The European Union’s top diplomat and foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, warned on November 3 that Bosnia & Herzegovina risks losing a rare opportunity to move closer to EU membership if political leaders fail to sustain reforms.

EU officials have repeatedly said that the bloc’s door remains open to Bosnia, but internal political divisions and delayed reforms have slowed progress toward membership.

Speaking to EUFOR troops at the Nato Butmir military base near Sarajevo, Kallas praised the multinational mission for maintaining security in the country and spoke of the broader stakes for peace in Europe, a European Commission statement said.

“The window for EU enlargement rarely opens, but one is open now. Your political leaders have to grab this opportunity or the window of opportunity will close again,” Kallas said.

Her visit comes amid ongoing political tensions in Bosnia, ahead of the upcoming presidential election in Republika Srpska, Bosnia’s Serb entity. Kallas stressed that free and fair presidential elections and continued reforms could restore trust in local authorities and help the country advance toward EU integration.

Kallas said the recent submission of a Reform Agenda by Bosnia’s Council of Ministers to the European Commission, which could unlock nearly €1bn in EU funds to boost investment, jobs, and growth. She underlined that reforms in democracy, anti-corruption measures, education, and healthcare are central to improving citizens’ quality of life.

The EU Council last month reinforced the mandate of Operation EUFOR Althea, which Kallas said reflects the international community’s commitment to security in Bosnia, 30 years after the Dayton Peace Agreement ended the country’s war.

“Across the world, peace and the international rules-based order are under threat. Challenges to territorial integrity cannot fall on deaf ears, not least in Europe itself,” Kallas said, praising EUFOR troops for their professionalism and readiness, demonstrated in the recent Quick Response exercise.