New chapter opened in EU relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina's sub-national governments

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) held the inaugural meeting of its Working Group on Bosnia and Herzegovina on 22 September, marking a new phase in its engagement with local and regional authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The meeting, which was held in Brussels, brought together Bosnian leaders from the country's entities, cantons, and municipalities to discuss the role and needs of sub-national authorities in reforms to prepare the country for membership of the European Union.

Speakers included Nihad Uk, prime minister of the canton of Sarajevo, Marija Buhač, prime minister of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, Kenan Dautović, president of the Association of Cities and Municipalities of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and mayor of Travnik, and Milan Zečević, member of the presidency of the Association of Cities and Municipalities of Republika Srpska and mayor of Brod.

Attendees also received an update on the state of play on the country's bid for EU membership from: Bosnia and Herzogivina's ambassador to the EU, Obrad Kesić; MEP Ondřej Kolář (CZ/EPP); and representatives of the European Commission and the European External Action Service.

The creation of the Working Group reflects Bosnia and Herzegovina's recent progress towards integration with the EU. The country officially became a candidate for EU membership in December 2022, with EU Member States giving the green light for accession negotiations in March 2024. The CoR, which brings together local and regional authorities from across the EU, has held regular meetings with sub-national authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina over the past 15 years. This new format builds upon the work of the CoR’s previous Working Group on the Western Balkans, enabling an approach more tailored to Bosnia and Herzegovina's specific needs and more regular meetings.

Csaba Borboly (RO/EPP), Vice-President of Harghita County Council, was elected as the chair of the Working Group. Under his chairmanship, the Working Group will meet twice a year. These meetings will provide a regular update on the state of play in EU-Bosnia and Herzegovina relations, and will also look more closely at EU-related reforms at the sub-national level, local democracy, the transition towards a greener economy, and cross-border cooperation.

Quote:  

• Csaba Borboly (RO/EPP), chair of the Working Group on Bosnia and vice-president of Harghita County Council: "I take on this task with a profound sense of responsibility and clear awareness of the delicate moment we are facing in the relations between the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The challenges ahead are significant, but so are the opportunities to strengthen our partnership with local and regional authorities from Bosnia and Herzegovina and to support our Bosnian partners on their European path. I would like to emphasise, that as chair of the Working Group, I want primarily to listen very carefully to our friends from Bosnia and Herzegovina, starting with those local and regional politicians who are here with us today. Our local and regional voices matter. When we are heard, the EU integration process becomes more democratic, more practical, and more connected to people’s real needs. Together, we can show how cooperation leads to progress and prepare for our joint future in the European Union."   

Background:  

• Meeting details: The agenda and recording of the meeting is available on a dedicated events page on the website of the European Committee of the Regions.  

• Photos: Available here or by writing to the European Committee of the Regions. 

• Details of the CoR's work with countries seeking membership of the EU can be found on the CoR's website.