Committee on Foreign Affairs delegation concludes visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Respect for the rule of law, constructive engagement and focus on reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina are essential for its European future, say MEPs.

Six MEPs, led by Matjaž Nemec(S&D, Slovenia), travelled to Sarajevo and Banja Luka on 16-18 September, where they engaged with representatives of the government, parliament, civil society, and international organisations to express support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU accession amid political challenges.

In Sarajevo, they met with Members of the Collegium of Both Houses of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers Borjana Krišto, representatives of political parties both in the majority and opposition, High Representative Christian Schmidt, EUFOR Commander Major General Florin-Marian Barbu, international organisations, and representatives of civil society and media. In Banja Luka, MEPs met with representatives of the ruling and opposition political parties and representatives of civil society to gain a better understanding of the situation in the Republika Srpska entity.

MEPs reaffirmed the Committee's commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina's European integration, grounded in unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, underlining the need for further reforms to advance along its accession path towards the EU. This process needs to be rooted in functioning democratic institutions, the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights and freedom of expression. They reiterated their support for BiH institutions and the constitutional order and zero tolerance for obstruction and secessionist policies by Milorad Dodik. They also continue to urge Bosnia and Herzegovina’s authorities to finalise and submit the country’s Reform Agenda to access funding under the Growth Plan for Western Balkans for the benefit of the country’s citizens.

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Head of the delegation, Matjaž Nemec, said: “This visit comes at an important moment to reaffirm our support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's accession process, especially in light of continued political challenges and an evolving geopolitical climate. The European Parliament has been a steadfast supporter of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European future. We continue to urge all political leaders to take the necessary steps to meet the conditions required to progress towards the opening of accession negotiations.”