Municipalities Step Forward in a Dialogue on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU Path
As Bosnia and Herzegovina moves closer to the European Union, it is becoming clearer that the success of the accession process will depend not only on decisions taken at higher levels of government, but also on the daily work of municipalities and cities. Local governments are the ones who deliver services, uphold standards, and communicate reforms to citizens, which will eventually make them the frontline actors of the country’s European accession.
This message came to the forefront at the conference “Engaging municipalities and cities in the EU accession process in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, held on 16 September in Sarajevo, which brought together more than 130 participants. Organised by SALAR International in cooperation with the two Associations of Municipalities and Cities (AMCs) and the Directorate for European Integration (DEI), the event united mayors, councillors, ambassadors, state institutions and international organisations in a discussion that placed the local level firmly on the EU agenda.
The indispensable local level
More than 70 percent of EU legislation will be implemented at the local level, and almost 80 percent of public investment in new member states comes through EU funds. Without early involvement, local administrations risk missing opportunities and facing compliance challenges that could undermine both services and reforms. Speakers at the conference were frank about these stakes.
“The local level is the closest to citizens and the first to respond to their needs, which is why its role in the EU accession process is indispensable,” emphasised Vesna Travljanin, Director of the AMC of the Federation of BiH.
Ljubiša Ćosić, President of the AMC of Republika Srpska, reminded participants that “the European Union is a non-negotiable goal,” and called for stronger coordination between all levels of government so that local administrations can play their full role.
The message was echoed by international partners who see municipalities as central to ensuring reforms reach citizens. The EU’s Ambassador to BiH, Luigi Soreca, underscored the scale of the challenge:
“70 percent of the work that BiH needs to do on its European path takes place at the local level. The reforms we are calling for are in the interest of citizens, and that is why we are so eager to provide support to ensure these funds are used.”
Switzerland’s Ambassador Gabriele Derighetti shared lessons from Swiss-backed initiatives in municipalities, highlighting the value of capacity building and regional cooperation. Sweden, represented by Deputy Ambassador, Sara Lindegren, underlined Sweden’s long-standing commitment to BiH’s European future and the importance of building resilient local administrations capable of implementing demanding reforms.
Shaping the Road Ahead
The conference brought together three pressing themes. First, the recognition that municipalities already carry heavy responsibilities in applying EU standards, from environmental rules to procurement procedures, and will be even more central once accession advances. Second, the urgent need to bring local representatives more systematically into negotiation structures and coordination mechanisms, ensuring their expertise shapes policies before they are agreed. Third, the practical question of how to make EU funds more accessible, from overcoming administrative barriers to building networks of trained EU officers in municipal administrations.
What distinguished the discussions was not only the clarity of the challenges, but also the willingness to identify solutions. Experiences from other countries were shared, but the emphasis remained on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s own path and how its municipalities can be better prepared.
Joint conclusions for a shared EU path
The conference closed with a set of conclusions prepared jointly by the two Associations of Municipalities and Cities, a demonstration of cooperation in practice. These included proposals for a permanent platform to coordinate and exchange information between state and local levels; a structured programme of capacity building and training for AMCs’ EU networks; and the formal participation of local representatives in negotiation working groups across key chapters such as public administration, the green agenda, digital transformation, and social policy. Strengthening regional cooperation and developing joint initiatives for lobbying in Brussels were also identified as priorities.
The conference created space for dialogue between municipalities, state institutions and international partners about the country’s shared future. It highlighted the risks of leaving local authorities on the sidelines, but also pointed to practical steps that can ensure they are equipped to play their role. It contributed to a changed perspective - municipalities are not passive recipients of reforms, but active partners in shaping them. As Ryan Knox, Managing Director of SALAR International, observed:
“A large share of EU legislation will be implemented at the local level. Ensuring municipalities are part of the negotiation process from the start is not optional — it is essential.”
Talking from her own experience Ewa-May Karlsson (in the picture), Chair of SALAR International´s Board and elected member of the Regional Council in Västerbotten, Sweden, underlined that EU membership will significantly shape the daily work of local and regional authorities, from healthcare and transport to environmental protection and local business support. She praised the Associations of Municipalities and Cities and the government for involving local governments in the EU integration process. Karlsson also emphasized that Swedish municipalities and regions, through SALAR International, stand ready to support Bosnia and Herzegovina on this journey.