EU Parliament backs Bosnia’s path to membership
The European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs has adopted a report confirming strong support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU membership bid, emphasizing a merit-based process aligned with the Copenhagen criteria and grounded in the country's unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and equality of all citizens.
Welcoming the European Council’s decision to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina amid the shifting geopolitical landscape following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the committee acknowledged key reforms but expressed concern over stalled progress and weak implementation, CE Report quotes FENA.
The report calls on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s political leaders to take all relevant steps outlined in the European Commission’s recommendation of October 12, 2022, so that the Council can adopt a negotiation framework, paving the way for formal accession talks. It also urges constitutional and electoral reforms and efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, the rule of law, and the fight against corruption and organized crime.
The committee strongly condemns divisive rhetoric and secessionist policies, particularly those promoted by Milorad Dodik and the leadership of Republika Srpska, warning that these actions undermine Bosnia and Herzegovina’s constitutional order and prospects for EU integration. It calls on EU member states and the Commission to take decisive action, including targeted sanctions, to counter destabilizing forces threatening the country’s stability and European security.
The report highlights serious concern over malign foreign interference and disinformation campaigns by Russia and China, especially in Republika Srpska, urging Bosnia and Herzegovina’s authorities to improve coordination and alignment with EU policies. It calls for the establishment of a strong negotiating team to effectively represent Bosnia and Herzegovina in the upcoming accession talks.
Additionally, the report stresses the urgent need for progress in judicial reforms, stronger anti-corruption measures, and finalizing the national reform program to unlock substantial EU financial support through the Western Balkans Growth Plan and the Reform and Growth Facility.
The committee underscores the crucial importance of inclusive, transparent reforms to transform the Dayton Peace Agreement into a sustainable constitutional framework that ensures accountable governance, overcomes ethnic divisions, and secures long-term progress toward EU membership.
The report was adopted with 56 votes in favor, 13 against, and 5 abstentions.
Rapporteur Ondřej Kolář (EPP, Czech Republic) stated:
“After Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina is in one of the most complex and challenging situations in Europe. We need to identify and implement mechanisms to support the country in achieving full integration into Western institutions, as Bosnia and Herzegovina undoubtedly belongs in the European Union. To effectively counter Russian influence, facilitating Bosnia and Herzegovina’s accession must be a priority. Although the report discussed today focuses on 2023 and 2024, it is clear that Russia remains actively committed to disrupting the country’s path toward the EU. Consequently, Bosnia and Herzegovina must be reassured that the EU has much to offer.”
The report will now be submitted for a vote in the European Parliament during an upcoming plenary session, the Foreign Affairs Committee announced.
