The key requirements and relevant steps that BiH needs to make in order to officially start accession negotiations with the EU were the focus of a panel discussion “Opening EU Accession Negotiations – an Opportunity not to be missed” organised by the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austrian Ministry of Justice and Austrian Embassy in Sarajevo at Europe House on 13 September.

Federal Minister of Justice of the Republic of Austria Alma Zadić and Deputy Head of EU Delegation to BiH Adebayo Babajide opened the panel discussion, which served as a follow-up to previous panel discussion “Quo vadis, Bosnia and Herzegovina?”, also joined by Minister Zadić in July 2022.

The Executive Director of Center for Investigative Reporting (CIN) Leila Bičakčić and Advocacy and Public Policy Manager of Transparency International BiH Edo Kanlić also took part in the panel, which was moderated by Aurelie Valtat, Head of European Integration, Political, Press and Information Section at the EU Delegation to BiH. The discussion gathered representatives of international community, BiH judiciary, institutions, parliaments and civil society organisations.

The discussion underlined that progress on the EU path remains a priority for BiH, and that it requires a participation of wide range of stakeholders including official institutions, civil society, media and citizens themselves. The green light for opening accession negotiations given by the European Council in March was a game changer and recognised the efforts demonstrated by the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina over the past year in delivering reforms. These efforts now need to be followed with further engagement.

Some of the critical pieces of legislation that BiH will have to adopt were outlined during the discussion, including the Law on Courts, Law on HJPC, Law on Personal Data Protection and Law on Border Control). BiH will additionally need to have a comprehensive National Programme of Adoption of the Acquis as well as appoint a Chief Negotiator and a negotiating team with a clear political mandate to speak on behalf of the whole country and present countrywide information. These steps remain key for launching the first Intergovernmental Conference – the formal start of accession negotiations.

Rule of law and fundamental rights were a particular focus of discussion. Functional rule of law is based on an independent judiciary, effective prevention and fight against corruption, prevention of conflict of interests and the protection of fundamental freedoms. A society based on rule of law and respect for fundamental rights guarantees freedom and prosperity to its citizens and sets the basis for economic development and attracting investments. Reforms in this area remain at the top of priority list.

The discussion concluded that, with political will, BiH can make further significant progress and this is an opportunity that must not be missed. The required steps and reforms would not just bring BiH closer to the EU, but also help create a more prosperous society and improve daily life to the benefit of all citizens in BiH.