During Thursday's meeting of the Stabilization and Association Committee between the European Union (EU) and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Brussels, the European Commission's key message was that Bosnian authorities must maintain the positive momentum in implementing reforms, which has led to the green light for opening negotiations.

Elvira Habota, Director of the Directorate for European Integration, told FENA that it was emphasized that BiH must take all necessary steps outlined in the 2022 European Commission recommendations. This is essential for the Council of the European Union to be able to adopt the negotiating framework with BiH.

“The European Commission welcomed several initiatives Bosnia has undertaken, including the adoption of the new Anti-Corruption Strategy and the new Public Procurement Strategy. Further progress is needed by the time the new annual report on Bosnia and Herzegovina is released, which is expected in October. This report will allow the Commission to reassess the country's progress and potentially propose the adoption of the negotiating framework,” said Habota.

She also highlighted that the Commission emphasized the importance of adopting the new Law on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC), the Law on the Courts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and taking decisive steps to combat corruption and organized crime as crucial measures for the approval of the negotiating framework. Additionally, the Commission urged authorities to adopt the Law on Border Control and the Border Management Strategy.

This seventh meeting of the Stabilization and Association Committee marks the first since the European Council gave the green light to start negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina.