On 2 July 2026, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas warned that Bosnia and Herzegovina risks losing an additional €370 million in EU funding unless it implements the Reform Agenda and finalises the Growth Plan. Speaking in Sarajevo during her third visit in 16 months, Kallas stressed that the country has already lost €108 million due to stalled reforms and political divisions. She urged leaders to take responsibility and deliver results, noting that the window of opportunity for EU accession may not remain open indefinitely.
Kallas discussed several key issues during her two-day visit, including the appointment of the next High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina. She expressed hope that a European candidate could be found by 14 July, when the current High Representative's deputy will serve on an interim basis. The EU is working to identify a candidate who can help advance the country's European path, with the ultimate goal of phasing out international supervision. Kallas also highlighted the importance of EUFOR ALTHEA, describing the mission as a cornerstone of stability in the Western Balkans, and noted that the EU has provided €35 million in support for the country's armed forces through the European Peace Facility.
On EU accession, Kallas pointed to recent progress by other candidate countries—Montenegro is drafting its Accession Treaty, Albania has opened negotiating chapters, and Ukraine and Moldova have begun accession negotiations—and warned that Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot afford to be left behind. She called for sustained reforms, democratic and fair elections in October, and the appointment of a Chief Negotiator. Kallas also addressed foreign interference, stating that the EU has a toolbox to counter foreign information manipulation and interference, and is willing to make it available to Western Balkan partners.
The visit underscores the EU's strategic interest in the stability, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Kallas reiterated that EU membership is the strongest guarantee against political instability and foreign interference, but emphasised that progress depends on choices made by local leaders.