The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina has reviewed the report on negotiations for the Agreement between BiH and the European Union regarding operational activities carried out by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) in BiH. The negotiations took place between March 12 and December 18, 2024. The Council has also examined the text of the agreement itself.

The Council of Ministers approved the temporary application of the agreement in accordance with the provisions regulating this matter. The Ministry of Security is tasked with forwarding the report to the BiH Presidency for further legal procedures, along with a proposal to designate Council Chair Borjana Kristo as the signatory.

The signing and temporary implementation of this agreement represent a significant step in strengthening operational cooperation between EU member states and BiH authorities in migration management, as well as in Bosnia's continued path towards EU membership.

Upcoming meetings on EU integration

The Council of Ministers has also adopted an information report from the Directorate for European Integration regarding the upcoming eighth meeting of the Special Group for Public Administration Reform between the European Union and BiH, scheduled for March 12, 2025, in Sarajevo.

The Directorate will coordinate with relevant BiH institutions to ensure the meeting's organization, with the head of the BiH delegation available for media inquiries. The delegation will be led by Minister of Justice Davor Bunoza.

Discussions at the meeting will cover both political and technical aspects of public administration reform. The meeting aligns with the European Commission's new approach, emphasizing a strong political commitment to reforms, which BiH previously endorsed through the conclusions of the Council of Ministers in May 2020.

Additionally, the Council of Ministers approved the Directorate’s report on the organization of the eighth Subcommittee on Internal Market and Competition, including consumer and health protection. This meeting will be held on March 5, 2025, in Sarajevo, with an option for remote participation via videoconference.

Political disagreements on EU path

Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Stasa Kosarac (SNSD) recently stated that ministers from Republika Srpska blocked discussions on three agenda items related to BiH’s EU path until the competent institutions of RS provide their opinions. This move highlights ongoing political divisions within BiH regarding the European integration process.