IDM Short Insights 53: Approval of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Reform Agenda, a new step towards the EU
On 4 December 2025, the European Commission published its Commission Implementing Decision that approves Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Reform Agenda for the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans. This Agenda is the result of a complex decision-making process that involved every level of governance in Bosnia and Herzegovina: state, entities and cantons.
In the latest Short Insight, Faustine Boudaud (trainee at the IDM) explains what is behind this Reform Agenda and what it entails for Bosnia and Herzegovina and for the other Western Balkans. Watch the latest IDM Short Insights to find out!
Transcript:
“On 4 December 2025, the European Commission approved Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Reform agenda under the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans. This positive assessment marks a new step towards EU membership.“
1. What is the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans ?
“The Facility is a financing instrument that complements the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans adopted by the European Commission in November 2023. The Facility is legally based on a regulation adopted in May 2024 by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.
Its general objectives are to support the enlargement process by accelerating the alignment with Union values, rules, practices and standards with the implementation of reforms. It also aims to accelerate the convergence of the beneficiaries’ economies, and foster regional cooperation.
The Facility provides €6 billion for the 2024–2027 period, delivered through grants and loans. To access this funding, each country has to submit a “Reform Agenda” to the Commission.“
2. What does Bosnia’s reform agenda contain?
“Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Reform Agenda proposes concrete measures to build a competitive economy, with transparent governance, effective infrastructures, and a robust legal framework aligned with EU practices. Priorities include creating a stable business environment, advancing the green and digital transition, and strengthening fundamentals such as the rule of law, democratic institutions, and the fight against corruption and organised crime.”
3. What about the other Western Balkan countries?
“The five other Western Balkan countries had already submitted their Agendas last year, which the Commission approved on 23 October 2024. Bosnia and Herzegovina submitted its Agenda with a substantial delay due to a tense domestic political context and a very long consultation process that included representatives from all levels of the government. Now, all the Western Balkan countries have a Reform agenda in place and can benefit from the Facility.“
4. What will be the follow-up to this assessment?
“Now, Bosnia and Herzegovina have to sign and ratify both the Facility Agreement and the Loan Agreement. The funds will only be disbursed if the country complies with these conditions and effectively implements the planned reforms.“
