European Council President Charles Michel (R) and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen attend a press conference during the European Union (EU) summit in Brussels, Belgium, on March 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe)
SARAJEVO, March 22 (Xinhua) -- The European Council decided to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) at a summit in Brussels on Thursday, marking a new phase in European integration for the country.
The green light for the start of negotiations was welcomed by European officials and political leaders in BiH. European Council President Charles Michel said BiH "is in our European family," noting "now the hard work needs to continue so Bosnia and Herzegovina steadily advances."
"Today's decision is a key step forward on your EU path," Michel said while extending congratulations to the country situated in Southeast Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also hailed the EU leaders' decision as "historic," noting BiH's progress in enacting crucial legislation, managing migration and fostering dialogue and reconciliation.
In May 2019, the European Commission published the Opinion on BiH's application for European Union membership, which contains 14 priorities that can be divided into four areas -- democracy and the functioning of the state, rule of law, fundamental rights and public administration reforms.
BiH needs to fulfill these reforms to begin negotiations for full membership.
BiH submitted its membership application in 2016 and was granted candidate status in December 2022. In November 2023, the European Commission recommended the opening of accession negotiations with BiH to the European Council. ■
