PUT BOSNE I HERCEGOVINE DO ČLANSTVA EVROPSKE UNIJE / THE PATH OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA TO THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

Abstract

The reform process in Bosnia and Herzegovina takes place quite slowly, as well as the progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the context of the European state. The "one step forward - two steps back" is the most frequent epilogue of Bosnai and Herzegovina path towards European integration. The reason for the slow progress is primarily related to the poor political situation in the country, or the inability of political leaders to agree on key issues. The political (non)stability of the country is one of the major problems in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The ruling parties do not offer a solution nor make significant efforts, but rather hinder its European path and slow down the integration process. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is no institution in charge of guaranteeing investments of foreign investors, which makes it one of the countries with the highest political risk.In addition to the complex political structure, the problem of corruption and the gray economy are also the burning isues of Bosnia and Herzegovina that must be tackled. Of crucial importance for Bosnia and Herzegovina is the establishment of a single economic space, or harmonization of the legislation. Despite the many obstacles on Bosnia and Herzegovina path towards the European Union, however, certain moves have been made. On 15th February 2016. BiH submitted a membershipapplication that was accepted at the session of the EU General Affairs Council, and on 9 December 2016, Bosnia and Herzegovina received the accession questionnaire from the European Commission. Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently the only Western Balkan country, with Kosovo, which has no candidate status.