From EUobserver · · 1m 20s
Bosnia Elections Show EU Fading
Bosnia's nationalist parties win elections as EU membership path stalls.
In brief
Bosnia's nationalist parties win elections as EU membership path stalls. Bosnia's ethnic divisions and low turnout highlight stalled EU membership ambitions after nationalist parties secure power. Originally reported by EUobserver.
Bosnia election results
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s election held on Sunday (4 October) reinforced deep ethnic and political divisions with nationalist parties retaining power and low turnout showing voter disillusionment with EU ambitions.
EU membership support strong
74.4 percent of citizens said they would vote for EU membership in a referendum according to a 2026 survey by Bosnia’s directorate for European integration.
Bosnia’s EU path stalled
Bosnia became an EU candidate in 2022 but its path to membership remains stalled with the European Commission identifying 14 priorities before opening accession talks.
Complex political system
Bosnia has a tripartite presidency with one Bosniak, one Croat, and one Serb member and low turnout reflects political apathy in the country’s fragmented system.
Election winners
Denis Becirović won a second term as Bosniak president with 38.12 percent, Darijana Filipović secured 46.55 percent as Croat president, and Željka Cvijanović won 55.37 percent as Serb president.
Serb nationalist wins
Serb nationalist politician Milorad Dodik is the biggest winner from Sunday's elections while the EU faces the biggest loser according to Adi Ćerimagić.
What it means
Bosnia's ethnic divisions and low turnout highlight stalled EU membership ambitions after nationalist parties secure power.
