EU and BiH

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) took a major step toward the European Union (EU) in December 2022, when it was granted EU candidate status. In March 2024, the European Council gave the green light to start accession negotiations, with progress tracked carefully against the European Commission’s recommendations. To move forward on its EU path, BiH needs to continue working to align legislation and standards with those in the EU, including strengthening the rule of law, fighting corruption, and protecting fundamental rights. At the same time, the country continues to implement the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA), which makes trade with the EU easier and helps align local standards with European ones. The EU provides funding, technical assistance, and expert guidance, helping institutions work more efficiently and ensuring that reforms deliver meaningful results in citizens’ daily lives - improving services, creating opportunities, and raising standards across the country. The EU remains BiH’s largest donor and trade partner, committed to supporting the country every step of the way.