EU Council President urges Bosnia to accelerate EU accession process

Brussels — European Council President Antonio Costa has urged Bosnia and Herzegovina to accelerate the reforms required to advance in the European Union’s accession process.

Speaking in Sarajevo on Monday (1 June), Costa stated that Bosnia and Herzegovina must determine whether they are prepared to undertake the necessary work to share a future together within the EU.

“You are only a few steps away from the next phase in opening accession negotiations – now is the time to focus on your objectives and accelerate the pace of reforms,” he said.

Costa emphasised that whilst the path to EU membership remains challenging, there are steps that can expedite the country’s candidacy if the government promptly works to align with EU legislation.

“The road ahead is indeed challenging, but there are some easy opportunities that can be seized if you succeed in aligning yourselves with European Union legislation,” Costa said.

Costa reiterated that EU membership remains a matter of sovereignty for Bosnia and Herzegovina and stressed that enlargement represents a strategic investment in peace, stability and security throughout Europe.

Costa’s visit comes ahead of a summit between EU leaders and Western Balkan countries this weekend, as Brussels seeks to revive the enlargement process amid escalating geopolitical challenges.