The European Union decides to start accession talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina

European Union heads of government have officially decided to start accession talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina. “Your place is in the European family,” EU Council President Charles Michel wrote.

On Thursday in Brussels, the European Union heads of state and government decided to officially begin accession talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina. EU Council President Charles Michel announced this on the electronic platform X (formerly: Twitter). “Your place is in the European family,” Michel wrote. Austria immediately congratulated and assured further support.

“The hard work must continue now.”

“Today’s decision is an important step on your path to the European Union. Now the hard work must continue so that Bosnia and Herzegovina can continue to progress as your people want.

The summit will ask the European Union Commission to provide a framework for negotiation. The Council may decide on this matter once Bosnia completes all the reform steps required by the European Union Commission. Unanimity in the EU Council is again required for decision-making.

Austria, represented in Brussels by Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP), is one of the strongest supporters of faster EU integration for Bosnia. However, some EU countries have previously expressed concerns because the country has not yet implemented all the required reforms.

Edtstadler: “You are part of the European family”

From Austria, European Minister Caroline Edtstadler and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (both ÖVP) immediately offered congratulations. He added: “You are part of the European family, and the European Union is not complete without the Western Balkans. It is now important that we stay the course and continue the path of ambitious reform. You can count on Austria's continued support!”, Edtstadler tweeted.

“It is a well-deserved reward for your desire for reform and your courage. “We will continue to support you on this path!” Schallenberg assured X.

The European Union summit decided that negotiations on accession to the European Union with Ukraine and Moldova should be pushed forward “without delay” once the negotiating mandate is activated. Georgia, which has also had official EU candidate status since December 2023, is called upon to address further priority reforms. (Abba)