The European Union (EU) has officially initiated negotiations to absorb Bosnia and Herzegovina, one of Europe’s only Muslim-majority states.
“Congratulations! Your place is in our European family. Today’s decision is a key step forward on your EU path,” declared Charles Michel, European Council president, Charles Michel, the President of the European Council.
Bosnia is still suffering the effects of the wars that wracked the Balkans during the breakup of Yugoslavia, and the government is at odds with the Serb minority in the separatist-minded Republika Srpska region. It could, therefore, prove to be one of the EU’s most controversial acquisitions, with the bloc still requiring it to meet various demands on corruption and electoral and judicial reform before accession.
EU leaders have also called on Brussels to “swiftly” move ahead with preparing the ground for Moldova and Ukraine, one at war and both home to substantial ethnic Russian populations, to accede.
All such member states would eventually enter into the Free Movement migration regime if admitted to the EU, and gain access to a budget that has become increasingly strained since Brexit.
The European Council has just decided to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Congratulations!
Your place is in our European family.
Today’s decision is a key step forward on your EU path. Now the hard work needs to continue so Bosnia and Herzegovina… pic.twitter.com/LyotNa5gGc
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) March 21, 2024