The foreign minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina has voiced criticism regarding Brussels’ arguments that Ukraine is advancing in reforms faster than Balkan nations. He believes these assertions do not accurately reflect the current reality.
“Ukraine is at war and does not control its entire territory, while we have to wait because the European Union insists on a meritocratic approach, even though [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is blocking decision-making in parliament through his affiliates,” stated the minister.
He emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina fully supports Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and struggle for freedom, but insisted that the ongoing war should not serve as a special “entry ticket” to the EU. He argued that Brussels should demonstrate equal treatment to all candidates and consider each country’s specific challenges.
The minister attributed the slow progress of his own country not to a lack of desire for change but to geopolitical pressure from Russia. He explained that pro-Russian forces led by Milorad Dodik, the leader of Republika Srpska, are directly following Moscow’s directives and obstructing EU integration laws in the local parliament.
Bosnia and Herzegovina applied for EU membership in February 2016, gained candidate status in December 2022, and in March 2024, the EU decided to begin negotiations regarding its accession, as stated on the website of the European External Action Service.
Context
- Ukraine submitted its membership application shortly after the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
- On January 16, 2026, the FT reported that the European Commission was preparing proposals to revise the EU accession process to potentially expedite Ukraine’s membership.
- Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Taras Kachka believes that Ukraine could sign its membership agreement as early as 2027 after closing most negotiation chapters.
- On June 2, “Suspilne” reported that the start date for opening the first cluster of negotiations was uncertain due to a lack of agreement from Hungary.
