Visiting European MEPs warn Bosnia: Seize EU opportunity before it's too late

Speakers of the parliaments of Sweden, Finland, Lithuania, and Latvia, along with deputy speakers from Norway, Iceland, Estonia, and Denmark, visited Sarajevo to meet with the heads of both chambers of the BiH Parliamentary Assembly and members of the Presidency. Their goal: to address the ongoing political impasse and encourage progress on critical EU-related reforms.

Andreas Norlen, Speaker of the Swedish Parliament, emphasised that the reform process in BiH had stalled for far too long, calling the situation unsustainable.

“We all regret that the process has come to a standstill,” Norlen said.

“EU membership is based on merit — there are no shortcuts or exceptions. BiH must now pass at least two reform laws required by the European Commission and appoint a chief negotiator to move forward.”

He reminded reporters that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine had created renewed momentum for EU enlargement, an opening that should not be squandered.

“This opportunity will not last forever. All of Europe must stand united against the Russian threat,” Norlen added.

His concerns were echoed by Daiga Mieriņa, Speaker of the Latvian Parliament, who underscored the importance of European unity in the face of ongoing security challenges.

"Russia continues to pose a threat to Europe. Without containing that threat, peace cannot be guaranteed," she said, stressing that their visit was not about giving lectures, but about offering support and solidarity, much like what the Baltic nations received during their own EU accession journeys.

Denis Zvizdic, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the BiH Parliamentary Assembly, described the visit as a powerful sign of friendship and encouragement, potentially helping BiH chart a more decisive course toward EU membership.

“I called on our friends to consider imposing sanctions on politicians who actively work to destabilise peace, security, and BiH’s European trajectory,” Zvizdic said.

Marinko Cavara, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, acknowledged that domestic political divisions persist but noted a shared commitment to the country’s EU path during these meetings.

“The challenges in BiH are undeniably complex… but EU membership is not just in our national interest — it serves the interests of the entire European Union,” Cavara concluded.