On 2 July 2026, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas warned during a press conference in Sarajevo that Bosnia and Herzegovina risks losing an additional €370 million in EU funding under the Growth Plan unless it ratifies the Reform Agenda and accelerates reforms. She noted that the country has already forfeited €108 million in EU funding due to political divisions and a slowdown in reform progress since 2024. Kallas stressed that sustained reforms are the fastest path to EU accession, adding that the window of opportunity for membership may not remain open indefinitely.
Kallas, on her third visit to Sarajevo in 16 months, underscored the EU's strategic interest in the stability, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina. She discussed the appointment of the next High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, noting that negotiations on a successor are ongoing after the current High Representative agreed to step down, with his Deputy serving on an interim basis until 14 July. Kallas expressed hope for a European candidate who can advance the country's EU path, stating that the fastest way to end international supervision is progress toward EU membership.
On security, Kallas highlighted the continued importance of the EUFOR ALTHEA mission as a cornerstone of stability in the Western Balkans, especially after last year's political crisis. She noted that the EU has provided €35 million in support to Bosnia's armed forces through the European Peace Facility. Regarding foreign interference, Kallas said the EU has a toolbox to counter foreign information manipulation and interference, which it is making available to candidate countries and Western Balkan partners.
Kallas also addressed the country's EU accession process, noting that support for EU membership remains above 70% among citizens. She cited recent progress by other candidate countries—Montenegro drafting its Accession Treaty, Albania opening negotiating chapters, and Ukraine and Moldova beginning accession negotiations—as evidence that the EU's doors remain open. However, she stressed that Bosnia cannot afford to be left behind and must appoint a Chief Negotiator and advance judicial reforms. Kallas mentioned that during her visit, creative ideas were discussed to help overcome political deadlocks.
On the upcoming October elections, Kallas called for democratic, free, and fair elections and urged political parties to maintain responsible rhetoric. She reiterated that the EU remains Bosnia's strongest partner but that progress depends on choices made locally.
The warning about lost funding directly affects Bosnia's citizens, who would benefit from infrastructure and energy investments under the Growth Plan. National political leaders face pressure to compromise and deliver reforms to unlock EU funds. EU institutions, particularly the EEAS and the European Commission, are invested in maintaining credibility and momentum in the enlargement process. Regional stability in the Western Balkans is also at stake, as stalled reforms could increase vulnerability to foreign interference.