Representatives of beneficiary institutions, the European Union and the Council of Europe met today in Sarajevo for the third Beneficiary Steering Committee meeting of the joint programme Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye. They discussed the progress made in Bosnia and Herzegovina in areas such as justice, human rights, education, and media freedom, and how these efforts are leading to visible improvements in people’s everyday lives.

Opening the meeting, Ms Aida Hodžić, Acting Assistant Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina said that this programme is much more than technical assistance. “It is a symbol of our joint approach – where European standards are not seen as an external obligation, but as a natural continuation of what we want for our society: strong institutions, accessible justice, freedom of expression, and equality for all citizens.”

Mr Karel Lizerot, Head of Operations Section I, EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, said that the European Union remains a reliable partner to Bosnia and Herzegovina in advancing reforms that bring tangible improvements to people’s lives. “Through the Horizontal Facility, we are supporting progress in strengthening the rule of law, protecting human rights, fostering inclusive education, and promoting media freedom. This partnership between the EU, the Council of Europe, and the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina demonstrates our shared commitment to European values and to the country’s path towards EU membership.”

Mr Schnutz Dürr, Head of Programming Department, Directorate of Programme Co-ordination, Council of Europe added: “Together with the European Union and in partnership with the beneficiaries, the Council of Europe is committed to continuously providing relevant assistance in various areas of implementation. By seeking to address the recommendations of the Council of Europe monitoring and advisory bodies and of the EU Enlargement reports, this assistance notably aims to advance Bosnia and Herzegovina’s reform agenda and EU accession negotiations.”

The meeting gathered representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s key ministries, judicial and law-enforcement institutions, education and equality bodies, and civil society organisations. They reviewed progress made under ongoing actions, exchanged experiences, and discussed priorities for the next phase of the programme.

The “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” is a co-operation initiative between the European Union and the Council of Europe, the third phase of which is running from 2023 to 2026. The programme supports Beneficiaries in meeting their reform agendas in human rights, rule of law, and democracy, aligning with European standards and priorities for EU enlargement.