Balkans | EU leaders agree to grant candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina

The leaders of the EU member states approved the decision to grant Bosnia and Herzegovina the status of a candidate country for EU membership.

The leaders of the European Union, who gathered at the summit meeting in Brussels, assessed the recommendation made the day before by the ministers responsible for European affairs of the European Union countries regarding granting BiH candidacy status to join the Union.

An official from the Council of Europe told reporters that the leaders had agreed to put BiH’s candidacy in place.

In a statement after the decision was announced, Oliver Varhelyi, the EU commissioner responsible for enlargement, said, “This is a historic decision. The future of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European Union.” Use the phrase.

The European Council stated that it was ready to grant candidate status to BiH on 23 June and invited the Commission to report on the implementation of 14 key priorities.

Oliver Varhelyi also announced on 12 October that a proposal had been made to grant “candidate country” status to Bosnia and Herzegovina, a “potential candidate” country.

Candidacy status is the first step in a country’s long-term EU accession process. After a country is granted candidate status, accession negotiations begin in the following stages, provided the conditions are met. Accession negotiations can take years to begin.

Welcome the granting of candidate country status to BiH

The granting of candidate country status to Bosnia and Herzegovina by the European Union (EU) has been welcomed in the country and region.

Several officials described the candidate country status, which BiH applied for nearly 7 years ago and was approved by EU member state leaders today, as “encouraging”.

Bosnian member of the Presidency Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Bešerović, stated that the decision was encouraging and said, “BiH and EU relations will become stronger with this decision. Of course, we have a long way to go. Bosnia and Herzegovina should make good use of the hand extended from Brussels and help the country develop.” With rapid steps on the road to joining the European Union. Use the phrase.

The Croatian member of the council, Zeljko Komsic, noted that the decision was the result of the EU’s approach to the Western Balkans and “is also the result of Russia’s attack on Ukraine”. He said.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Becera Turković, congratulated the people and said: “The status of a candidate country is the result of stability, sovereignty and development. This is a big and historic step for Bosnia and Herzegovina.” He rated it.

“A strong and encouraging message for the Western Balkans as well”

Prime Minister Zoran Tejltija called the decision a “positive sign” that the people of the country have been waiting for a long time, and “a strong and encouraging message for the Western Balkans”. He said.

Slovenian President Borut Pahor stated that he was very happy with the decision and said, “I am proud that Slovenia made proposals and has continued.” He said.

High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina Christian Schmidt conveyed his congratulatory messages to the people of the country and said: “This is an unmissable opportunity for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Candidate status is the main step towards progress towards the European Union. Political leaders must also work for the benefit of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.” He rated it.

Many party leaders in the country also expressed their welcome.

AA