European Commission Chief Urges Bosnia to Unite for EU Membership Amid Tension and Reforms

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen concludes tour of Western Balkan EU hopefuls, encouraging unity and democratic reform in Bosnia against the backdrop of political tensions and an ongoing war in Ukraine.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged Bosnia to unite and speak 'with one voice,' stressing that the country’s future lies in the European Union and commending the progress made since gaining candidate status last year.
The call for unity comes as part of von der Leyen's tour of Western Balkan nations aspiring to join the EU, during which she promoted the €6 billion package aimed at helping these nations boost their reforms.
Among the six Western Balkan countries—Albania, Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo—Bosnia is the furthest from EU membership, hindered by corruption, ethnic and political divisions.
Von der Leyen specifically addressed Bosnia's Serb leaders, who have advocated for separation from Bosnia and have faced sanctions from the U.S. and Britain.
In addition to urging unity, von der Leyen pushed for significant democratic reform in Bosnia, warning against any backsliding on common values or divisions within the country.