Bosnia and Herzegovina’s journey towards potential European Union (EU) membership is filled with significant milestones and ongoing efforts to meet the necessary criteria for integration. Alongside other Western Balkan states, it was first recognized as a potential candidate for EU membership at the European Council Summit held in Thessaloniki in June 2003, signalling a commitment to promoting stability, prosperity, and integration in the region. A significant development in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path towards EU accession was the implementation of visa-free travel to the Schengen area for its citizens, which began in 2010. This step not only facilitated easier movement for Bosnian citizens but also demonstrated a tangible link with the wider European community.[1]
The Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU, which entered into force on June 1, 2015, has deepened political and economic ties and paved the way for future EU membership. While its trade provisions have been in effect since 2008, the full implementation of the SAA represents a significant step towards deeper integration by facilitating the liberalization of trade and promoting economic cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and EU member states.[2]
In February 2016, Bosnia and Herzegovina officially applied for EU membership, signaling its determination to align with European norms, values, and standards.[3] However, the path to membership is challenging and requires significant reforms in various sectors. In May 2019, the European Commission outlined its opinion on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s membership application, identifying 14 key priorities that the country needs to address in order to progress in its accession negotiations. These priorities primarily focus on strengthening democracy, ensuring the rule of law, protecting fundamental rights, and reforming public administration.[4]
In December 2019, the EU Council outlined these key priorities and presented Bosnia and Herzegovina with a comprehensive roadmap for implementing necessary reforms. The progress made in meeting these requirements continued, leading to the European Commission’s recommendation in October 2022 to grant candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina, subject to certain conditions being met. Subsequently, in December 2022, the EU Council granted candidate country status to Bosnia and Herzegovina, acknowledging its progress and commitment to the accession process.[5]
In December 2023, following Bosnia and Herzegovina’s adequate compliance with the membership criteria, the EU Council decided to initiate accession negotiations with the country, marking another significant step. As part of this process, the Commission has been tasked with monitoring progress and reporting to the Council, with a decision expected by March 2024.
Parallel to the accession efforts, the EU has actively engaged with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s foreign and security policy through the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP). The EU Special Representative (EUSR), Johann Sattler, also serves as the Head of the EU Delegation, playing a significant role in this regard. Additionally, the EU military mission EUFOR Althea has been present in Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2004, mandated by the UN Security Council to support country authorities in maintaining stability and security.[6]
European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have conveyed their support for Bosnia’s European integration journey. Their messages of encouragement emphasize the importance of continuing reforms and underscore the long-term commitment that both Bosnia and the EU must demonstrate to overcome the complexity of the accession process. However, the decision to start negotiations with Bosnia does not immediately equate to EU membership. Instead, it signifies the beginning of a meticulous and lengthy process involving further reforms, negotiations, and alignment with EU standards across various sectors.
Bosnia’s journey towards membership is expected to be a challenging process requiring ongoing political will, institutional strengthening, and societal participation. Despite the EU’s approval of Bosnia’s candidacy, concerns persist about unresolved internal divisions in the country and certain outstanding reforms, particularly those related to the constitution and electoral framework. Some EU member states, including Denmark and the Netherlands, have expressed their reservations, emphasizing the need for Bosnia to comprehensively address these issues before making further progress in the accession process.[7]
Bosnia’s progress towards EU membership is not only important for the country itself but also for regional stability and reconciliation in the Western Balkans. The EU’s engagement with Bosnia reflects its broader strategy of promoting peace, democracy, and prosperity in the region, thereby strengthening Europe’s democratic project. The EU is considering initiating negotiations with other candidate countries such as Ukraine and Moldova, alongside Bosnia. However, various challenges, including geopolitical considerations and internal dynamics, pose obstacles to starting negotiations with these countries.[8]
In conclusion, the EU’s decision to initiate negotiations with Bosnia represents a significant milestone in the country’s European integration journey, while also signaling the beginning of a challenging and multifaceted process. As Bosnia progresses along this path, it continues to implement reforms, foster dialogue, and strengthen its institutions in order to achieve its goal of EU membership.
The progress made by Bosnia and Herzegovina towards EU membership reflects a complex and dynamic process characterized by both achievements and challenges. While significant strides have been made, maintaining commitment to reforms and adherence to EU standards are crucial for the country’s successful integration into the EU.
[1] “Bosnia and Herzegovina”, European Commision, https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/enlargement-policy/bosnia-and-herzegovina_en, (Date of Access: 01.04.2024).
[2] “Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina enters into force today”, European Commision, https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_15_5086, (Date of Access: 01.04.2024).
[3] “EU: Bosnia and Herzegovina to begin talks to join bloc”, BBC, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68630545, (Date of Access: 03.04.2024).
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Ibid.
[7] “European Union leaders approve opening accession talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina”, Euronews, https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/03/21/european-union-leaders-approve-opening-accession-talks-with-bosnia-and-herzegovina, (Date of Access: 05.04.2024).
[8] “EU agrees to begin membership negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina”, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/22/bosnia-herzegovina-eu-membership-talks, (Date of Access: 04.04.2024).
