What are the EU Accession Negotiations and What Do They Consist Of

The EU accession negotiations involve a series of stages and steps, with key elements being the negotiations on chapters. These chapters cover various sectors such as justice, freedom, security, and economic policy. The process includes open and closed negotiations, a negotiation framework, and monitoring and evaluation by the EU. Each chapter requires specific negotiations and alignment with EU standards. The process concludes with the signing of the Accession Treaty once all conditions are met. The duration of negotiations varies by country, with examples including Croatia (11 years), Bulgaria (4 years), and Romania (4 years).

Corruption in the World in 2023: Most Countries Without Progress, Including Bosnia and Herzegovina

The 2023 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) report by Transparency International highlights that most countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, have made little to no progress in combating public sector corruption. Bosnia and Herzegovina is particularly criticized for its weak judicial system and political pressures that undermine anti-corruption efforts, leading to a significant loss of public trust in institutions. The report also notes that global corruption levels remain largely unchanged, with Scandinavian countries ranking highest and countries in crisis, such as Somalia and Venezuela, ranking lowest. Transparency International recommends strengthening judicial independence and transparency to combat corruption effectively.

In two years, 22 legal assaults by the authorities of the entity RS on the constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Denis Bećirović, a member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, called for an extraordinary session of the country's highest state body in response to escalating attacks by the authorities of the entity Republika Srpska on the fundamental provisions of the Dayton Peace Agreement and the constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Over 20 instances of such assaults by the Republika Srpska authorities on the state's constitutional order and the Dayton Peace Agreement have been reported in the last two years. Bećirović has repeatedly stated in international contacts that Milorad Dodik's policies, which are detrimental to all inhabitants of Bosnia and Herzegovina, must be stopped. Western embassies, including the United States, the European Union, and international organizations operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina, have repeatedly warned the authorities and citizens of Republika Srpska about the destabilizing actions of Dodik's policy.

Democracy Index 2023: 'Bosnia and Herzegovina Hostage to Dayton Agreement Failures'

Bosnia and Herzegovina's democracy is hindered by the Dayton Agreement, which has enabled local elites to exploit the political system for personal gain, leading to corruption and a lack of accountable governance. The international community, particularly the United States and the European Union, is urged to re-engage and support democratic reforms to counteract the entrenched nationalist elites. The report highlights the need for coordinated sanctions and incentives to promote democratic governance and prevent further autocratization. Key figures like Milorad Dodik are criticized for actions that threaten national unity and democracy.

BiH in State Department Report: Serious Corruption in Government, RS Leaders Undermine the State

The State Department's report highlights serious corruption within the Bosnian government and actions by Republika Srpska leaders, particularly Milorad Dodik, that undermine the country's constitutional order. The report details human rights violations, including police brutality, poor prison conditions, and restrictions on freedom of expression. It also notes systemic discrimination against minorities and violence against journalists. Despite some training efforts, corruption remains pervasive, with a lack of political will to prosecute high-profile cases. The report underscores the need for credible actions to address these issues.

Bosnia's Chief Prosecutor Faces Disciplinary Council

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel in Sarajevo has opened a case against Bosnia's Chief State Prosecutor Goran Salihovic, who was suspended in September 2016 on charges of corruption and abuse of power. Salihovic denies the charges, claiming they are politically motivated. The case has raised concerns about the integrity of Bosnia's judiciary, with calls for transparency from the Bosnian Anti-Corruption Agency and comments from Transparency International BiH. Bosnia continues to struggle with political and ethnic divisions, impacting its judicial reforms and efforts to join the European Union.