Under the theme “Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU Path: A Year of Missed Opportunities”, the Alternative Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Progress towards EU Membership 2025-2026 provides a civil society assessment of the country’s EU integration process, with a particular focus on the rule of law, the fight against corruption, the functioning of institutions, human rights and media freedom. Bosnia and Herzegovina has made no significant progress in any of the 19 areas analysed. Ten areas saw backsliding, seven recorded limited progress, and two remained unchanged.
It highlights the lack of substantive reforms, insufficient political accountability and the continued weakening of institutions. Despite the decision to open accession negotiations, Bosnia and Herzegovina has failed to establish functional negotiating structures or ensure the sustained implementation of key reforms.
The report identifies key challenges and offers concrete recommendations for overcoming political and institutional blockades, advancing reforms and ensuring effective protection of citizens’ rights.
This publication is the result of the joint work of civil society organisations, members of the Initiative for Monitoring the EU Integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina, alongside external contributors.
Download the publication in English here.
Editors: Denis Džidić and Dragana Dardić
Organisations that contributed to the report: Maida Ćulahović (Zašto ne), Emir Prcanović, Ahmet Salčin and Dragan Vujanović (Vaša prava), Snežana Šešlija (Tooper, Doboj), Edo Kanlić (Transparency International in BiH), Aleksandar Jokić (Legal Team of the Human Rights House Banja Luka), Zlatan Hajlovac (Pro-Peace), Darko Pandurević (Sarajevo Open Centre), Nataša Maros (MyRight), Dragana Dardić and Željka Umićević (Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Banja Luka), Katarina Zrinjski, Denis Džidić (BIRN BiH), and Azra Berbić (on behalf of the Atelier for Social Change Foundation)