This assignment has come at a pivotal moment in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s journey toward EU membership, as in March 2024, all 27 EU leaders unanimously approved the start of formal talks. This signaled the beginning of a new phase in the country’s integration process, starting with the explanatory screening (Commission services explain chapter by chapter the EU acquis) and followed by preparations for the bilateral screening (BiH to present where it stands, per each chapter, in its preparations to adopt and implement the EU acquis).

In this context, the goal of the assignment has been to support Bosnia and Herzegovina navigate through the screening (explanatory and bilateral) phase and effectively prepare for EU accession negotiations, building on valuable experiences from Montenegro.

UNOPS has supported the Directorate for European Integration in preparations for the upcoming screening sessions by delivering workshops, seminars and training events but also direct support on the technicalities of the screening, the formulation and presentation of the negotiation position and the conduct of the first Intergovernmental Conference.
Also, the UNOPS expert has provided support for finalizing the necessary legislation for the National Coordinator of the Instrument for Pre-accession (NIPAC) and for refining questions for the explanatory screening sessions, particularly for Chapter 22.

The work will result in increased public awareness and engagement in the EU accession process. Through the technical organisation of high-level conferences, UNOPS has shared valuable experiences from Montenegro, helping the authorities better understand the challenges and benefits of EU integration. This will foster a more informed and motivated administration, engaged in the country’s European future. Furthermore, the capacity of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s negotiation team will be strengthened through training provision, so that officials are well-prepared and coordinated for the next critical steps in the accession process. This enhanced readiness is expected to speed up the country’s EU integration efforts. Finally, the work of the UNOPS advisor has supported the essential legal and administrative reforms, including finalizing the legislation for the National IPA Coordinator (NIPAC), improving government efficiency and ensuring better coordination in utilizing EU funds, thereby benefiting the economy and public services.

“It has been my pleasure to be a part of the initial months of the journey of Bosnia and Herzegovina after the decision had been made to open accession talks for EU membership. The fact that UNOPS has been there to support Bosnia and Herzegovina in these first and crucial months of the work is of huge importance for both the universal Organization as well as our partners in the country. I strongly believe that the joint work, coupled with the sharing of expertise, experience from the countries of the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership that I have managed to bring about, is of paramount significance for the proper understanding and work in the field.” – Senior Advisor on European integration, UNOPS K4R Programme

The assignment supports SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions by helping Bosnia and Herzegovina align its legal framework with the EU acquis and by supporting critical reforms, such as finalizing legislation for the National IPA Coordinator (NIPAC) – resulting in higher efficiency and accountability of national institutions, transparency and good governance.

The assignment also supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by facilitating international cooperation, allowing Bosnia and Herzegovina to learn from the experiences of neighboring countries like Montenegro in effectively engaging with the EU.