As EU High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell commented:

“We confirm that the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina lies in the European Union. This is a decision for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Political leaders can now turn this ambition into reality through decisive reforms.”

As stressed the President of the European Council, Charles Michel:

“C'est un signal fort vers la population, mais aussi un signal d'attente de progrès dans les réformes qui sont nécessaires et de nécessité de faire fonctionner les institutions dans ce pays.”

Article by HR/VP Borrell

High Representative/Vice-President Borrell wrote an article underlining that granting the EU candidate status answers the clear demands from citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina to live in dignity, peace and prosperity. He wrote:

“Candidate status is not the final destination, but rather the beginning of a new chapter. Serious acceleration of reforms is needed before the accession talks will begin. These reforms are not for the sake of “Brussels”, but for improving the daily life of all people in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Every citizen has a role to play in this process, even if the ultimate responsibility to deliver lies with the elected officials.”

The article was issued in BiH newspapers Nezavisne Novine, Oslobodjenje and Vecernji List, as well as in several EU newspapers including Italian Repubblica.

EU in BiH

Head of EU Delegation and Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Johann Sattler said:

“The candidate status is our sign that we believe in this country and share your hopes for a better future. It is an encouragement for all citizens who know that the road to the EU is the road to a better Bosnia and Herzegovina"

In Sarajevo, on the evening of 16 December, nine historic bridges in the centre of the city were lit up in blue to celebrate candidate status.

In towns across Bosnia and Herzegovina LED screens broadcast the message that Bosnia and Herzegovina is always at the heart of Europe:

In festive winter markets in Sarajevo, Banja Luka and Mostar installations were set up featuring a heart motive with EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina flags that passers-by could take pictures in.

EU Heads of Mission also published a joint op-ed in Dnevni Avaz, Glas Srpske and Dnevni List.

Background

Bosnia and Herzegovina submitted the application for EU membership on 15 February 2016.

On 20 September 2016, the Council invited the Commission to submit its opinion. In the conclusions, the Council also called on Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue its efforts to ensure effective implementation of the reform agenda, which includes reforms in the area of rule of law and public administration.

The Commission issued its opinion on Bosnia and Herzegovina's application for EU membership in May 2019.

The Council decided in December 2022 to grant the EU candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina on the condition that the country implement the steps specified in the Commission's October 2022 communication on enlargement policy to strengthen the rule of law, the fight against corruption and organised crime, migration management and fundamental rights.

Related links

• OpEd by HRVP Borrell: EU Candidate Status for Bosnia and Herzegovina: a message to the people and a tasking for politicians
• Joint op-ed by the EU Head of Delegation/EU Special Representative in BiH and the EU Heads of Mission in BiH: “Joy today, work tomorrow”
• General Affairs Council Conclusions 13 December 2022
• European Council Conclusions – 15 December
• Membership application (Council)
• Factograph (DG NEAR)
• EU-Bosnia and Herzegovina relations