SARAJEVO, June 1 (Xinhua) -- European Council President Antonio Costa on Monday urged Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) to accelerate key reforms required for European Union (EU) membership, saying the country is only a few steps away from opening accession negotiations and should seize the current momentum for enlargement.
Speaking after talks with members of the BiH Presidency in Sarajevo, Costa called on the country's leaders to adopt the remaining judicial reforms and appoint a chief negotiator, describing both measures as essential for advancing the accession process.
He also stressed the need to implement the Reform Agenda, which would unlock funding under the EU's Reform and Growth Facility, support economic convergence with the bloc and help raise living standards.
Costa warned that delays in reform efforts have already come at a cost. Bosnia and Herzegovina has lost access to 108 million euros (125.6 million U.S. dollars) in available EU funding, while a further 373 million euros (434 million dollars) could be jeopardized in the coming months if the required measures are not implemented.
Highlighting the EU's support for the country, Costa pointed to investments and policies aimed at promoting prosperity and security, including assistance through the EU-led military mission EUFOR Althea and support for the armed forces under the European Peace Facility.
Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty and economic challenges, Costa said EU enlargement has become both a strategic necessity and an opportunity for Europe.
Bosnia and Herzegovina was granted EU candidate status in 2022, and the European Council agreed in March 2024 to open accession negotiations once the country meets the necessary conditions.
Costa's visit to Sarajevo marks the start of a regional tour of the Western Balkans from June 1 to 5 ahead of the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, Montenegro. Regional leaders are expected to discuss EU enlargement, regional cooperation, security and economic integration.
