On January 16, 2025, Denis Becirovic, a member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency, met with Luigi Soreca, Head of the European Union Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The discussions centered on the critical reforms required for the country's EU membership aspirations.
Becirovic emphasized that full EU and NATO membership are Bosnia's foremost foreign policy objectives, viewing these memberships as essential for long-term security and regional stability. He underscored the mutual advantages of EU enlargement for Bosnia, the Western Balkans, and the EU itself, advocating for a zero-tolerance policy towards those undermining Bosnia's constitutional order.
Ambassador Soreca reiterated the EU's commitment to strengthening its partnership with Bosnia, highlighting the European Council's decision to initiate accession negotiations as a crucial motivator for reform. He noted that EU membership could enhance the functionality of Bosnia's institutions and encouraged the government to leverage this momentum.
Both parties acknowledged the need to align domestic laws with European standards and implement reforms to bolster democratic institutions and the rule of law. They agreed that increased EU engagement could improve living conditions for citizens and address youth emigration challenges.
Becirovic expressed optimism regarding Bosnia's progress on its EU path, which has been recognized by EU institutions. He conveyed hopes for significant advancements towards full membership in the upcoming months.
In a separate meeting, Zeljka Cvijanovic, Chair of the BiH Presidency, also discussed EU integration with Soreca, focusing on institutional activities and recent stagnation in reforms. Cvijanovic stressed the importance of respecting the constitutional roles of various government levels and called for a balanced EU approach towards all entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Both meetings highlighted the urgency of maintaining reform momentum to secure Bosnia and Herzegovina's future within the European community.