Stier warns BiH leaders: Time running out, opportunities and funds slipping away

Speaking in Sarajevo at a meeting of the EU-BiH Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee, Stier, who chairs the European Parliament Delegation for relations with BiH and Kosovo, said frustration in Strasbourg mirrors the lack of progress since the European Council conditionally approved the launch of accession talks in March 2024.

Soon after, a series of political crises followed in BiH, and the country is now burdened in particular by preparations for the early presidential election in Republika Srpska scheduled for November. General elections are due in October 2026.

Stier stressed that BiH is still waiting for the adoption of crucial judicial laws - on courts and the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council - without which accession negotiations cannot formally begin. He called it disappointing that parliament is blocking laws already approved by the Council of Ministers.

Stier pointed out financial losses as well: BiH risks losing €100 million in EU funds this month, after already forfeiting a similar amount in July, because it has yet to adopt a reform programme required for the €1 billion Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, available only until 2027.

While welcoming BiH's agreement with Frontex on border control as a rare positive step, Stier stressed that "time is not working in BiH's favour."

BiH officials said there was still hope the reform programme could be adopted by the end of September, but parliamentary debate showed little readiness among domestic politicians to abandon mutual accusations and unblock reforms.