In the context of EU integration, UNOPS has assisted Bosnia and Herzegovina to coordinate the alignment of its national legislation with the EU acquis in the framework of implementing the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA). The work aligns with the broader EU enlargement strategy for the Western Balkans, which aims to reinforce peace, stability and economic prosperity in the region. The new EU accession methodology emphasizes the importance of legislative alignment and institutional preparedness. At the same time, the complex constitutional structure of the country requires coordinated legal transposition across different levels of governance. Further, enhanced communication and reporting mechanisms with the EC are crucial in demonstrating progress and moving closer to EU membership.

In this regard, experiences from Albania and North Macedonia, which have made substantial progress in similar areas, provide valuable insights that Bosnia and Herzegovina can adapt and apply.

UNOPS collaborated with the Directorate for European Integration (DEI) to define the steps required for aligning national legislation with the EU acquis and ensuring proper law enforcement actions. In consultation with DEI and the EU Delegation, UNOPS prepared a draft paper, outlining detailed arrangements for monitoring the progress of legislative alignment and law enforcement actions in line with Article 70(4) of the SAA, aimed to guide the country in its EU integration process and in addressing gaps in enforcement. To improve legal alignment and coordination, and support the reform process, the UNOPS expert (1) advised that DEI take on a stronger coordination role, (2) recommended the establishment of National Program for the Adoption of the Acquis (NPAA) to enable better planning and monitoring, and (3) stressed the need for stronger cooperation between governance levels.

Finally, UNOPS prepared a Monitoring plan on the implementation of approximation of legislation and law enforcement actions, which should guide a coherent reform process.

UNOPS’s work results in a smoother legal approximation process and advancing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s progress toward EU integration by improving the coordination and monitoring of the legal approximation process. This is vital in supporting the country’s reform efforts and ensuring that it meets EU requirements. The development of a National Program for the Adoption of the Acquis (NPAA) will also ensure that legal reforms are systematically planned, monitored and implemented, translating into increased transparency and accountability in the legislative process.

By promoting coordination and reducing risks of legal fragmentation, the work contributes to responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making. Ensuring that EU legal acts are uniformly applied across governance levels helps create a fairer and more cohesive legal framework, benefiting all citizens. Addressing the structural challenges in the country’s legal system promotes long-term peace and stability.

For the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the work translates into a more transparent and functional legal system, essential for the country’s EU membership. This will have practical benefits for citizens, as EU membership entails better governance, increased economic opportunities, enhanced legal protection, and improved national and regional security.

“I do hope my report and recommendations were useful not only to the Bosnia and Herzegovina’s beneficiaries but also to the EU Delegation and international organizations.” – Senior Advisor on Monitoring of EU legal approximation, UNOPS K4R Programme

The assignment plays a crucial role in advancing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s progress toward SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions by ensuring access to justice and building effective, accountable institutions. The assignment’s focus on aligning the country’s national legislation with the EU acquis and emphasis on systematically planned, monitored and implemented legal reforms directly supports these objectives by strengthening legal frameworks and enhancing institutional capacity.