovina has made progress, there are areas where improvement is needed:

  • Structural Weaknesses: The country needs to address low competitiveness and high unemployment.
  • Rural Development Strategy: A post-2021 countrywide strategy for rural development must be prepared and adopted.
  • Sanctions Implementation: Bosnia and Herzegovina faces challenges in implementing sanctions related to Russia’s war against Ukraine.
  • Dispute Settlement Protocol: The country needs to swiftly adopt the additional protocol on dispute settlement under CEFTA.

Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III)

Bosnia and Herzegovina has benefited from EUR 45.5 million under IPA III in 2022, supporting programs in areas such as justice, public administration reform, environment, and climate change. The 2023 annual action plan provides an additional EUR 70 million to reduce the socio-economic impact of rising energy prices and support the transition to renewable energy sources.

In conclusion, while Bosnia and Herzegovina has made progress in its EU accession process, there are areas where improvement is needed to ensure a successful integration into the European Union.