Austria’s Justice Minister, Alma Zadic, has urged Bosnia and Herzegovina to accelerate its reform efforts if it wants to stay on track for EU membership. In an exclusive interview with N1, Zadic stressed that Bosnia has a limited window of just three months to pass four critical laws necessary for the opening of EU accession negotiations.

“Bosnia has three months to implement the necessary reforms, including four key laws. The clock is ticking, and by December, we need to see real progress to move forward with EU talks”, Zadic told N1.

Reflecting on her previous visit in 2022, Zadic admitted she was initially frustrated with the lack of progress but now sees a noticeable shift.

“More reforms have been implemented in the past year than in the previous decade”, she noted.

After recent discussions with Bosnia's justice minister, she expressed optimism, saying there is a clear political will to push through much-needed changes.

Zadic also condemned secessionist movements within Republika Srpska, highlighting the strong opposition from the European Union and the U.S. “Bosnia’s future is in the European Union, and Austria is fully supportive of this path”, she affirmed.

During her official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zadic met with senior officials to discuss ongoing reforms and the country’s EU accession process.