Support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU accession amid urgent calls for reform

MEPs urge Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) to make necessary EU reforms

Secessionist actions and rhetoric undermine BiH’s unity and stability

Calls for targeted EU sanctions against destabilising actors

The Foreign Affairs Committee calls urgently for reform and unity in Bosnia and Herzegovina to advance EU accession and tackle corruption and division.

The European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs has adopted a report reaffirming strong support for BiH’s EU accession bid, emphasising a merit-based process aligned with the Copenhagen criteria and grounded in the country’s unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and in equality among all citizens.

Call for accelerated EU reforms

Welcoming the European Council’s decision to open accession negotiations with BiH amid the changing geopolitical landscape following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the committee acknowledged key reforms but expressed concern over stalled progress and weak implementation. The report urges BiH’s political leaders to take all relevant steps set out in the Commission’s recommendation of 12 October 2022 so the Council can adopt the negotiating framework, setting the stage for the formal accession negotiations. It also calls for implementation of the necessary constitutional and electoral reforms, and for efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, the rule of law, and fight corruption and organised crime.

Condemnation of secessionist actions and rhetoric

The committee strongly condemns divisive rhetoric and secessionist policies, particularly those promoted by Milorad Dodik and the Republika Srpska leadership, warning that these actions undermine BiH’s constitutional order and EU integration prospects. It calls on EU Member States, the EEAS, and the Commission to take decisive action, including targeted sanctions, to counter destabilising forces threatening the country’s stability and European security.

The report highlights serious concerns about malign foreign interference and disinformation campaigns by Russia and China, especially within Republika Srpska, urging BiH authorities to improve coordination and alignment with EU policies. It calls for the establishment of a strong negotiation team to represent BiH effectively in upcoming accession talks.

Additionally, the report stresses the urgent need to advance judicial reforms, enhance anti-corruption measures, and finalise a national reform agenda to unlock substantial EU financial support through the Western Balkans Growth Plan and the Reform and Growth Facility.

Towards a sustainable constitutional framework

The committee underscores the critical 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 towards EU membership.

The report was adopted by 56 votes in favour 13 xx against, with 5 abstentions.

Quote

Rapporteur Ondřej Kolář (EPP, CS) said: “Bosnia and Herzegovina, following Ukraine, finds itself in one of the most complex and challenging situations in Europe. It is necessary that we identify and implement mechanisms to support the country in achieving its full integration into Western institutions, as Bosnia and Herzegovina unquestionably belongs within the European Union. To effectively counteract Russian influence, facilitating Bosnia and Herzegovina’s accession must be a priority. While the report we discussed today focuses on 2023 and 2024, it is clear that Russia remains actively committed to hindering country’s rapprochement with the EU. Consequently, Bosnia and Herzegovina must be assured that the EU has much to offer.”

Next steps

The report will now be submitted for a vote in the European Parliament during an upcoming plenary session.