European Parliament urges swift reforms in Bosnia and criticises Republika Srpska's Russia ties

The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee adopted a series of reports urging accelerated reforms in Bosnia‑Herzegovina. Lawmakers called for stronger democratic institutions, rule of law, anti‑corruption measures, the appointment of a chief EU‑negotiator and an end to political obstructionism. The reports condemned the cooperation of Republika Srpska authorities with Russian officials and sanctioned entities, warning that such ties threaten the country’s security and stability. The committee reaffirmed support for the Office of the High Representative and the EUFOR Althea mission, insisting any future transition respects Bosnia’s constitutional order.

In a separate resolution on Serbia, the committee highlighted a pronounced slowdown in EU‑accession reforms, especially concerning the rule of law, media freedom and electoral integrity. The document warned that Serbia’s progress remains blocked until genuine political will aligns with EU values, and it urged protection of the Croatian minority’s rights. Additionally, MEP Željana Zovko’s amendments called for the opening of former Yugoslav secret‑service archives (UDBA and KOS) to aid truth‑seeking and regional reconciliation, and stressed the need for minority protections in Kosovo and the defence cooperation pact between Kosovo, Albania and Croatia.

Overall, the Parliament stressed that the Western Balkans’ EU path depends on decisive reforms, political cohesion, and the curbing of foreign interference.