Bosnia and Herzegovina 2009 progress report. Commission staff working document.

Abstract

Since March 2002, the Commission has reported regularly to the Council and Parliament on progress made by the countries of the Western Balkans region. This progress report broadly follows the same structure as in previous years. The report: –briefly describes relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Union; –analyses the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina in terms of the political criteria for membership; –analyses the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina on the basis of the economic criteria for membership; –reviews Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capacity to implement European standards, i.e. to gradually approximate its legislation and policies with the acquis, in line with the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and the European Partnership priorities. This report covers the period from early October 2008 to mid- September 2009. Progress is measured on the basis of decisions taken, legislation adopted and measures implemented. As a rule, legislation or measures which are being prepared or awaiting parliamentary approval have not been taken into account. This approach ensures equal treatment across all reports and permits an objective assessment.