The accession of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the European Union EU is the stated aim of the present relations between the two entities. Bosnia and Herzegovina has been recognised by the European Union as a "candidate country" for accession since the decision of the European Council in and is on the current agenda for future enlargement of the EU.
Bosnia and Herzegovina takes part in the Stabilisation and Association Process and trade relations are regulated by an Interim Agreement. Bosnia and Herzegovina formally applied for EU membership on 15 February , following years of constitutional reforms and engagements with the Dayton Agreement. Bosnia's failure to meet the conditions for the closure of the Office of the High Representative OHR in Bosnia and Herzegovina , including addressing state and military property ownership issues and implementing constitutional reforms, had prevented the country from submitting an application until On 15 December , the European Council officially granted candidacy status to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The EU established a regional approach to the Western Balkans in , with political and economic conditionality criteria for the development of bilateral relations. An Interim Agreement on Trade and Trade-related issues was signed and entered into force on 1 July The Interim Agreement was the legal framework for trade between Bosnia and the EU between and Trade has increased since and EU products have been granted reciprocal preference in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The EU is the main trading partner of Bosnia and Herzegovina; The eligibility for the three advanced IPA components would be conditional on Bosnia's acquisition of EU candidacy status and its implementation of a Decentralised Implementation System, streamlining administrative capacities in order to autonomously manage projects and disburse funds with only ex-post Commission controls. On 1 January , a visa facilitation and readmission agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU entered into force.
Bosnia and Herzegovina took part in the dialogue for visa liberalisation with Schengen countries, launched by the European Commission on 26 May In , Johann Sattler was appointed.
