EU demands more reforms from Bosnia before accession talks

Several member countries, including the Netherlands and Denmark, have cautioned the European Council about initiating accession talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina, as reported by the Politico portal. - We won't begin actual negotiations without further reforms, one of the diplomats warned.

The Politico portal, referencing information from four European Union diplomats, notes that some EU capitals are seeking additional clarification about the "unexpectedly positive report" on Bosnia and Herzegovina's progress towards EU membership.

"A potential compromise might involve a political welcoming gesture, similar to what the European Council extended to Ukraine and Moldova last December. Yet, certain conditions must be fulfilled to officially commence the negotiation process later," the Politico portal suggests. One of the diplomats confided to the portal: - Without more reforms, we won't start real negotiations.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, shared the EC's stance on Tuesday, stating that the EU recognizes "merely waiting for the Western Balkans to draw closer is inadequate, and it's insufficient to merely affirm that the doors are open". She emphasized, "We need to take responsibility and support this region in every possible manner on its journey to our Union".

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