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Europe Foreign Policy January 23, 2024

EU Commission President Urges Bosnia-Herzegovina to Fast-Track Reforms for Accession Talks

Photo: Reuters

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged Bosnia-Herzegovina to expedite its reform processes with the goal of initiating EU accession negotiations as early as March. During a joint press conference in Sarajevo, accompanied by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, von der Leyen emphasized the importance of establishing strong democratic principles and adherence to the rule of law as fundamental prerequisites for EU membership. The call for acceleration comes amidst a backdrop of varying levels of enthusiasm among EU member states regarding Bosnia-Herzegovina’s prospective membership. Croatia and the Netherlands, represented by their respective heads of government during the Sarajevo visit, have historically been among the more cautious voices, advocating for a stringent adherence to accession criteria before formal negotiations commence.President von der Leyen’s statement underlines the EU’s commitment to the Western Balkans’ European integration, a process that is seen not only as beneficial for the aspiring member states but also as a strategic investment in the stability and prosperity of the region. However, the complexity of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s internal political landscape, marked by ethnic divisions and a complicated governance structure, poses significant challenges to the reform agenda.

The EU has consistently highlighted the necessity of comprehensive reforms in areas such as judicial independence, corruption, public administration, and electoral law. These reforms are not only indicative of alignment with EU standards but are also viewed as essential steps towards ensuring the effective functioning of a democratic society within Bosnia-Herzegovina. The presence of Prime Ministers Plenković and Rutte alongside von der Leyen signals a united front among EU leaders, reflecting a shared understanding that the integration of Western Balkan countries into the EU must be based on merit and the fulfillment of the Copenhagen criteria, which outline the requirements for EU membership. Despite the challenges, the encouragement from the European Commission President may serve as a catalyst for Bosnia-Herzegovina’s leaders to reinvigorate their efforts towards EU-compatible reforms. The coming weeks will be crucial for Bosnia-Herzegovina to demonstrate its commitment to the reform process and to establish a clear roadmap that aligns with the expectations of the European Union. While the EU’s support for Bosnia-Herzegovina’s European path is evident, it is ultimately contingent upon the country’s ability to meet the strict conditions set forth by the Union. The call for accelerated reforms by Ursula von der Leyen is both an opportunity and a reminder of the significant work that lies ahead for Bosnia-Herzegovina on its journey towards EU accession.

By Roberto Casseli

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