EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos: Young people across Bosnia want a European future

In her speech, Kos recalled a remark from a young man in Republika Srpska that particularly moved her: “Marta, young people of Serb ethnicity also want to join the EU.” She added that the young politicians she had met were “realistic but determined in their pursuit of a better future for Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

During her two-day visit to the country, Kos met with representatives of local communities and civil society. In Visoko, she attended the European Week of Sport and spoke with Mayor Ganic and city councillors about youth engagement. In Vares, she highlighted what she described as a “strong community,” citing the example of a young man named Robert who returned from Mostar to open a gym, telling her, “My heart pulled me back to Vares.”

Kos underlined that citizens across different regions of the country pointed out challenges that drive many to leave Bosnia and Herzegovina, including unemployment, low wages, weak education and health systems, political stagnation, and corruption. “Too many feel they have no other choice but to leave this beautiful country and look for opportunities elsewhere,” she said. Still, she highlighted the determination of a medical student who told her, “I am staying. I want to see change. I want to see a strong Bosnia and Herzegovina in the EU.”

The commissioner reminded that surveys show strong support for EU enlargement, particularly regarding Bosnia’s membership. According to her, 67 percent of citizens in BiH would vote in favour of EU accession. Even in Republika Srpska, half of those surveyed support the membership. Among EU member states, the strongest backing for Bosnia and Herzegovina comes from Austria, Croatia, and Slovenia.

Kos concluded by reaffirming her commitment to advocating for Bosnia in Brussels and across European capitals: “We want you in the EU. You are part of the European family. I am your strongest advocate in Brussels. But you must help me so that I can help you.”