SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina – After nearly two decades of waiting, Bosnia and Herzegovina is set to begin negotiations for European Union membership. This milestone comes eight years after the country formally submitted its application to join the bloc.
Following a recommendation from the European Commission last week, EU leaders have now given their approval for the start of negotiations. The decision was met with congratulatory remarks from European Council president Charles Michel, who emphasized the country’s rightful place within the European family.
In a symbolic gesture of unity, Michel shared a photo on social media of himself shaking hands with Borjana Krišto, Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The show of support from EU leaders was echoed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who described the development as a positive message for the entire region.
The road to EU membership has been long and challenging for Bosnia, a country still grappling with deep ethnic and political divisions resulting from the 1992-1995 war. The complex accession process to the EU has seen only Croatia successfully navigate through in the region since the Thessaloniki Declaration in 2003.
While Bosnia has made strides in aligning with EU standards and priorities, more reforms in the realms of democracy, rule of law, and public administration will be necessary for full integration. The significance of this move is amplified by the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, underlining the EU’s commitment to stabilizing the Western Balkans region.