Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU: The Drama of Reforms and Delayed Money
Bosnia and Herzegovina has finally adopted the draft reform agenda, a key document that opens the door for it to receive money from the European Union’s Growth Plan fund for the Western Balkans. But wait, why is BiH the only country in the region that has not yet started to draw funds from this massive 6 billion euro fund?
Why Did BiH Delay?
While Serbia, Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Montenegro sent their reform agendas last year and have already started drawing funds, BiH remained on hold. The reason? The complexity of the political system and disagreements between entities and cantons. The Council of Ministers of BiH only unanimously adopted the reform agenda text at an extraordinary telephone session, and now a painstaking process of aligning concrete measures and deadlines at all levels of government follows.
How Much Money Can BiH Receive?
The EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans totals 6 billion euros, of which BiH is allocated about 70 million euros to stimulate economic growth, green and digital transition, and strengthen regional integration. For comparison, Serbia has already received 51.66 million euros, Albania 30 million, North Macedonia 24.4 million, and Montenegro 12.5 million euros.
Political Games and Blockades
The main problem is BiH’s complex political framework. The government of Republika Srpska and four majority cantons in the Federation of BiH, governed by the Bosniak party SDA, opposed certain reforms. These political blockades slowed the reform adoption process, directly affecting the delay in accessing EU funds.
What Now?
After adopting the draft reform agenda, all levels of government face intense work to align the text with entities and cantons. Once completed, the Council of Ministers of BiH will have the final say, and entities and cantons will no longer have veto power. This is a crucial step for BiH to finally start drawing funds and accelerate its European path.
Why Is This Important?
These funds are not just money but an opportunity for BiH to improve its economy, modernize infrastructure, and get closer to EU standards. But as political games continue, BiH’s citizens remain without benefits, and the country lags behind its neighbors.
Conclusion
BiH is on the verge of receiving about 70 million euros from the EU fund, but the question is how much more time will pass before political elites finally stand on the side of citizens’ interests. While others in the region are already seizing opportunities, BiH continues to lag. Will it finally wake up or keep wasting time?
What do you think? Is this just another story of political paralysis, or will BiH finally move forward? Drop a comment and let the people’s voice be heard!
