We, a group of international citizens including Bosnian and Kosovar citizens, are united in the idea of promoting a vision for Bosnia and Herzegovina that is sustainable and promotes its integration in the European Union. We came together in the midst of the Dialogue between Kosova and Serbia, specifically after the Serbian terrorist attack on September 24th in Banjskë Kosova, when we decided to connect even more and to become active. In communicating, in reaching out to stakeholders, in giving Bosnia and Herzegovina every support we can.
The major foreign policy goal of Bosnia and Herzegovina is to become a member of the EU (and other international organisations). We know that the enlargement process of the EU is complicated; the war in Ukraine has accelerated this process and allowed the creation of a “fast-track” integration process; however, the Western Balkans should not be left behind. Bosnia and Herzegovina achieved the status of candidate also due to these developments.
The constitutional set up of Bosnia and Herzegovina is complicating the process, but the new government has been trying to push forward the reforms even though facing opposition from certain political actors within the country. This should become the rule, negotiating and finding common ground, and not the exception.
In the last months, concrete results have been achieved: the Directorate for European Integration has finalised the programme for EU integration, the Parliament adopted the integrity amendments to the HJPC Law in September 2023, Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities are working towards a new Law on the HJPC. Moreover, the Ministry of Justice is finalising the draft Law on the Courts of Bosnia and Herzegovina and expected to submit it to the Council of Ministers for adoption in March. The new law on the prevention of conflict of interest was adopted by the Council of Ministers on 6 March and adopted by both Houses of Parliament on 8 March. A law on anti-money laundering and countering terrorism financing (AML/CFT) was adopted theParliament in February 2024. Morever, As a first step to urgently address the financial situation of the state-level public broadcaster, in February 2024 the Council of Ministers granted it funds from the revenues of the Communication Regulatory Agency.
In sum, we can say that Bosnia and Herzegovina has undergone many reforms under a massive speed. Could this have been done earlier? True, but we believe it is essential now that Bosnia and Herzegovina sees some incentives as well.
The expectation towards Bosnia and Herzegovina is high (rightly so) to continue on the strengthening of rule of law and to implement the different reforms required by the EU as soon as possible.
In our opinion, it is important also to stress that ALL ECHR rulings on Bosnia and Herzegovina should be implemented: Sejdic and Finci on BiH’s discriminatory constitutional arrangements, as well as the very recent judgement Kovacevic, historical because they state that the concept of constituent people discriminate against other minorities. We call therefore for the judgements to be fully implemented by Bosnia and Herzegovina sooner rather than later. But we also call for a wider constitutional reform, which is urgently needed.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a problem in communicating its own needs and wishes towards the international community. The need for better communication and for being able to bring forward concrete information towards the European Union (especially the European Parliament) as well as the United Nations is essential in order to be able to influence legislation and to change negative outcomes into positives, for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Therefore, we call for a concrete change in lobbying policy towards the EU and the US from Bosnia’s side, and for an increased fact-based communication.
This is crucial especially after the process of opening negotiations starts. Because remember, it is not the end: it is just the start.
Now it’s up to the EU and its Member States to decide whether Bosnia and Herzegovina can have the opportunity to show that it can work faster, if needed. The momentum is there, the political reasons exist – the question is whether Member States will be brave enough to take the opportunity they have to show that have not forgotten the Western Balkans.
We are trying to raise awareness on the ongoing developments regarding Bosnia and Herzegovina. Some of our aims are to be proactive, help concretely in spreading the correct information, talking to people in the European Union about ongoing developments and organizing events to raise awareness for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
We strongly believe in the potential of a united Bosnia and Herzegovina, this is why we demand a fair process of integration into the EU, a process that is long overdue. For this reason we conclude that it is a matter of urgency to be active for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Written by Federica Woelk
