Head of the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Johann Sattler, in an interview with Srna, called on BiH’s political actors to continue constructive dialogue and reach compromises necessary to generate political will and momentum for the country’s European path.
Responding to Srna’s question about the likelihood of BiH opening its first negotiation chapters with the EU by March next year, Sattler emphasized that progress is possible when there is political will.
- “To open the first negotiation chapters, several steps must be undertaken beforehand. A negotiation framework needs to be adopted, an intergovernmental conference held, and the screening process completed before chapters can be opened. Unfortunately, much time has been wasted since greenlighting accession talks in March this year,” Sattler stated.
He noted that it is unlikely the negotiation framework will be adopted at the European Council meeting in December, but realistically, this could happen at the Council’s session in March if BiH fulfills its obligations.
“The doors to EU membership remain open. Rapid progress is possible, but it is up to the authorities in BiH to seize this opportunity,” he added.
Sattler reiterated that EU membership remains the best guarantee for prosperity and stability for the people of BiH, emphasizing that the European path is a unifying goal among the country’s political actors.
- “With EU enlargement high on the agenda of Ursula von der Leyen’s European Commission, which began its term on December 1, BiH has the conditions for significant progress on its European journey in the coming years if the authorities demonstrate commitment,” the EU representative stated.
Key Priorities for 2025
Sattler outlined that the priorities remain the same: greater alignment with EU standards.
- “BiH received the green light to open accession talks in March 2024. We want to see further progress next year, including adopting the negotiation framework and initiating formal negotiations,” he emphasized.
To achieve this, Sattler highlighted the importance of passing pending laws aligned with European standards, including laws on the judiciary, data protection, border control, and comprehensive judicial reforms.
“Additionally, appointing a chief negotiator and a negotiation team to represent BiH with one voice is crucial,” he stated.
Sattler also pointed to the necessity of adopting a National Program for EU Acquis Alignment and appointing a coordinator for IPA funds to efficiently manage pre-accession funds.
The Role of EU Membership
Highlighting the benefits of EU membership, Sattler said:
- “Membership will enable BiH to access the world’s largest single market, attract investments, strengthen democratic institutions, fight corruption and organized crime, and improve environmental, education, and healthcare standards.”
He noted that 71% of BiH citizens view the EU as an attractive destination for work, study, and travel, stressing the need to improve living standards to reduce emigration and make BiH more appealing for citizens and investors alike.
Economic Integration
Sattler underlined the transformative potential of the EU Growth Plan for the Balkans, which aims to integrate regional economies with the EU single market.
- “With €6 billion allocated through the Growth Plan for reforms, BiH has the opportunity to secure over €1 billion in exchange for implementing agreed reforms. These reforms will not only attract further investment but also drive sustainable growth and job creation,” Sattler explained.
He urged BiH’s political actors to capitalize on this unique opportunity to benefit the country’s citizens.
Next Steps
Sattler concluded by emphasizing that beginning EU accession talks as soon as possible is vital:
- “As seen in other countries, the EU accession process significantly improves the quality of life for citizens. BiH has the potential to do the same if political actors demonstrate the necessary will and unity,” Sattler concluded.
Source: RTRS
