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Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Progress and Challenges on the Path to EU Accession

The European Commission’s latest report highlights both the progress made by Bosnia and Herzegovina towards EU membership and the challenges that still need to be overcome. In this article, we will take a closer look at the key points from the report.

Progress in Aligning with EU Policies

Bosnia and Herzegovina has made significant strides in recent years, particularly in its alignment with the European Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and implementation of sanctions following Russia’s war against Ukraine. The country has also continued to participate actively in regional cooperation and maintain good neighborly relations.

Additionally, Bosnia and Herzegovina has benefited from EUR 45.5 million under the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance 2021-2027 (IPA III).

Challenges that Need to be Addressed

Despite this progress, there are several challenges that need to be addressed by Bosnia and Herzegovina:

  • The country needs to step up its efforts in preparing and adopting a post-2021 countrywide strategy for rural development.
  • It also needs to align its legislation on food safety, veterinary, and phytosanitary policy.
  • Additionally, Bosnia and Herzegovina must strengthen its administrative capacity.

Key Requirements for Future Funding

To benefit fully from IPA funding in the future, Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to adopt countrywide sector strategies. The Council of Ministers urgently needs to appoint the National IPA Coordinator (NIPAC) for IPA III.

Timeline of EU-Bosnia and Herzegovina Relations

Here is a brief timeline of key events in EU-Bosnia and Herzegovina relations:

  • June 2003: EU-Western Balkans Thessaloniki Summit confirms the EU perspective for the Western Balkans.
  • November 2005: Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) negotiations opened.
  • December 2010: Visa-free travel to the Schengen area for citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina with a biometric passport.
  • September 2011: Delegation of the European Union and Office of the EU Special Representative become one reinforced EU presence.
  • 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.
  • May 2019: European Commission adopts its Opinion (Avis) on the membership application of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
  • December 2022: The European Council grants candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Overall, while Bosnia and Herzegovina has made progress in various areas, it still needs to address significant challenges to move forward with EU accession negotiations.