EU demands more reforms from Bosnia before accession talks begin

Several member countries, including the Netherlands and Denmark, have expressed reservations to the European Council about initiating accession talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to Politico. "We will not embark on substantive negotiations unless further reforms are implemented," a diplomat cautioned.

Politico, drawing on insights from four European Union diplomats, revealed that some EU capitals are seeking further clarification on the "unexpectedly positive assessment" of Bosnia and Herzegovina's steps towards EU membership.

The publication suggested a potential compromise might involve a preliminary endorsement, similar to the European Council's approach with Ukraine and Moldova last December. Nevertheless, specific prerequisites must be fulfilled before officially commencing the negotiation process. A diplomat reiterated to Politico, "Substantive negotiations will not commence without additional reforms."

"It's not enough to simply wait"

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, underscored the EU's realization that passive expectation for the Western Balkans' alignment is insufficient. "Merely stating that the doors are open does not suffice," she remarked. "We ought to actively engage and support the region in its journey towards integration into our Union," von der Leyen added.

Bosnia and Herzegovina submitted their EU membership application in February 2016. In December 2022, the country was granted candidate status for EU membership.