The 8th meeting of the Stabilisation and Association (SA) Committee took place on 11 September 2025 in Sarajevo, marking another regular occasion for policy dialogue between Bosnia and Herzegovina (co-chaired by the Directorate for European Integration) and the EU (co-chaired by the European Commission). The meeting was well-attended by representatives from across the country and the European Commission, and observed by representatives of the EU Member States.
The SA Committee took stock of the country’s progress on the EU path, noting in particular the adoption of the laws on personal data protection and on border control, the signature of the Frontex Status Agreement, the ratification of the Eurojust agreement and the adoption of the strategy and action plan on integrated border management.
The Commission reiterated its serious concern about legislation and initiatives in the Republika Srpska entity that run counter to the EU path, underlining that the sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order of the country needs to be respected. The Commission expects the orderly conduct of early elections for Republika Srpska entity President on the basis of the Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the decisions of the Central Election Commission.
To advance on the opening of EU accession negotiations, Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to finalise reforms in line with European standards, and take all relevant steps set out in the 2022 Commission recommendation, so that the Council may be in a position to adopt the negotiating framework. This includes the adoption of legislative reforms to strengthen the judiciary (Law on the HJPC, Law on the Court of BiH). It is also important for Bosnia and Herzegovina to appoint a Chief Negotiator.
Concerning the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, the Commission urged Bosnia and Herzegovina to finalise and submit its Reform Agenda, for the benefit of all citizens and to avoid incurring further reductions to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s indicative allocation.
The Commission also took note of concerns related to the short-term stays in the EU for truck drivers from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The SA Committee closed the 8th cycle of technical subcommittees under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and marked the opening of the 9th cycle.
