EU Accession for Bosnia and Herzegovina
False optimism?
May 13, 2024 / Vienna / EU Neighbourhood
In light of recent developments between the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy (AIES) together with the International Institute for Peace (IIP) hosted a joint open event titled EU Accession for Bosnia and Herzegovina: False optimism? at the IPP's premises in Vienna on the 13th of May 2024.
The evening featured a discussion with Milena Mihajlović (Programme Director, European Policy Centre Begrade), Vedran Džihić (Senior Researcher, Austrian Institute for International Politics) and Denis Miskić (Journalist and Project, International Institute for Peace). They shared their perspectives and experiences in line with their work concerning the detected sense of optimism surrounding the European Union's decision on whether to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina in May.
During the discussions, themes of security, integration, systemic delays, transgenerational trauma and challenges with enlargement were raised. Although politicians in Brussels and Sarajevo have expressed hope regarding a rapid start of accession negotiations, the bureaucratic nature of the EU makes it difficult to expect quick integration. Also, ensuring progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina will require collective and intentional efforts of governments, civil society, youths, and the EU that surpasses national and individual interests. Programs such as Erasmus+ were mentioned to be one of the positive drivers for changing the narrative of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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