International peace envoy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, High Representative Christian Schmidt, welcomed the European Council's decision to approve the opening of the accession talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday.

He called it a “big step” for the country, and urged for reforms.

“Important news from EU, BiH can officially commence accession talks. This is a big step, a moment for committing to serious work on reforms. More steps have to follow. BiH now plays in the higher league with great expectations and even greater rewards,” Schmidt said.

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

The EU leaders decided on Thursday in the European Council session to greenlight the opening of the accession talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The step comes weeks after the European Commission's positive recommendation.

Bosnia applied for the EU membership in 2016 and was granted candidate status in 2022.