Bosnia and Herzegovina

Enlargement

EU membership application

Bosnia and Herzegovina's application for EU membership was submitted on 15 February 2016.

The Council adopted conclusions on the application on 20 September 2016, in which it invited the Commission to submit its opinion. In the conclusions, the Council also called on Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue its efforts to ensure effective implementation of the reform agenda, which includes reforms in the area of rule of law and public administration.

• Council conclusions on the application of Bosnia and Herzegovina for membership of the EU, 20 September 2016

The Commission issued its opinion on Bosnia and Herzegovina's application for EU membership in May 2019, setting out 14 key priorities for the opening of EU accession negotiations. On 10 December 2019 the Council adopted conclusions on the Commission's opinion.

• Opinion on Bosnia and Herzegovina's application for membership of the EU (EUR-Lex)
• Council conclusions on Commission opinion on Bosnia and Herzegovina's application for membership of the EU, 10 December 2019

In December 2022 Bosnia and Herzegovina was granted EU candidate status on the understanding that the country implements the steps specified in the Commission's 12 October 2022 communication on enlargement policy to strengthen the rule of law, the fight against corruption and organised crime, migration management and fundamental rights.

• European Council conclusions, 15 December 2022
• Bosnia and Herzegovina report (European Commission, 8 October 2022)

Commission opinion: Implementing key priorities

In order for EU accession negotiations to be opened, Bosnia and Herzegovina must implement 14 key priorities set out in the European Commission's opinion of May 2019 on its EU membership application, which focus on the areas of democracy and functionality of the state, the rule of law, fundamental rights and public administration reform. The opinion provides a comprehensive roadmap for reforms to guide and support the country on its path towards EU integration.

The Council welcomes the Commission's opinion and has consistently called on Bosnia and Herzegovina to implement the 14 key priorities and thereby advance on its European path.

In June 2022, the European Council also called on all political leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina to swiftly implement the commitments set out in a political agreement and to finalise the constitutional and electoral reform in line with the priorities.

• Political agreement on principles for ensuring a functional Bosnia and Herzegovina that advances on the European path, 12 June 2022
• European Council conclusions, 23-24 June 2022

In December 2022, following the recommendation to grant EU candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Council underlined the urgency for the country to move forward on its European path, particularly via fulfilling the priorities.

Accession negotiations

On 8 November 2023, the European Commission issued a recommendation to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina when the necessary compliance with the membership criteria was achieved. In December 2023, EU leaders expressed their readiness to open accession negotiations once Bosnia and Herzegovina achieved this milestone. 

In March 2024, EU leaders gave the greenlight to open accession negotiations, based on the recommendation by the Commission on 12 March 2024. To this end, they invited the Commission to prepare the negotiating framework. Once Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken all relevant steps set out in the Commission's report of 12 October 2022, they invited the Council to adopt it.

• Report on progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina (European Commission, 12 March 2024)
• European Council conclusions, 21-22 March 2024

Stabilisation and association process

All Western Balkan partners have a 'stabilisation and association agreement', which sets the overall framework for their relationship with the EU. It runs in parallel to and is supportive of EU accession negotiations.

Bosnia and Herzegovina's stabilisation and association agreement has been ratified, and it entered into force on 1 June 2015.

• Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, of the other part

EU-Bosnia and Herzegovina Stabilisation and Association Council

To review the progress of EU-Bosnia and Herzegovina relations under the stabilisation and association process, representatives from the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina meet in the EU-Bosnia and Herzegovina Stabilisation and Association Council.

As of July 2023, there have been five EU-Bosnia and Herzegovina Stabilisation and Association Council meetings. At the latest meeting, participants discussed EU- Bosnia and Herzegovina relations and the pre-accession process, with a focus on the political and economic criteria, EU law and pre-accession assistance.

• EU-Bosnia and Herzegovina Stabilisation and Association Council, 19 July 2023

Annual progress review

Every year, the Council takes stock of progress made in each of the EU candidates and partners, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, on their European path.

On 16 December 2025, the Danish Council presidency issued conclusions that were politically supported by 26 of the EU member states.

• Presidency conclusions on enlargement, 16 December 2025

Border management cooperation

To manage migratory flows, counter illegal immigration and tackle cross-border crime, the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina have a pending agreement on broader cooperation on operational activities carried out by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). The agreement will allow Frontex and Bosnia and Herzegovina to conduct joint operations and for Frontex staff to carry out border checks and register persons.

On 27 January 2025, the Council decided that the EU would sign an agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina on operational activities with Frontex. On 11 June 2025, the parties signed a status agreement, which will enter into force following the consent of the European Parliament and the Council, as well as the national ratification procedure in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

• Strengthening the EU's external borders
• Frontex: EU to sign cooperation agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina (press release, 27 January 2025)
• EU strengthens cooperation on migration and border management with Bosnia and Herzegovina (European Commission, 11 June 2025)

European peace facility

Under the European peace facility, an instrument aimed at preventing conflict and strengthening international security, the EU has adopted assistance measures to support armed forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The measures also help strengthen the capacities of the armed forces and finance field equipment. They constitute part of the EU’s work to strengthen its security engagement with its Western Balkans partners. 

As of May 2026, the Council has adopted three bilateral assistance measures in support of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In June 2022, the Council also adopted assistance measures to benefit the Balkan medical task force, which includes procuring the necessary equipment and materiel for the medical units of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s armed forces. The aim is to strengthen military medical capabilities and civilian relief efforts in the Western Balkans region.

• European peace facility: Council adopts assistance measure in support of the Balkan medical task force (press release, 10 June 2022)