Bosnia and Herzegovina has a 2024 decision to start accession negotiations, conditional on certain reforms
The European Parliament’s rapporteur for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ondřej Kolar, stated that the country’s representatives are failing to reach agreement among themselves and remain divided on key internal issues. According to him, such an approach threatens the country’s development.
During a debate in the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET), Kolar warned that secessionist threats dominate, civil society participation in decision-making is weak, and the media is under pressure, while overall instability continues. He added that the country still relies heavily on the Office of the High Representative and the continuation of the EUFOR mandate, amid sharp criticism over the reduction of its sovereignty.
AFET Chair David McAllister recalled that Bosnia and Herzegovina received a decision in 2024 to open accession negotiations, which is conditional on the implementation of necessary reforms. He emphasized that the ongoing political crisis and attempts by the leadership of the Republika Srpska entity to undermine the constitutional order are slowing progress.
The European Parliament’s report expresses regret over the continued political divisions, secessionist ambitions, and the “captured state” phenomenon, which undermine public trust and drive the emigration of skilled personnel. The document condemns historical revisionism, genocide denial, and the glorification of war criminals, as well as attempts to challenge the independence of national and international courts.
Authorities are called upon to take urgent and concrete measures to strengthen the fight against corruption and organized crime, improve operational cooperation among law enforcement agencies, and enhance societal resilience against disinformation and foreign interference. The report will be voted on later this year in AFET and subsequently in a plenary session of the European Parliament in the form of a resolution. |BGNES, Radio Free Europe