Changes from report parliamentary committee draft to plenary report

The report reflects the 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Bosnia and Herzegovina. It mainly focuses on the commitment of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the accession to the European Union, democracy and rule of law, fundamental freedoms, human rights and socioeconomic reforms, all of which are essential for the country’s integration into the EU.

Even though Bosnia and Herzegovina has ensured alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP), there are still significant risks and limitations that cannot be underestimated. Russia’s brutal war on Ukraine has shown that Russia’s main interest is to weaken and destabilise Europe and its allies. Republika Srpska entity and its head Milorad Dodik possess a threat by maintaining close ties with Russia and playing the “Great Serbia card” along with Serbian president Aleksandar Vučić and therefore make Bosnia and Herzegovina a battleground for hybrid operations, foreign interference and disinformation campaigns.

Bosnia and Herzegovina will have to fulfil 14 key priorities set by an adopted Commission Opinion on its membership application in order to ensure the functional democratic state, equal opportunities for people, public administration efficiency and economic growth. There is still a need to develop a national programme for the adoption of the EU acquis and to fight corruption and organised crime. Questions also remain regarding Bosnia and Herzegovina’s aspirations to adopt the controversial “Foreign Agents law”, which directly threatens the civil society in many aspects.

With recent geopolitical shifts such as United States’ growing disengagement from Europe, openly siding Russian regime in its aspirations in Ukraine and being mild on opposing its rhetoric toward European security, the Western Balkans will be under great pressure not only from countries like Russia, China or Turkey, but also from within and most likely also from the quasi-patriotic and nationalistic movements from the EU itself. The EU must acknowledge and prepare for a possible looming downslide in pro-EU approach in Western Balkan countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, and not allow the Georgian scenario to take place there.

Despite many areas requiring further improvement, The European Parliament strongly supports Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path to the European Union. With accession discussions set to begin in 2024, the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina is in European Union also because 75 % of its population support the accession. As part of the Western Balkans, Bosnia and Herzegovina plays a crucial role in the European Union’s enlargement strategy, contributing to the stability, prosperity, and unity of the continent. The economic potential, cultural diversity and commitment to European values underscore its importance in shaping a stronger and more resilient Europe. Along with other stakeholders, the European Parliament will continue to provide necessary support to the country and believes that by embracing necessary reforms, strengthening the rule of law and fighting the foreign influence, Bosnia and Herzegovina will become a part of the European family.