Sarajevo: European Union Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos on Monday called on Bosnia and Herzegovina to expedite critical reforms necessary for the country’s European Union integration, even as her visit was largely boycotted by Bosnian Serb officials. The visit underscores both the EU’s commitment to the Western Balkans and the persistent political deadlocks that threaten Bosnia’s path to membership.
Last year, the EU extended an invitation to Bosnia to begin full membership negotiations a historic milestone for a nation still grappling with the legacy of ethnic divisions and the shadow of secessionist threats decades after its 1990s war. Commissioner Kos highlighted that progress toward EU accession remains contingent on the implementation of a series of reforms, many of which have stagnated due to political obstruction.
Much of Bosnia’s institutional progress has been hindered by Serb political leaders aligned with Milorad Dodik, the nationalist former Republika Srpska president. Dodik, who has been banned from politics for six years for defying rulings from an international envoy tasked with preserving Bosnia’s multi-ethnic framework, has encouraged Serb representatives to boycott Kos’ scheduled address to the state parliament.
Bosnia’s fragmented governance structure dividing the country into the Federation of Bosniaks and Croats and the Republika Srpska dominated by Serbs has complicated efforts to pass EU-mandated reforms. Kos warned of the consequences of continued inaction, noting that Bosnia has already lost a €108 million EU funding tranche due to delayed legislation. Additional payments, totaling several hundred million euros, are at risk if the EU reform agenda is not implemented by the end of September.
“The renewed challenges posed by unconstitutional and secessionist initiatives in Republika Srpska are deeply concerning,” Kos said at a press briefing. “I call on all political actors to come together and take the necessary steps to advance Bosnia’s EU path.”
The EU has pledged €6 billion to support the Western Balkans in establishing a regional common market and preparing for gradual integration into the broader European economy. Commissioner Kos’ visit is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that Bosnia adheres to these reform commitments while reinforcing regional stability.
The boycott by Serb officials, however, highlights the deep political divisions that continue to challenge Bosnia’s cohesion. Despite these obstacles, the EU remains determined to push for reforms that uphold democratic principles, multi-ethnic cooperation, and alignment with European standards.
As Bosnia navigates these complex political waters, the international community closely watches whether the country can implement the reforms necessary for EU integration. Commissioner Kos’ visit serves as both a reminder of the stakes involved and a call to action for Bosnia’s leaders to prioritize the nation’s future over entrenched divisions.