EU Commission Recommends Beginning Accession Talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina
The European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced that the Commission is recommending the initiation of accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Speaking at the European Parliament General Assembly, von der Leyen highlighted the shift in the EU’s policy towards the Western Balkans, stating that it is not enough to simply wait for these countries to approach the EU. She emphasized the need for active support to ensure that the path to EU membership is possible.
Von der Leyen praised Bosnia and Herzegovina for the impressive steps taken since being granted candidate status. She noted that the country has made significant progress in aligning with EU foreign policy and implementing internal reforms.
While acknowledging that more progress is needed for EU membership, von der Leyen expressed confidence in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s ability to meet the membership criteria. As a result, the Commission has recommended to the EU Council to begin accession negotiations with the country.
Bosnia and Herzegovina submitted its membership application in February 2016 and was granted candidate country status in December 2022. This recommendation marks a significant step towards further integration with the EU for the country and its citizens.
