In BiH, leaders couldn’t hide their satisfaction, seeing it as a sign of hope for a better future for its citizens. They believe this process will bring significant benefits as well as responsibilities, presenting a complex task that requires collective effort.

Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina Will Benefit Directly

Elvira Habota, Director of the Directorate for European Integration, stated that opening negotiations brings specific benefits, primarily related to the economy and reform processes.

"First and foremost, this is a positive signal for credit rating agencies, international financial institutions, and investors. For instance, I believe this will positively impact Bosnia and Herzegovina’s credit rating, as we saw when we gained candidate status in 2022. Additionally, it strengthens the country’s credibility," she said.

She hopes the negotiations will serve as a powerful driver for reforms, as these reforms will provide direct benefits to BiH’s citizens.

"Opening negotiations is the strongest message of progress for Bosnia and Herzegovina to date. It has generated a wave of optimism among citizens, which is crucial for sustaining societal support during this lengthy process," Habota explained.

What Does This Mean for the Region?

Asked about the regional implications, Habota said that the EU’s green light for BiH reaffirmed the European perspective of the Western Balkans.

"I believe that opening negotiations in Bosnia and Herzegovina will act as a strong catalyst for reforms and, together with the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, will yield positive effects both domestically and for the region’s economic development. While each country advances in the process based on its own merits, it is essential that none remain stagnant or fall too far behind one another. I hope BiH’s progress will inspire further advancements in countries already deeply engaged in EU negotiations," she stated.

A Step Forward for Bosnia and Herzegovina

Haris Plakalo, Secretary General of the European Movement in BiH, called this a significant step forward for the country.

"Many may not yet fully grasp the importance of the European Council’s decision to greenlight negotiations with BiH and its alignment with the rest of the region," Plakalo told the Fena agency.

According to Plakalo, the progress made by BiH’s political and institutional frameworks on the EU path should not be underestimated. It should be acknowledged and applauded, as failing to do so would be unfair. The decision, he added, gives hope to BiH’s citizens for a better future while increasing the obligations on BiH’s politicians from that point onward.

Plakalo emphasised that while securing the green light is vital, reaching the stage of drafting and adopting the negotiation framework, undergoing the screening phase, and opening negotiation chapters will require substantial efforts to meet the 14 priorities and eight conditions set when BiH was granted conditional candidate status in December 2022.

"This responsibility now lies with Bosnia and Herzegovina. More than ever, it is critical—without any excuses—to continue passing laws and fulfilling requirements to expedite the opening of chapters," Plakalo noted.

He underlined that the EU is unlikely to offer further concessions and that it is time for all parties in BiH—whether government, opposition, media, organisations, or citizens—to unite in advancing the country’s steps towards full EU membership. This includes fulfilling obligations, adopting necessary legislation, committing to the negotiation process, and successfully opening and closing chapters.

"The real work is yet to come," he concluded.

Congratulations from Belgrade

Serbia’s Minister for European Integration, Tanja Miščević, congratulated BiH on this important milestone.

She remarked that this progress is a significant motivator for reforms aimed at improving the lives of BiH citizens and the wider region.

"Let a Hundred Flowers Bloom Along the Banks of the Miljacka, Neretva, and Vrbas Rivers, Politically Coloured, Not Nationalistic"

Boško Jakšić, a foreign policy commentator, stated that the start of BiH’s accession negotiations will, for now, bring praise for the "impressive progress" achieved through the adoption of several laws from the 14 priorities defined by the European Commission in 2018.

"It’s commendable that more has been achieved in the past year than in the previous decade, but this is merely the beginning of serious work needed to fulfil the EU aspirations of over 70% of BiH citizens," Jakšić told EUpravo Zato.

However, he cautioned against complacency:

"BiH received candidate status after an eight-year wait, largely due to the war in Ukraine, which brought the issue of EU enlargement back to the European agenda. While Europeans have shown solidarity during difficult times, they are now in no rush. BiH faces the serious challenge of reforming its politics, starting with eliminating the toxic influence of Bosniak, Serbian, and Croatian nationalism in every aspect of society. How long will people be made to believe that nationalism is the only way to affirm their identity? Why can’t a democratic identity be at least equally important? That’s why the idea of a civic Bosnia inspires optimism, and also why nationalists so fiercely oppose it. Let a hundred flowers bloom along the banks of the Miljacka, Neretva, and Vrbas rivers—flowers coloured by politics, not nationalism. These would be true bouquets to gift to democracy," Jakšić explained.

What Does This Mean for the Region?

Asked about the regional implications, Jakšić described Bosnia and Herzegovina, alongside Kosovo, as "one of the two neuralgic points of the entire Western Balkans."

"Smouldering crises attract foreign influence, turning the region into a battleground for great powers. The conflict in Ukraine has only intensified this Cold War-like atmosphere. The accession of the remaining countries to the European Union would extinguish these hotspots. Membership in NATO—which includes all regional countries except BiH and Serbia—would further cement security and stability. With the capital of peace in its pocket, the Western Balkans could begin realising its dreams for the future," Jakšić concluded.

How Long Can BiH Wait to Join the EU?

As this marks just the first step towards EU membership, Bosnia and Herzegovina faces a long and arduous path to full membership.
Discussing the speed of EU accession, Finland secured membership the fastest, completing negotiations in three years, while Spain waited the longest—24 years.

In the Western Balkans, Croatia joined the EU nine years after gaining candidate status. Among the countries still "in the waiting room," North Macedonia has been a candidate for 19 years. Serbia gained candidate status in 2012, Albania 10 years ago, and Montenegro 14 years ago.