Bosnia and Herzegovina received a conditional green light for the opening of accession negotiations with the European Union, as was announced earlier. The Commission proposed to open negotiations with BiH as soon as the conditions for compliance are met.

“BiH took a whole series of steps, the rapid formation of the Council of Ministers in January 2023, then the commitment of all political parties to the goal, which is the accession to the EU which led to progress. We also note that the Republika Srpska (RS) entity passed a number of unconstitutional laws. The commission will recommend entering into negotiations when compliance with the criteria is achieved. The commission will report on progress in March 2024,” Von der Leyen said Wednesday.

After the Commission assesses that Bosnia and Herzegovina has achieved the necessary level of compliance with the criteria for membership and that it has fulfilled the 14 key priorities, the Commission will recommend the opening of EU accession negotiations.

Based on the conclusions of the Council of the European Union from December 2019, the Commission focuses its annual reports on the implementation of laws in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 14 key priorities, the EC report states.

The College of European Commissioners considered reports on the progress of EU candidate countries, as well as the possible enlargement package. According to those reports, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine and Moldova could start negotiations on joining the European Union in March next year, provided they make progress in reforms, especially in the rule of law and government transparency.

Addressing all 14 priorities is proof of BiH's readiness to make a breakthrough, the report states.

During her visit at the beginning of November, and before the publication of the report, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said in Sarajevo that Bosnia should act unitedly and continue working on fulfilling 14 priorities, to become a full member of the European Union as a united, sovereign and independent country of the Union.

“Solving all 14 priorities, especially those related to the establishment and strengthening of the rule of law, such as the law on courts and conflict of interest, are important above all for this country and this should be emphasized. It will be additional proof of your country's readiness and ability to take a step towards the EU,” Von der Leyen said.