SARAJEVO – On Wednesday, leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s ruling political parties reached an agreement on a set of reform laws, paving the way for the commencement of accession negotiations with the European Union.
The European Council had approved the initiation of negotiations with BiH back in March, contingent upon the adoption of specific legislation, including reforms related to the judiciary and border services.
Draga Čović, leader of the HDZ BiH, expressed optimism, stating that he anticipated significant developments within the next ten to fifteen days that would facilitate BiH’s access to the European Union.
Milorad Dodik, the President of the Republic of Srpska, confirmed that drafts for the laws concerning border services and personal data protection are ready. However, he noted that the contentious law regarding the judiciary—specifying the location for the Appellate Division of the Court of BiH—remains unresolved.
Regarding the EU’s requested reform program, BiH politicians are awaiting a proposal from the European Commission, which is expected to address three of the 113 points on which consensus has not yet been reached. Approval of this program by the Commission would grant BiH access to a six-billion-euro fund aimed at supporting the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.
“This is still pending, and we are waiting for guidance from Brussels,” Dodik remarked, adding that the climate among coalition leaders has significantly improved in recent times.
If this positive momentum continues, Dodik suggested that it is feasible for BiH to open the first chapters of accession negotiations by March of next year. (November 21, 2024)
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