EU warns Bosnian politicians: Act now or lose more funds

At the heart of the Growth Plan is the Reform and Growth Facility, a performance-based instrument designed to reward countries that implement key reforms in areas such as digital and green transition, private sector development, and the rule of law. To access the funds, governments must submit a Reform Agenda to the European Commission for approval.

While other countries in the region, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, submitted and had their Reform Agendas approved by October 2024, Bosnia and Herzegovina remains the only one yet to finalise and submit a consolidated version. Despite a political agreement reached in the Council of Ministers on 27 June 2025 and several technical discussions with the EU, BiH has failed to deliver a final draft.

The EU has warned that a further 10% cut will be applied if the Reform Agenda is not submitted by 30 September 2025.

The European Commission emphasised that €976.6 million remains available to Bosnia, noting that these funds can bring tangible improvements in transport, energy, and digital sectors. However, unallocated funds will be redistributed across the Western Balkans based on overall reform progress.

The EU Delegation and Special Representative in BiH stressed that this is a missed opportunity and urged BiH authorities to act swiftly. "There is also a cost to inaction," the statement read. "It is time for political actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina to use the opportunities available for the benefit of all citizens."