Bosnia and Herzegovina: step up EU reforms, MEPs say 

In a report adopted on Wednesday, Foreign Affairs Committee MEPs reaffirm their support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's accession to the European Union on the basis of unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. They call for reforms to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law, fight corruption and organised crime, and guarantee fundamental rights for all citizens.

Delivering on EU commitments

The MEPs urge political leaders to renew their commitment to EU membership and implement long-overdue reforms without delay. They stress that accession efforts should strengthen political cohesion rather than deepen divisions. They also call for an end to obstructionism, politically motivated vetoes and divisive rhetoric, which hinder progress, and urges the Council of Ministers to appoint a chief negotiator for the EU accession talks.

Addressing political and security challenges

The MEPs regret the perennial political divisions, hate speech, genocide denial, glorification of war criminals, secessionist efforts and state capture, warning that these trends undermine public trust, accelerate the brain drain and paralyse the country.

The report denounces ongoing engagement between Republika Srpska authorities and Russian officials and sanctioned entities, highlighting the risks to Bosnia and Herzegovina's security and stability. MEPs also express concern over foreign interference and disinformation campaigns, particularly from Russia and Serbia, as well as the growing influence of other external actors.

Safeguarding stability and advancing reforms

Expressing regret at the resignation of High Representative Christian Schmidt, the MEPs reiterate their support for the Office of the High Representative and EUFOR Operation Althea, recognising their continued role in preserving peace and stability. The MEPs stress that any future transition regarding the Office of the High Representative must fully respect the country's constitutional order, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The MEPs reject narratives that exploit ethnic tensions, promote historical revisionism, deny genocide, or glorify war criminals. They welcome Bosnia and Herzegovina's reform agenda and call for its swift implementation, stressing that political will is essential to secure EU funding and maintain reform momentum.

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The rapporteur, Ondřej Kolář (EPP, Czechia), said: "If Europe is to grow stronger, it must also grow larger - both geographically and politically. At the same time, EU membership cannot be taken for granted. We would welcome Bosnia and Herzegovina into the EU, but its efforts are often diluted by excuses or limited capacity to reach agreement even within its own borders. Equally, the EU itself must reflect urgently on whether the time has come to move towards a model of progressive membership for those countries that are genuinely striving to meet the criteria."

The report was adopted by 53 votes in favour, 14 against, and with 8 abstentions.

Next steps

The report will now be tabled for a vote in the European Parliament as a whole.