Bosnia & Herzegovina’s Council of Ministers has adopted a wide-ranging reform plan required to access funds from the European Union’s €6bn Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, officials said on September 30, a Council of Ministers statement said.

If approved in Brussels, Bosnia could secure up to €917mn, though the country has already forfeited about €108mn due to delays. The first disbursement, worth just over €60mn, could arrive by the end of the year.

The agenda sets out 114 measures grouped into four areas: green and digital transition, private sector development, human capital, and rule of law. Key reforms include the rollout of 5G, a new electricity law, business regulation harmonisation, digitalisation of education, a unified maternity leave law, and steps to strengthen the judiciary and fight corruption.

To overcome political deadlock, measures concerning the Constitutional Court and the State Aid Council were softened. Most reforms are due by the end of 2025, with the European Commission assessing progress every six months.

European Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos hailed the decision, calling it “an important step towards unlocking the EU Growth Plan.” 

“Today, I’m very happy. Bosnia and Herzegovina has shown much needed unity. We have a Reform Agenda!” Kos wrote on X. 

“This is an important step to unlock the EU Growth Plan,” she added. “Together we can deliver: better roads, cheaper energy, faster internet, no fees for money transactions & roaming.” 

EU envoy to Bosnia Luigi Soreca described the adoption as “a truly welcome development”. 

“This important step confirms that the EU path remains a shared framework for political actors to work within for the benefit of all BiH citizens,” he wrote on X. 

The @EU_Commission will now review the Reform Agenda to check its alignment with the EU standards … The EU will continue to be a steadfast partner and loyal friend, supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina's future in the EU.”