Historical ties and shared solidarity
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard and her Bosnian counterpart Elmedin Konakovic highlighted a shared history of solidarity in a joint op-ed. They noted Sweden’s role in peace efforts and hosting Bosnian refugees during the 1990s war, and pointed to the successful integration of the Bosnian diaspora in Sweden as strengthening current ties.
EU accession status and political challenges
Bosnia and Herzegovina, an EU candidate since December 2022, received a recommendation to open accession negotiations from the European Commission this year. The ministers acknowledged this progress but warned that internal political challenges risk undermining the constitutional order established by the Dayton Peace Agreement.
Priorities for advancing the accession process
The diplomats outlined three core priorities: accelerating fundamental reforms in rule of law and human rights, enhancing regional cooperation in the Western Balkans, and mobilizing broader support for enlargement within the EU itself. They argued that such steps are essential for restoring public trust, attracting investment, and ensuring regional stability—a goal also supported by Türkiye’s longstanding advocacy for Western Balkan integration.