Soreca: BiH at risk of losing 373 million euros – time for reforms is running out

(Patria) - European Union Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos warned the European Parliament yesterday that Bosnia and Herzegovina is at risk of losing 373 million euros from the EU Growth Plan, and the head of the EU Delegation to BiH, Luigi Soreca, also commented on this issue, emphasising the importance of the message that the EU official sent to BiH authorities.

"Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) risks losing up to 373.9 million euros allocated by the EU under the Growth Plan if urgent measures are not taken to fulfil the steps in its Reform Agenda and make progress on its EU path. This amount is in addition to the 108 million euros lost in 2025," Soreca stated in a post on social media.

He recalls that during yesterday's discussion, Kos delivered important messages, pointing to "a deep geopolitical shift that makes enlargement policy a defining issue."

"But she also stressed that we cannot compromise on the high standards of reforms that EU enlargement entails. Where does this leave Bosnia and Herzegovina? This country still has significant untapped potential. The EU has a concrete offer through the Growth Plan that will significantly help transform the country and support strengthened democratic institutions, investment, and prosperity. However, BiH authorities have recently made no progress in adopting the steps in the Reform Agenda. Steps that would, among other things, improve digitalisation and reduce queues for administrative services, reform the judicial system to better protect citizens' rights, and help move towards a greener and cleaner future," Soreca warns.

The Reform Agenda, he adds, is not a set of abstract, technocratic steps – it is a blueprint for a better future.

"However, the Growth Plan – which includes nearly one billion euros for BiH in exchange for reforms – is performance-based, with clear deadlines. There is a price for inaction. Commissioner Kos recently wrote to BiH authorities and emphasised the risks associated with continued delays. It is now urgent for BiH authorities to act to avoid losing the money the EU has allocated for the benefit of the citizens of this country. Time is running out," he added.