BiH & EU
Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path to the European Union
confirmed in Thessaloniki
Association Agreement (SAA)
BiH citizens
for EU membership
KEY STEPS
BiH's path to the EU
From the first diplomatic contact to the formal membership application — an overview of the most important moments in the European integration process of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Thessaloniki perspective
At the EU summit in Thessaloniki, the heads of state and government made their position on the Western Balkans clear: "The future of this region is in the European Union." BiH receives a clear membership perspective. The EU is represented in BiH by the Delegation of the European Union, and the Council of the EU gives a mandate to the EU Special Representative and the EUFOR Althea forces.
Stabilisation and Association Agreement
The SAA was signed on 16 June 2008 in Luxembourg and established a framework for implementing legal, administrative, institutional and economic reforms. At the same time the Interim Agreement on free trade between the EU and BiH entered into force — the EU becomes BiH's main trading partner.
Visa-free regime
From 15 December 2010 citizens of BiH with biometric passports can travel to the Schengen area without a visa. This step was the first visible effect of the European integration process on the daily lives of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Formal membership application
On 15 February 2016 the Chairman of the Presidency of BiH submitted the formal application for membership in the European Union to the presidency of the Council of the EU. This historic step launched the formal process of considering BiH's candidacy.
The next steps
The Commission sends a detailed questionnaire and assesses BiH's answers, then issues a recommendation on granting candidate status. Once negotiations are concluded, an Accession Treaty is signed and ratified by all member states. On a set date, the country joins the EU.
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
What can young people do for BiH's EU integration?
Erasmus+ exchanges
Universities in BiH are part of the Erasmus+ network. Student exchanges with the best European universities — connecting with peers across Europe is the most important opportunity available to young people in BiH today.
Critical awareness and public debate
In a time of unverified and false information about the EU and migration, young people must take part in public discussion, fact-check populist claims and present the situation as it really is.
Government accountability
Young people in BiH have concrete results — in 2013 their pressure forced the authorities to stay in the Erasmus+ programme. Young people must be ready to challenge even their own political representatives.
„By the time Bosnia and Herzegovina becomes a member of the European Union, today's young people will hold important social and political positions. That is why it is so important to involve them in the processes and to motivate them to make the most of the advantages available to them, even in this pre-accession period."
MULTIMEDIA
A visual overview of the integration process
Diplomatic relations between the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina
The EU is represented in BiH by the EU Delegation. The Council of the EU has given a mandate to the EU Special Representative and the EUFOR Althea forces. From 2003 to 2012 the Police Mission (EUPM) was also active.
The SAA and free trade between BiH and the EU
SAA signed on 16 June 2008 in Luxembourg — a framework for legal, administrative and economic reforms
Interim free-trade agreement in force from 1 July 2008
The EU is the largest trading partner of Bosnia and Herzegovina and provides autonomous trade preferences
Formal membership application submitted on 15 February 2016
What can young people do for BiH's EU integration?
VIDEO CONTENT
Short audiovisual clips about the EU and BiH
Watch a series of short clips that explain the relationship between the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina in a simple and accessible way.
Ovo je unija
A YouTube channel with short clips about the European Union and the EU – BiH relationship.