Sarajevo, (Fena) – The European Union is set to welcome new members for the first time in over ten years, making expansion a top priority amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics and the need for peace and stability across Europe, according to Luigi Soreca, head of the EU Delegation and special representative of the EU in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This sentiment is echoed by recent visits to Bosnia and Herzegovina from several prominent EU leaders, including President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council Antonio Costa, High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas, and Commissioner for Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi.
In terms of progress towards enlargement, Montenegro aims to finalize its accession negotiations by the end of 2026, while Albania targets the end of 2027. Conversely, Bosnia and Herzegovina, despite its significant potential, has yet to formally commence the accession negotiation process.
The Enlargement Package’s report on Bosnia and Herzegovina highlights positive developments, such as the adoption of data protection and border control laws, along with a status agreement with Frontex, which has enabled the deployment of over a hundred Frontex officials to assist the Border Police in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
– Nevertheless, the overall assessment for 2025 indicates insufficient progress. The report should serve as a crucial tool for Bosnia and Herzegovina to catch up. There are signs that Bosnia and Herzegovina might soon adopt the Law on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council and the Law on Courts, as well as appoint a chief negotiator and negotiating team, thus laying the groundwork for the inaugural Intergovernmental Conference and the commencement of accession negotiations – Soreca stated.
As underscored by High Representative and Vice President Kallas during the enlargement package presentation, the path to EU membership is a fair yet challenging process that relies on tangible results. The laws concerning the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council and the Courts must be fully adopted in line with European standards, particularly adhering to recommendations from the Venice Commission and the European Commission.
The appointment of the chief negotiator and negotiating team is a decision for Bosnia and Herzegovina to make in accordance with its Constitution and relevant regulations. The EU emphasizes the importance of having a trustworthy representative when engaging with the European Commission. The chief negotiator and negotiating team must represent the country cohesively and possess the necessary resources and expertise to conduct effective negotiations with the EU.
– If conditions are fulfilled, the first Intergovernmental Conference could take place by the end of 2025. We want to prevent a scenario where Bosnian institutions waste time in 2026, especially as other regional countries make significant strides towards full membership – Soreca noted.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s intricate political structure necessitates coordination among often conflicting viewpoints, resulting in prolonged decision-making. While it is vital for the arrangement to accommodate diverse discussions and achieve compromises, it is equally important for the country to establish more functional democratic institutions capable of efficient decision-making.
One of the motivations to expedite the formal initiation of the accession negotiation process is the prospect of addressing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s arrangement in a thorough and structured manner, bolstered by the extensive expertise available from the European Commission. The accession negotiation framework, with its cluster and chapter approach, is designed to assist the country in building more effective democratic institutions, facilitating its integration into the EU.
– By endorsing the Reform Agenda for the Growth Plan in September, the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina demonstrated that political will can lead to consensus solutions that benefit all citizens. Only a few steps remain before the formal start of accession negotiations, which are expected to significantly transform institutional functionality in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The time to act is now – concluded Soreca. (7.11.)
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