BRUSSELS, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) on Monday decided to extend its framework for restrictive measures related to the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) for another 12 months, until March 31, 2027.
The decision enables the EU to impose targeted measures on individuals or entities deemed to undermine BiH's sovereignty, territorial integrity, constitutional order and international personality, or to seriously threaten the country's security situation and the Dayton Peace Agreement.
The measures include asset freezes, bans on making funds available, and travel restrictions to the EU, the Council said. Currently, no individuals or entities are subject to restrictive measures under this framework.
The Council reiterated its commitment to BiH's EU perspective as a single, united and sovereign country.
Bosnia and Herzegovina applied for EU membership in 2016 and was granted candidate status in 2022. Though the EU's restrictive measures framework is not part of the formal accession process for BiH, it is regarded as a tool to help enforce political stability and compliance with EU standards.
The Council noted that reform efforts in the country have stalled, urging political actors to advance key reforms, including judiciary laws, electoral integrity and fundamental rights protections. ■