Drastic drop in citizens' support for BiH's EU integration

(Patria) - The integration of BiH into the EU represents a process of overall transformation of our society, which should ultimately significantly improve the quality of life for our citizens, especially the young population, announced the Center for Security Studies (CSS).

"We have had countless opportunities to hear from politicians that all reforms, undertaken within the framework of the EU accession process, are exclusively carried out in the interest of citizens.

Judging by the results of the latest research by the Directorate for European Integration (DEI) on citizens' attitudes towards EU membership and the EU integration process, a paradox has emerged.

Citizens, or public opinion, express unambiguous disappointment with the processes conducted in their name, thus perceiving EU integration as a project that seems to serve only political elites, rather than bringing significant transformative changes to society as a whole.

Data from the research, conducted in June 2025, indicate that 69.9% of citizens would currently vote for BiH's entry into the EU, which is a drastic drop in confidence compared to the results from 2022, when 77.4% of citizens expressed support for accession.

A continuous downward trend in support is also evident in 2023 with 73.3%, and 71.2% support for EU integration in 2024.

Instead of integration processes aimed at benefiting citizens through projects in the fields of art, culture, sports, science, music, or business, the integration process has become a mere tool for political maneuvering, used to extract certain concessions or shift responsibility for evident failures in implementing reforms.

We are witnessing that even laws adopted under the 'EI' - European Integration clause, requiring accelerated parliamentary passage, often experience delays in practical implementation, such as the Law on the HJPC or the Law on Prevention of Conflict of Interest at the level of BiH institutions, which further contributes to confusion and a decline in citizens' trust.

In this entire context, the EU itself should not be absolved of responsibility, as it has, in balancing between stability and values, weakened the attractiveness of enlargement.

Through their expressed opinions, citizens have sent a clear message to political elites that they must prioritize the interests of their voters and, through tangible benefits for local communities and society, redirect the process of integration into the European family towards the well-being of the citizens themselves, in order to regain lost trust," stated CSS.