From 8 to 9 June 2026, a conference of the European People's Party (EPP) was held in Sarajevo, focusing on the European future of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and the EU enlargement process. Representatives of EPP member parties from BiH, delegates from European institutions, and numerous guests from across the region came together to discuss political reforms, European integration, and the role of the EPP family in the Western Balkans.
A particular highlight of the conference was the signing of the revised Declaration of the EPP Family in Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2026. The declaration was signed by the President of the European People's Party, Manfred Weber, as well as representatives of the SDA, HDZ BiH, HDZ 1990, PDP, and SDS. The signatories reaffirmed their shared commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European path and emphasized the importance of political dialogue, reforms, and cooperation for the country’s continued progress towards European Union membership.
Discussions focused on current political challenges, the implementation of necessary reforms, and the strengthening of democratic institutions. Participants also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and a constructive political culture. They stressed that the signed declaration should be more than a symbolic document and should serve as a concrete basis for further reforms and for advancing the country’s European perspective.
Among the participants were Stephan Raabe, Head of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina, staff members of the Foundation, and members of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Alumni Club in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The broad media coverage of the event demonstrated its significance well beyond Sarajevo. More than 28 reports in Bosnian-Herzegovinian, regional, and international media outlets covered the conference, the signing of the declaration, and the discussions on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU accession process and European future.