Bosnia Ambassador: Punishing EU Candidates Is a Wrong Approach
Poinews.com – In a recent statement, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU representative, Obrad Kesić, has criticized the European Union’s plan to penalize nations that are struggling with reform targets. He argues that punishing EU candidate countries is not the right strategy, emphasizing instead that support and encouragement are more effective in fostering progress. Kesić highlighted the importance of collaboration and patience, as the accession process requires sustained effort rather than immediate pressure.
EU Funding Shift Sparks Concerns
According to recent reports, the European Commission is considering reallocating funds from Western Balkan countries that are not meeting their reform benchmarks to those that are performing better. Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is expected to lose the most in this reallocation, faces the risk of significant financial setbacks. The proposed shift could impact the €6 billion fund allocated to the region, with Bosnia’s share being nearly €1 billion. Kesić expressed worries that this approach might undermine the confidence of candidate nations and create a competitive rather than cooperative environment.
“If students are struggling, punishment is not the best method to get them back on track,” Kesić remarked. He warned that such a move would harm citizens and risk making EU accession a contest rather than a collaborative effort. By focusing on penalties instead of support, the EU might inadvertently discourage political leaders from continuing their reform efforts, even if progress is slow.
Kesić pointed out that recent visits by European Council President António Costa and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas have shown the EU’s continued interest in Bosnia. However, he cautioned that the funding cuts could mislead political messaging, damaging the unity that Western Balkan nations have worked hard to build. The ambassador stressed that these countries need consistent support to address their internal challenges, such as a collapsed coalition and constitutional tensions, rather than being sidelined financially.
Timing and Political Impact
The ambassador emphasized that the timing of the funding shift could amplify its political impact, especially as October elections approach. “We know that is not the intent, but this decision would inevitably impact the democratic process and influence the elections,” he warned. Kesić argued that candidates facing financial strain may prioritize short-term gains over long-term reforms, potentially leading to a shift in public perception of the EU’s commitment to their membership.
Uncertainty around EU enlargement policies, including Franco-German proposals for “gradual integration,” is eroding confidence in the accession process. These changes might disrupt the current framework, similar to how the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans affected the Berlin process in 2019. Kesić urged the EU to maintain a balanced approach, ensuring that all candidate countries remain motivated to meet their obligations without feeling penalized for natural setbacks in their progress.
“Punishing struggling EU candidates is wrong,” Kesić reiterated. He noted that the EU’s success in expanding its membership depends on fostering a sense of shared purpose among aspirant nations. By reallocating funds, the EU risks creating divisions and undermining the collective effort needed to achieve stability and integration.”
Earlier this year, Bosnia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia made strides in addressing challenges related to the EU’s Entry/Exit system, a key component of their accession criteria. Kesić acknowledged the progress but stressed that ongoing support is crucial to sustain momentum. He suggested that the European Commission could use unspent funds to provide technical assistance to struggling candidates, rather than simply diverting resources. This approach would not only address immediate needs but also reinforce the EU’s commitment to a unified enlargement strategy.
