Bosnia Urged to Accelerate Reforms for EU Accession Talks

EU offers $6.4 billion package to Western Balkan countries as Russia's actions in Ukraine rekindle accession prospects.

Bosnia has been advised by the European Commission and the prime ministers of the Netherlands and Croatia to accelerate reforms and seize the opportunity to begin accession negotiations with the European Union before a parliamentary vote in June.
Bosnia was granted candidate status in 2022, and negotiations can start once the required compliance level is achieved.
The European Union is offering a $6.4 billion package for Western Balkan countries to encourage reform.
Bosnia still needs to pass reform laws related to fighting corruption and money laundering, judicial reform, and the rule of law to begin the accession talks.
Western officials fear that Russia could try to stir instability in Bosnia and the rest of the Balkans to divert attention from its attacks on Ukraine.