After a summit in Brussels, European Union leaders have agreed to invite Bosnia to open EU membership negotiations. However, they emphasized that Bosnia must undertake additional reforms before the talks can officially begin.
The president of the European Council of EU leaders, Charles Michel, congratulated Bosnians on this decision, stating, “Your place is in our European family. Today’s decision is a key step forward on your EU path, but the hard work must continue for Bosnia and Herzegovina to progress as desired.”
This decision is viewed as a significant milestone for Bosnia, offering hope that the country can move past the instability characterized by ethnic tensions and secession threats, nearly three decades after the end of a devastating war.
Foreign Minister Elvedin Konakovic expressed his joy, calling it “one of the best days in the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina.” Meanwhile, Sarajevo’s main street was adorned with hundreds of EU flags in celebration.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also praised the decision, emphasizing that it demonstrates the growth of the European peace project and supports a stronger Europe.
Bosnia has benefited from the EU’s increased willingness to consider enlargement, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. EU officials have highlighted the risks posed by destabilized “grey zones” along the EU’s borders by foreign powers.
In recent months, Bosnia has made progress by enacting laws related to 14 priorities outlined by the European Commission in 2019, focusing on democracy, the rule of law, fundamental rights, and public administration reform.
While the Commission recommended opening membership talks with Bosnia last week, noting significant strides in several areas, the country still needs to pass laws related to courts and election reform, as outlined as priorities by the Commission.
During the summit, EU leaders agreed to move forward with the next stage toward membership talks – the adoption of a negotiating framework – once Bosnia fulfills all the necessary steps recommended by the Commission in October.
It is expected that negotiations will be lengthy, requiring additional political and economic reforms to meet the criteria for EU membership. Elvira Habota, the chief Bosnian official for European integration, believes the decision will bring optimism to Bosnian citizens, institutions, authorities, and society as a whole.
(Reporting by Nette Nöstlinger, Daria Sito-Sucic, Bart H. Meijer and Andrew Gray; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
