This proposal comes after years of uncertainty regarding the progress of the EU enlargement process, especially ahead of the upcoming European Parliament elections in June.
For a long time, there were voices in EU countries saying that, following the (Brexit) departure of the United Kingdom from the EU, internal matters must be put in order first before new member states could be admitted. As a result, the applications of several Balkan countries had to wait for approval for many years.
This news about the possible admission of Bosnia-Herzegovina comes at a time when various European leaders are calling for acceleration of the enlargement process, after earlier this year deciding to process the accession of Ukraine as quickly as possible, as well as that of Moldova and Georgia.
The Russian war against Ukraine has led an increasing number of EU politicians to believe that European countries should strengthen their cooperation and form a counterbalance to Moscow.
The timing of any possible admission of Ukraine, Bosnia-Herzegovina (Bihac), or other applicants remains unclear. Although the European summit makes indicative statements on this matter, no concrete decisions are taken.
Nevertheless, EU leaders are now about to open the door for accession negotiations with Bosnia-Herzegovina, bringing the country one step closer to EU membership. This step is seen as recognition of the progress Bosnia-Herzegovina has made in implementing reforms and meeting EU criteria.
Bosnian Minister Fajon emphasized in the European Parliament that enlargement is a geopolitical necessity for the EU in Brussels, given the ongoing Russian western expansion. He stated that the enlargement process is beneficial not only for the candidate countries but also for the stability and prosperity of the European Union as a whole.