Way opened for EU membership talks with Bosnia

The European Commission today agreed to open talks with Bosnia on a cooperation agreement that could lead to full EU membership for the Balkan nation.

The decision still must be approved by the 25 current members of the European Union.

“The Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) is the first major step in the European integration process for Bosnia and Herzegovina,” the EU’s executive body said in a statement.

However, the Commission warned it could delay the talks if Bosnia failed to improve co-operation with the UN war crimes tribunal for former Yugoslavia.

It said Bosnia also had to adopt laws on public broadcasting and ensure implementation of reforms to end the ethnic division of the police force.

“Lack of progress in these areas may delay the opening of SAA negotiations, or lead to their suspension,” the Commission said.

The agreement, similar to those which the EU is negotiating with other Balkan nations, promotes economic ties and free trade between the EU and Bosnia.