Bosnia-Herzegovina – European Council decision to grant candidate country status to Bosnia-Herzegovina (15 December 2022)

France welcomes the European Council’s December 15th decision to grant Bosnia-Herzegovina EU candidate country status. Through this unanimous decision by all 27 member states, the EU is sending a strong message to the Bosnian people, reminding them of the European continent’s common destiny.

This decision inaugurates a new phase with regard to Bosnia-Herzegovina’s future within the EU. There is a clear roadmap for moving forward and toward the opening of accession negotiations. It includes the 14 priority reforms enumerated by the European Commission in October. France hopes that the country’s new elected officials will resolutely engage in the implementation of these reforms, which are essential for bringing the country into the EU, and which will bring tangible improvements to the lives of all Bosnian citizens.