The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday urged Bosnia and Herzegovina to accelerate reforms, combat corruption, and counter divisive rhetoric to move forward on its path toward EU membership.
In a report adopted by 56 votes in favour, 13 against and five abstentions, the committee reiterated strong support for Bosnia’s EU accession, stressing that the process must be merit-based and aligned with the Copenhagen criteria, while upholding the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and the equality of all citizens.
Push for reforms and political responsibility
The committee welcomed the European Council’s recent decision to open accession talks with Bosnia in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, it warned that reform momentum remains fragile and implementation of key measures is weak.
Lawmakers called on Bosnian political leaders to fully implement the steps outlined in the European Commission’s October 2022 recommendation, including constitutional and electoral reforms, in order to enable the Council to adopt the negotiating framework and formally launch accession negotiations.
They also urged efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law, and intensify the fight against corruption and organised crime.
Condemnation of secessionist threats
The report condemned secessionist rhetoric and actions, particularly by Republika Srpska’s leadership and its president Milorad Dodik, warning that such policies undermine Bosnia’s constitutional order and threaten its EU path.
MEPs called on EU member states, the European External Action Service (EEAS), and the European Commission to take firm measures, including the possible use of targeted sanctions, to counter destabilising forces.
The committee expressed deep concern about foreign interference and disinformation campaigns, particularly from Russia and China, and urged greater alignment with EU foreign and security policy. It also called for the creation of a unified and effective negotiating team to represent Bosnia in the forthcoming EU accession talks.
Need for judicial reform and EU funding access
The report underlined the urgent need to advance judicial reforms, adopt stronger anti-corruption mechanisms, and finalise a national reform agenda to unlock financial support under the EU’s €6 billion Western Balkans Growth Plan and the newly established Reform and Growth Facility.
Call for sustainable constitutional reform
Lawmakers stressed that Bosnia must begin inclusive and transparent reforms to transform the Dayton Peace Agreement into a lasting constitutional framework that ensures accountable governance, overcomes ethnic divisions, and lays the groundwork for EU membership.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina, following Ukraine, finds itself in one of the most complex and challenging situations in Europe,” said rapporteur Ondřej Kolář (EPP, Czech Republic). “Facilitating Bosnia’s accession must be a priority if we are to counter Russian influence in the region. The EU must make clear that it has much to offer.”
The report will be submitted for a vote in a forthcoming European Parliament plenary session.