Negotiations
EU law (the acquis) is split into 35 chapters, grouped into 6 thematic clusters. Chapters 34 and 35 are handled at the very end, outside the clusters. A cluster opens as a whole by unanimity of all 27 member states. Its chapters are then closed one by one, also by unanimity.
Data verified as of 8 Aug 2026
Chapter readiness (EC's latest report):Early stageSomeModerateGoodWell advanced
1FundamentalsOpens first, closes last0 of 5 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 5Public procurementSomeNot started
- 18StatisticsEarly stageNot started
- 23Judiciary and fundamental rightsSomeNot started
- 24Justice, freedom and securitySomeNot started
- 32Financial controlSomeNot started
2Internal Market0 of 9 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 1Free movement of goodsEarly stageNot started
- 2Freedom of movement for workersSomeNot started
- 3Right of establishment and freedom to provide servicesEarly stageNot started
- 4Free movement of capitalModerateNot started
- 6Company lawSomeNot started
- 7Intellectual property lawModerateNot started
- 8Competition policySomeNot started
- 9Financial servicesSomeNot started
- 28Consumer and health protectionEarly stageNot started
3Competitiveness & Inclusive Growth0 of 8 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 10Digital transformation and mediaEarly stageNot started
- 16TaxationSomeNot started
- 17Economic and monetary policyEarly stageNot started
- 19Social policy and employmentSomeNot started
- 20Enterprise and industrial policyEarly stageNot started
- 25Science and researchSomeNot started
- 26Education and cultureEarly stageNot started
- 29Customs unionSomeNot started
4Green Agenda & Sustainable Connectivity0 of 4 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 14Transport policySomeNot started
- 15EnergyEarly stageNot started
- 21Trans-European networksSomeNot started
- 27Environment and climate changeEarly stageNot started
5Resources, Agriculture & Cohesion0 of 5 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 11Agriculture and rural developmentEarly stageNot started
- 12Food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policySomeNot started
- 13FisheriesEarly stageNot started
- 22Regional policy and coordination of structural instrumentsEarly stageNot started
- 33Financial and budgetary provisionsEarly stageNot started
6External Relations0 of 2 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 30External relationsSomeNot started
- 31Foreign, security and defence policySomeNot started
Outside the clusters (handled last)
- 34InstitutionsNot started
- 35Other issuesNot started
Who supports, who blocks
The political state of play around this accession — where member states and EU institutions stand, each attributed. "Resolved" marks a block that has since been lifted.
- Conditional
EU (Council) — The Council agreed in March 2024 to open negotiations, but only after Bosnia meets the "14 key priorities": the judicial and constitutional/electoral reforms it has not yet delivered.
- Blocking
Republika Srpska (internal) — Secessionist moves within Bosnia stall the state-level reforms accession requires.