EU membership: Bosnia and Herzegovina to begin talks to join bloc
After eight years since formally applying to join the European Union, Bosnia and Herzegovina, a Balkan nation, is set to commence negotiations for EU membership.
Last week, the European Commission, the executive body of the EU, recommended initiating talks, a proposal that has now received approval from EU leaders.
Charles Michel, President of the European Council, congratulated the country’s leaders, emphasising, “Your place is in our European family.” He shared a photo of himself shaking hands with Borjana Krišto, Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, symbolising the milestone.
“Today’s decision is a key step forward on your EU path. Now the hard work needs to continue so Bosnia and Herzegovina steadily advances, as your people want.”
Krišto expressed her thanks, saying: “Mutual determination and effort have resulted in achieving the necessary level of compliance with the requirements and criteria.”
Germany’s chancellor, Olaf Scholz, described the news as a “good message” for the entire region.
Croatia’s prime minister Andrej Plenković said it was “a historic day for our neighbouring and friendly Bosnia and Herzegovina!”