Sarajevo – ESI at conference on engaging municipalities and cities in the EU accession process

Kristof Bender. Photo: Res Publica Foundation

ESI senior analyst Adnan Ćerimagić moderated a panel at the conference Engaging municipalities and cities in the EU accession process in Bosnia and Herzegovina, held on 17 September 2025 in Sarajevo.

The event, organised by the Associations of Municipalities and Cities of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska in cooperation with the Directorate for European Integration and SALAR International, which is part of the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions, brought together representatives of local governments, EU institutions, and international partners. The conference focused on strengthening the role of local authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU accession process.

Adnan chaired the second session, How to engage municipalities and cities in BiH. Discussions highlighted the current state of the accession process, the involvement of entity and cantonal governments, and the importance of including municipal representatives in EU-related structures. Speakers included senior officials from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska, and West Herzegovina Canton, as well as representatives of the Republika Srpska EU Integration Network.

The exchange underlined that local authorities will be central to implementing EU legislation and accessing future funding opportunities. Participants agreed that strengthening municipal engagement is essential for ensuring Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU path is inclusive and effective.

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