Ursula von der Leyen to Visit Sarajevo on October 14 for Crucial EU Growth Plan Discussions

High-Stakes Visit to Sarajevo

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to visit Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on October 14, 2025. The visit is centered on discussions regarding a draft reform program, which is crucial for the allocation of nearly 917 million euros from the European Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. The upcoming discussions underscore the European Union's commitment to the region's integration and development.

Bosnia and Herzegovina's Reform Agenda

The visit follows the recent adoption of a comprehensive Reform Agenda by the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This document is a prerequisite for accessing funds from the European Growth Plan. The agenda outlines 114 measures across four key areas: green and digital transition, private sector development, human capital, and the rule of law. Prime Minister Borjana Krišto announced President von der Leyen's impending visit, highlighting its significance for the country's European path. European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, welcomed the adoption of the Reform Agenda, stating, 'Bosnia and Herzegovina has shown the much-needed unity. We have a Reform Agenda!'

The European Growth Plan for the Western Balkans

The European Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, adopted by the European Commission on November 8, 2023, aims to accelerate the socio-economic convergence of the region with the EU. The plan is structured around four pillars designed to:

• Enhance economic integration with the EU's single market.
• Advance regional economic cooperation.
• Deepen EU-related reforms.
• Increase pre-accession funding to accelerate convergence.

The Growth Plan features a total financial envelope of €6 billion for the period 2024-2027, comprising €2 billion in grants and €4 billion in concessional loans. The disbursement of these funds is conditioned upon the implementation of specific socio-economic and fundamental reforms by the Western Balkan partners.

Context of Funding and Integration

Bosnia and Herzegovina has faced challenges in meeting the conditions for accessing Growth Plan funds. The country was previously the only one in the region that had not presented an acceptable reform program in a timely manner, leading to a loss of 108.5 million euros from its initial allocation. The indicative allocation for BiH was initially €1.085 billion, which was reduced by 10% to €976.6 million due to delays. The recent adoption of the Reform Agenda by the Council of Ministers is a critical step towards securing the remaining funds, now set at 917 million euros, and advancing its EU integration process.