Bosnia and Herzegovina Prime Minister Borjana Kristo on Friday announced accelerated work on the adoption of new laws to prepare for the start of accession negotiations with the European Union.

In a letter, she thanked European Council President Charles Michel and the heads of state or government for a decision whereby yesterday they formally approved the start of the negotiations.

N1 learns: Bosnia gets ‘green light’ for EU accession talks

Kristo called it a historic moment symbolising a key step forward on the European integration path as well as credit for the work at all levels of government in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

BiH remains committed to the values and goals on which the EU is founded as well as to the further strengthening of regional cooperation within existing initiatives, on the principles of good neighbourliness, the strengthening of political dialogue, peace and stability in the region, she said in the letter.

The European Council approved the opening of the negotiations although BiH has not met all the requirements, including amendments to the election law.

Kristo told Michel that work on the adoption of new laws would begin at once, including laws on the Court of BiH and personal data protection, and amendments to the election law.

As soon as the breaking news on the membership talks appeared on Thursday evening, Bosnia and Herzegovina's Prime Minister Borjana Kristo welcomed the conclusion.

“On behalf of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as on my own behalf, I sincerely thank EU Council and Charles Michel for tonight's decision to open accession negotiations for BiH to join the EU,” Kristo wrote on X platform.