Citizens' Opinion on EU Membership and Integration - BiH Public Survey 2023

PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY: Citizens opinion on the EU membership and the EU integration process June 2023

METHODOLOGY Data collection 22 May 2 June 2022 Method Quantitative survey by CATI method (computer assisted telephone interviewing) Population Citizens of BiH aged 18 and over Sample Random, multi-stage stratified sampling, representative for BiH Sample frame 2013 Census of population, households and dwellings in BiH, www.popis.gov.ba Sample size N=1.200 Sampling error +/- 2.8% on the total sample

METHODOLOGY GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLES REGION SUBREGIONS UNA-SANA CANTON POSAVINA CANTON TUZLA CANTON ZENICA-DOBOJ CANTON BOSNIAN-PODRINJE CANTON CENTRAL BOSNIA CANTON HERZEGOVINA-NERETVA CANTON WEST HERZEGOVINA CANTON SARAJEVO CANTON CANTON 10 FEDERATIONOF BIH BANJA LUKA REGION DOBOJ REGION BIJELJINA REGION ISTO NO SARAJEVO REGION ZVORNIK REGION ISTO NA HERCEGOVINA REGION REPUBLIKA SRPSKA DB BR KO DISTRICT Sample structure by gender: N 18+ 18+ % 0.1198832 0.0201904 0.2016900 0.1626535 0.0109797 0.1130127 0.1010037 0.0417768 0.1898082 0.0390018 Sample size Men: Women: 48.5% 51.5% 93 15 151 124 211,166 35,564 355,263 286,503 19,340 199,064 177,911 73,587 334,334 68,699 1,761,431 455,968 178,521 113,817 79,808 89,365 92,467 1,009,946 67,081 Sample structure by age: 8 18-34: 35-49: 50-64: 65+: 29.1% 26.5% 26.7% 17.7% FBIH 754 86 75 32 141 29 754 188 74 47 33 38 38 418 28 Sample structure by nationality: 1 Bosniaks: Croats: Serbs: Others: 50.1% 15.4% 32.2% 2.3% 0.451478 0.176763 0.112696 0.079022 0.088485 0.091556 RS 418 Sample structure by type of residential area: 1 1 Urban: Rural: 44% 56% 28 NOTE: A statistically significant difference in the results is p 0.05. This means that there is 95% of certainty that the difference is a result of a systematic factor, i.e. there is a 5% or less probability that it was obtained by chance. Post stratification weights were applied to harmonise sample and the known population parameters according to the 2013 Census. Variables used: gender x age. The results for the Br ko District have limited reliability due to the small number of respondents. Results from 2021 and 2022 surveys were compared for questions identical in their content to those in the 2023 survey.

SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 2023 SAMPLE BIH FBIH RS DB BIH FBIH RS DB BIH FBIH RS DB N=1200 N=754 N=418 N=28 N=1200 N=754 N=418 N=28 N=1200 N=754 N=418 N=28 City 44.1 45.0 41.9 53.6 Employed Without completing primary 39.4 38.5 41.4 35.7 0.6 0.5 0.7 0.0 school Rural area 55.9 55.0 58.1 46.4 Student 7.0 9.0 3.8 0.0 Primary school 8.3 9.4 6.0 10.7 Male 48.5 48.4 48.6 50.0 Housewife 10.8 11.1 9.8 14.3 Secondary school 72.8 70.4 77.0 75.0 Female 51.5 51.6 51.4 50.0 Retired 22.2 22.1 22.2 25.0 University 18.3 19.6 16.3 14.3 18-34 29.1 28.9 29.4 28.6 Unermployed 20.6 19.2 22.7 25.0 No income 8.7 10.2 6.7 0.0 35-49 26.5 26.5 26.6 25.0 Croats 15.4 23.5 0.7 17.9 BAM 1-300 12.5 10.9 15.6 10.7 50-64 26.7 26.8 26.6 28.6 Bosniaks 50.1 71.5 12.2 39.3 BAM 301-700 29.9 31.8 25.8 39.3 65+ 17.7 17.8 17.5 17.9 Serbs 32.2 1.3 87.1 42.9 BAM 701-1000 20.1 19.5 21.5 14.3 Other 2.3 3.7 0.0 0.0 BAM 1001 and over 28.8 27.6 30.4 35.7

SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 2023 SAMPLE Gender Age 17.7 29.1 51.5 48.5 26.7 26.5 Male Female 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+

SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 2023 SAMPLE Education Employment status 0.6 18.3 8.3 20.6 39.4 22.2 7.0 10.8 72.8 Withuot completing primary school Secondary school Primary school University Employed Student Housewife Retired Unemployed

SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 2023 SAMPLE Income Nationality 2.3 8.7 15.4 28.8 12.5 32.2 20.1 29.9 50.1 Croats Bosniaks Serbs Other No income BAM 1-300 BAM 301-700 BAM 701-1000 BAM 1001 and over

SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 2023 SAMPLE Type of residential area 44.0 56.0 Urban Rural

MAIN FINDINGS Three fourths of citizens would vote for BiH s accession into the EU if the referendum would be held on the EU membership. This support is significantly higher in the FBiH and the BDBiH than in the RS. In comparison to 2021 and 2022 surveys, the support for BiH s accession into the EU decreased in 2023 (-7.2% compared to 2021; -4% compared to 2022). Number of citizens who would not vote in the refernedum increased (+4.3% compared to 2022). Unlike in previous years, citizens support BiH s accession into the EU for the following reasons: free movement of people, goods and capital, followed by the guarantee of lasting peace and political stability and compliance with the laws and regulations. In 2023, the percentage of citizens who do not support BiH s accession into the EU slightly decreased compared to 2022, which is 15.2% vs 16.0, but it is still higher compared to 2021, i.e. 15.2% vs 9.3%. The most common reason is the higher cost of living and higher taxes. Other reasons are the loss of cultural diversity (especially for citizens in the RS, i.e. 20.7% vs 7.8% in the FBiH) and over-centralisation. Slightly less than half of BiH citizens believe that the fight against corruption is a reform that needs to be implemented for improvement of their everyday lives. In addition, other necessary reforms are expected in the judiciary and prosecution, reducing tax burdens and removing barriers to employment. Unlike citizens in the RS, citizens in the FBiH believe that the reform of judiciary and prosecution is more important than reducing tax burdens. Citizens in the RS beleive that the reform of judiciary and prosecution and the reform of social system are almost equaly important.

MAIN FINDINGS Citizens believe that the EU is interested in BiH s accession mostly for the country s natural resources and to ensure peace and stability. Compared to previous years when answers almost equaly refered to professional and skilled workers and the expansion of the European market, in 2023, the expansion of the European market have considerable advantage compared to professional and skilled workers (17.9% vs 13.5%). Compared to previous years, in 2023 the answer BiH is already an EU membership candidate had the highest increase (40.1% vs 12.4% vs 9.5%). As in previous years, most of the citizens believe that the EU will strengthen its internal relations and continue with the enlargement process in the future. This opinion is more represented in the FBiH than in the RS (63.9% vs 29.2%). Unlike in the FBiH, citizens in the RS believe the EU will collapse and experience a kind of a block division (49.1% vs 19.6%). Majority of citizens believe that young people would benefit most from BiH s membership in the EU, followed by politicians and entreprenurs. Citizens in the RS more than citizens in the FBiH believe that politicians would benefit the most from BiH s membership in the EU (23.7% vs 12.1%). Results from the 2023 survey show a decrease in answers about benefits for students, researchers and farmers. In all parts of BiH, the politicisation of the integration process and unwillingness to change, as well as pragmatic obstacles, such as significant reforms in all spheres of life, are considered as major obstacles to BiH s integration in the EU. The 2023 survey has shown an increase in awareness about the Directorate for European Integration of the Council of Ministers of BiH compared to previous years (+11.1% vs 2021; +4.2% vs 2022).

MAIN FINDINGS BiH citizens most often believe that DEI s role is to coordinate activities of institutions in BiH in the field of European integration followed by the fulfillment of obligations from the EU integration process. Compared to 2021, the percentage of citizens who believe that the DEI s role is to fulfill obligations from the EU integration process increased (17.1% vs 12.0%), while the number of answers that refer to allocation of EU funds to beneficiaries decreased (5.2%). Compared to 2021 and 2022, percentage of those who believe that the role of DEI is to represent BiH interests in the EU institutions decreased in 2023. The answer I do not know still has a high share (on average 4 out of 10 citizens), which indicates the need for a long-term and continuous promotion of DEI s activities. When it comes to the European integration process topics presented in the media in 2023, BiH citizens are most interested in the impact of the integration process on daily life and the possibilities of using the EU financial assistance. Advantages of the EU integration process and reforms within the process have almost the same share. The main media used by BiH citizens to be informed about the EU integration process are TV and the Internet, followed by press. In the first answer, as in 2022, the Internet is in the first place compared to TV (50.7% vs 40.5%), while TV decreased by 17.5% compared to 2021. Majority of BiH citizens point out that the EU is the largest donor of funds to BiH. This is opinion of 67.2% of citizens in the FBiH and 49.4% of citizens in the RS. Fewer citizens of BiH believe that Turkey is donor to BiH (14,3% vs 20.9% vs 25.4%) or Russia, especially in the RS.

MAIN FINDINGS The candidate status of BiH for EU membership increased the optimism among BiH citizens compared to 2022, i.e. 40.3% of citizens believe that BiH will join the EU in the next 10 years. This is the opinion of 48.7% citizens in the FBiH and 25.7% in the RS. In general, pessimism is the lowest compared to previous years (40.4% vs 49.9% vs 43.0%), however it is more dominant in the RS (56.0%) than in the FBiH (31.4%). While in previous years, the answer that BiH s European path has no alternative had a slight advantage, this year opinions are divided. Compared to 2021 and 2022, the answer that BiH s European path has no alternative decreased (49.2% vs 48% vs 45.4%). There is a slight increase in the opinion that there is an alternative to BiH s European path and that citizens refused to answer this question. After BiH was granted the candidate status, one third of citizens answered that they expected political and economic stabilisation. Almost one third of citizens believe that nothing will change, i.e. almost one third of citizens in the RS compared to citizens in the FBiH (32.6% vs 17.6%). Majority of BiH citizens believe that most important EU investments are in the area of education, health care and social infrastrucutre. Other important areas are support to SMEs, professional education and training aimed at employment. There is no significant difference in opinions of citizens in both Entities.

2023 SURVEY FINDINGS

1. IF A REFERENDUM FOR THE EU MEMBERSHIP WERE TO BE HELD TOMORROW AND THE QUESTION WERE DO YOU SUPPORT THE ACCESSION OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA INTO THE EUROPEAN UNION , HOW WOULD YOU VOTE? NBiH=1.200, nFBiH=754, nRS=418, nDB=28 100 90 80 Almost 7 out of 10 citizens would vote for BiH- accession into the EU. 70 60 Support is the largest in the FBiH and the BDBiH (almost 9 out of 10) compared to the RS (5 out of 10) share this opinion. 50 40 30 A total of 2.0% of citizens are undecided and 1 out of 10 citizens would not vote in the referendum. 20 10 0 BIH 73.3 15.2 9.5 FBIH 86.0 6.8 5.8 RS 50.6 30.0 16.3 BD 71.5 21.6 6.9 Yes No Would not vote Does not know / Does not want to answer 2.0 1.4 3.1 0.0

2A. WHY DO YOU SUPPORT BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA'S ACCESSION INTO THE EUROPEAN UNION? NBiH=928, nFBiH=679, nRS=228, nDB=21 100 90 80 70 Three main reasons why citizens support BiH s accession into the EU are the guarantee of lasting peace and political stability, free movement of people, goods and capital, and compliance with the laws and regulations. 60 50 40 30 The main reason why the RS citizens support BiH s accession into the EU is free movement of people, goods and capital, which is 48.7% of citizens. 20 10 0 BIH FBIH RS DB Guarantee of lasting peace and political stability Free movement of people, goods and capital Compliance with the laws and regulations Infrastructure improvements Other 30.5 32.1 26.2 24.8 36.3 32.7 48.7 25.1 22.4 9.1 1.7 24.6 8.7 1.9 14.0 10.2 0.9 39.9 10.2 0.0

2B. WHY DO YOU NOT SUPPORT BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA'S ACCESSION INTO THE EUROPEAN UNION? NBiH=190, nFBiH=53, nRS=132, nDB=5 100 90 80 Although the percentage of citizens who do not support BiH s accession into the EU is relatively small at the level of BiH (15.2%), the main reasons for not supporting the accession are higher costs of living and taxes , followed by loss of cultural diversity and over-centralisation . 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 BIH 17.5 5.4 52.7 13.2 7.9 3.3 FBIH 7.8 5.9 58.3 15.8 8.3 3.9 RS 20.7 4.0 52.0 12.0 8.1 3.2 BD 33.6 31.3 18.4 16.7 0.0 0.0 Loss of cultural diversity Increased bureaucracy Higher costs of living and taxes Over-centralisation Other Does not know / Refused to answer

3. IN YOUR OPINION, WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING REFORMS IS NECESSARY TO IMPROVE EVERYDAY LIFE OF BIH CITIZENS? NBiH=1.200, nFBiH=754, nRS=418, nDB=28 1.3 Every second citizen believes that the fight against corruption is improvement of everyday life of BiH citizens. BIH 17.6 4.9 46.6 10.3 18.3 1.0 necessary for the In addition, one sixth of citizens believe that the reform of judiciary and prosecution is necessary, as well as reducing tax burdens on labour and removing employment. 1.6 FBIH 17.7 5.1 43.7 9.4 21.7 0.8 barriers to Citizens in the FBiH believe more that the reform of judiciary necessary compare Citizens in the RS believe that reform of social system is as important. 1.0 RS 17.4 4.5 51.8 11.9 12.2 1.2 and to prosecution the RS is citizens. 0.0 BD 18.1 3.2 46.7 10.1 18.2 3.7 Reducing the tax burden on labour and removing barriers to emplyoment Fight against corruption Reform of judiciary and prosecution Does not know / Does not want to answer Public administration reform Social system reform None

4. IN YOUR OPINION, WHY IS THE EUROPEAN UNION INTERESTED IN THE ACCESSION OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA? NBiH=1.200, nFBiH=754, nRS=418, nDB=28 0.0 3.7 4.6 5.9 0.0 8.9 0.9 1.6 3.2 3.2 2.6 13.1 3.4 Three out of ten citizens believe the EU is interested in BiH s accession because of its natural resources. Every fifth citizen believes the reason is to ensure peace and stability. 15.8 17.9 14.1 22.0 14.1 13.5 One third of citizens believe the reasons are professional and skilled expansion of the European market. 12.4 workers and 34.2 57.8 36.6 39.3 27.2 21.3 11.4 11.3 BIH FBIH RS BD To ensure peace and stability EU market expansion Does not know / Refuses to answer Because of the natural resources of BiH Because of good investment climate Because of skilled and qualified workers Other

5. ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THE CURRENT STATE OF THE BIH INTEGRATION PROCESS INTO THE EUROPEAN UNION? NBiH=1.200, nFBiH=754, nRS=418, nDB=28 17.2 Four out of ten citizens believe BiH has already become a candidate for the EU membership. 21.1 27.8 28.9 One fifth of citizens believe BiH has applied for the EU membership. 43.4 40.1 34.4 35.9 One fifth of citizens did not know how to answer this question. 9.1 8.9 8.6 6.9 11.8 12.7 10.5 14.5 18.5 17.8 17.2 14.7 BIH FBIH RS BD BiH applied for the EU membership BiH is answering the EU Questionnaire Does not know / Refused to answer BiH is negotiating for the EU membership BiH has already become a candidate for the EU membership

6. WHAT IS YOUR OPINION REGARDING THE FUTURE OF THE EU? NBiH=1.200, nFBiH=754, nRS=418, nDB=28 4.0 9.9 10.4 11.7 3.7 3.6 0.3 0.3 0.2 6.3 7.5 9.8 The majority of BiH citizens believe that the EU will internal relations and continue the enlargement. 10.1 13.1 28.1 strengthen its 17.7 9.5 17.4 21.6 This opinion is more prevalent in the FBiH than in the RS (63.9% vs 29.2%). Citizens in the RS are more likely to believe that the EU will not survive and it will experience a kind of bloc division. 31.4 63.9 51.3 39.0 29.2 BIH FBIH RS BD Does not know / Refused to answer Other EU will abandon the common currency and some common policies EU will experience a kind of bloc division EU, as an integration, will not survive EU will strengthen its internal relations and continue with the enlargement

7. IN YOUR OPINION, WHICH PART OF SOCIETY WOULD BENEFIT THE MOST FROM BIH'S ACCESSION INTO THE EU? NBiH=1.200, nFBiH=754, nRS=418, nDB=28 The majority of citizens believe that young people would benefit the most from BiH s accesion into the EU, followed by politicians, students and researchers. One out of ten citizens believe that no one in particular will benefit from BiH s accession into the EU. The RS citizens are more likely to believe than the FBiH citizens that politicians would benefit the most from BiH s accession into the EU (23.7% vs 12.1%) and believe much less that young people will benefit (36.9% vs 58.4%). 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 BIH 8.3 6.8 16.3 50.7 5.5 10.9 1.5 FBIH 7.3 6.7 12.1 58.4 6.2 8.7 0.6 RS 10.1 6.9 23.7 36.9 4.3 14.9 3.2 BD 7.2 7.5 17.9 50.0 6.9 10.5 0.0 Entrepreneurs Students and researchers Politicians Youth Farmers No one in particular Does not know / Refused to answer

8. IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT MAKES THE INTEGRATION OF OUR COUNTRY INTO THE EUROPEAN UNION THE MOST DIFFICULT? NBiH=1.200, nFBiH=754, nRS=418, nDB=28 3.1 3.7 5.0 7.6 5.6 8.5 14.3 13.4 14.9 The politicisation of the integration process mostly impedes the BiH s integration process. This opinion is more prevalent in the FBiH than in the RS. In addition, unwillingness to change is also a significant obstacle. 14.5 14.7 13.9 7.7 7.8 3.6 8.2 24.3 23.3 24.8 21.3 43.8 40.9 39.5 35.6 BIH FBIH RS BD Politicisation of the integration process Insufficient understanding of the process Current situation in the EU Unwillingness to change Objective obstacles (extensive reforms in all spheres of life) Does not know / Refused to answer

9. HAVE YOU HEARD OF THE DIRECTORATE FOR EUROPEAN INTEGRATION OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OF BIH? NBiH=1.200, nFBiH=754, nRS=418, nDB=28 100 90 The majority of citizens of BiH have heard of the European Integration. 80 Directorate for 50.0 56.0 56.1 56.4 70 60 50 40 30 46.0 40.0 41.5 42.1 20 10 0 BIH 56.0 41.5 2.5 FBIH 56.1 42.1 1.8 RS 56.4 40.0 3.6 BD 50.0 46.0 4.0 Yes No Refused to answer

10. DO YOU KNOW WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE DIRECTORATE FOR EUROPEAN INTEGRATION OF BIH? NBiH=1.200, nFBiH=754, nRS=418, nDB=28 42.5 42.8 42.7 Although the majority of citizens have heard of the Directorate for European Integration, (56%), 4 out of 10 citizens do not know what is DEI s role. 46.8 4.7 5.2 6.2 7.1 10.0 10.4 10.5 17.2 Almost one fourth of BiH citizens believes that the Directorate for European Integration is to coordinate activities of the institutions in BiH in the field of European integration. 18.0 17.1 16.1 role of the 6.9 24.8 24.6 24.4 22.0 BIH FBIH RS BD Does not know / Does not want to answer Distribution of EU financial assistance to beneficiaries Representing the BiH interests in the EU institutions Fulfillment of obligations from the EU integration process Coordination of activities of institutions of BiH in the field of European integration

11. WHAT TOPICS IN THE MEDIA, RELATED TO THE EU INTEGRATION PROCESS, ARE INTERESTING TO YOU? NBiH=1.200, nFBiH=754, nRS=418, nDB=28 50 Almost one third of BiH citizens said that they were interested in topics related to the impact of the EU integration process on everyday life of citizen. 40 30 One interested in the possibility of using the EU financial assistance. fifth of BiH citizens are 20 10 0 BIH FBIH RS BD Impact of the EU integration process on the everyday life of citizens Advantages of the EU integration Possibility of using the EU financial assistance Reforms within the integration process Costs of integration Dose not know / Does not want to answer 30.4 29.4 32.4 28.5 14.3 19.5 14.4 6.7 14.7 15.5 20.9 15.0 6.0 13.2 12.2 17.2 13.0 7.4 17.8 13.8 18.0 17.7 14.8 7.2

12. WHICH MEDIA DO YOU USE THE MOST TO BE INFORMED ABOUT THE EUROPEAN INTEGRATION PROCESS? NBiH=1.200, nFBiH=754, nRS=418, nDB=28 Total answers (firts and second) First answer Second answer 1. TV 2. Internet 40.5 40.0 TV 9.6 RADIO 1.4 50.7 15.6 INTERNET 40.3% 33.4% 2.2 10.5 PRINT MEDIA 3. Print media 1.6 5.1 PUBLIC EVENTS 0 OTHER 0 BiH television, then the Internet and the print media to be informed about the European integration process. citizens are most likely to use 6.3% 19.3 NONE OF THE ABOVE 3.6

13. THE BIGGEST DONOR OF FUNDS TO BIH IS...? NBiH=1.200, nFBiH=754, nRS=418, nDB=28 The majority of BiH citizens believe that the biggest donor of funds to BiH is the European Union. 13.2 24.7 17.1 14.5 0.5 0.0 3.6 Citizens in both Entities believe that, after the EU, Turkey is the largest donor of funds to BiH. 15.2 17.5 14.3 9.3 3.9 3.8 4.0 12.4 Almost one fourth of the RS citizens did not know how to answer this question. 4.2 67.2 64.2 61.0 49.4 BIH FBIH RS BD European Union Japan Turkey Russia Does not know / Refused to answer

14. ACCORDING TO YOUR ESTIMATION, WHEN WILL BIH ENTER THE EU? NBiH=1.200, nFBiH=754, nRS=418, nDB=28 Two fifths of BiH citizens believe that BiH will join the EU in 10 years maximum (40.3%), while 25.8% of citizens believe that this will never happen. 17.4 25.9 32.9 40.5 14.0 14.5 Almost half of citizens in the FBiH and 25.7% of citizens in the RS see BiH as an EU member in 10 years maximum. 14.1 19.9 15.5 19.3 21.2 18.3 Citizens pessimistic compared to citizens in the FBiH, i.e. 4 out of 10 citizens in the RS estimate that this will never happen, while 2 out of 10 the FBiH citizens believe the same. in the RS are more 48.7 40.3 31.8 25.7 BIH FBIH RS BD In 10 years maximum In 15 years maximum In 20 years maximum Never

15. IN YOUR OPINION, DOES THE EUROPEAN PATH OF BIH HAVE AN ALTERNATIVE? NBiH=1.200, nFBiH=754, nRS=418, nDB=28 100 90 32.4 Citizens of BiH have different answers to the question whether the European path of BiH has an alternative. 80 41.7 45.8 48.6 70 60 50 Citizens in the RS are more likely to believe that the European path of BiH has no alternative, while citizens in the FBiH believe that there is an alternative. 40 57.1 46.1 45.4 30 44.5 20 10 12.2 10.5 8.8 6.9 0 BIH 45.8 45.4 8.8 FBIH 48.6 44.5 6.9 RS 41.7 46.1 12.2 BD 32.4 57.1 10.5 Yes No Refused to answer

16. WHAT CHANGES DO YOU EXPECT AFTER BIH OBTAINED THE STATUS OF A CANDIDATE COUNTRY FOR THE EU MEMBERSHIP? NBiH=1.200, nFBiH=754, nRS=418, nDB=28 100 4.3 4.4 4.8 90 17.6 31.3 23.1 80 32.6 After BiH obtained the status of a candidate country for the EU membership, one third of citizens expect to see economic stabilisation. one fourth of citizens think that nothing will change. 9.1 70 9.4 10.5 12.3 60 10.0 12.0 political and 11.2 50 11.3 Almost 40 38.0 34.3 32.4 30 27.9 20 10 18.7 16.8 14.5 13.4 0 BIH 4.4 23.1 9.4 12.0 34.3 FBIH 4.3 17.6 9.1 12.3 38.0 RS 4.8 32.6 10.0 11.3 27.9 BD 0.1 31.3 10.5 11.2 32.4 Does not know / Refused to answer Nothing will change Foreign direct investments will increase Access to special EU funds Political and economic stabilisation Faster fulfillment of requirements set by the European Commission 16.8 18.7 13.4 14.5

17. EU REGIONAL POLICY INVESTS IN MANY AREAS. WHICH OF THE LISTED AREAS DO YOU CONSIDER THE MOST IMPORTANT FOR YOUR CITY OR REGION? NBiH=1.200, nFBiH=754, nRS=418, nDB=28 100 3.4 1.5 2.0 7.5 2.9 6.8 6.5 90 5.8 The majority of BiH citizens believe that the most important EU investments are in education, health care and social infrastructure. 12.5 11.9 80 18.1 10.5 70 16.5 17.6 19.4 21.4 60 4.7 5.2 6.3 50 3.5 40 30 According to citizens opinion, other important areas for investments are support to SMEs, and professional education and training aimed at employment. 54.8 52.5 48.6 46.1 20 10 0 BIH 4.3 2.0 6.5 FBIH 3.2 1.5 6.8 RS 6.5 2.9 5.8 BD 0.0 3.4 7.5 Does not know / Does not want to answer Research and innovation Renewable and green energy Professional education and training aimed at employment Support to SMEs Environmental protection Education, health care and social infrastructure 11.9 12.5 10.5 18.1 17.6 5.2 16.5 4.7 19.4 6.3 21.4 3.5 52.5 54.8 48.6 46.1

COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF RESULTS FROM 2021, 2022 AND 2023

Socio-demographic characteristics of the samples for surveys in 2021, 2022, 2023 2023 2022 2021 2023 2022 2021 2023 2022 2021 BIH N=1200 N=1200 N=1200 BIH N=1200 N=1200 N=1200 BIH N=1200 N=1200 N=1200 Without completing primary school (%) FEDERATION BIH (N) Employed (%) 754 754 754 39.4 36.9 33.2 0.6 1.7 6.8 REPUBLIKA SRPSKA Student (%) 7.0 8.3 7.6 418 418 418 Primary school (%) 8.3 16.8 17.3 (N) Housewife (%) 10.8 10.3 13.8 Secondary school (%) 72.8 69.6 62.3 BR KO DISTRICT (N) 28 28 28 Retired (%) 22.2 24.8 25.8 University (%) 18.3 12.0 13.7 City (%) 44.0 44.0 44.0 Unemployed (%) 20.6 19.8 19.6 Refused to answer (%) 0 0 0 Rural (%) 56.0 56.0 56.0 Refused to answer No income (%) 8.7 11.3 8.8 0 0 0 Refused to answer (%) 0 0 0 (%) BAM 1-300 (%) 12.5 16.3 14.7 Male (%) 48.5 48.5 48.5 Croats (%) 15.4 15.4 15.7 BAM 301-700 (%) 29.9 37.9 42.3 Female (%) 51.5 51.5 51.5 Bosniaks (%) 50.1 50.1 50.4 BAM 701-1000 (%) 20.1 18.8 22.0 18-34 (%) 29.1 29.1 28.8 Serbs (%) 32.2 32.2 31.2 BAM 1001 and over (%) 28.8 15.8 12.3 35-49 (%) 26.5 26.5 26.7 Other (%) 2.3 2.3 2.3 Refused to answer (%) 0 0 0 50-64 (%) 26.7 26.8 27.1 Refused to answer 0 0 0.4 (%) ! 65+ (%) 17.7 17.7 17.5 In case of significant differences in the survey data, it is necessary to check the socio-demographic characteristics of the sample. Refused to answer (%) 0 0 0

IF A REFERENDUM FOR THE EU MEMBERSHIP WERE TO BE HELD TOMORROW AND THE QUESTION WERE DO YOU SUPPORT THE ACCESSION OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA INTO THE EUROPEAN UNION , HOW WOULD YOU VOTE? N2021=1.200, N2022=1.200, N2023=1.200 100 90 Compared to last year, support for BiH's entry into the EU slightly decreased. On average, three fourths of BiH citizens would vote for BiH's entry into the EU in a referendum. Compared to 2022, percentage of citizens who would not vote in a referendum increased (9.5% vs. 5.2%). However, this increase is not significant when compared results in 2023 and in 2021 (8.5%). 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 % 2021 80.6 9.3 8.4 2022 77.4 16.0 5.2 2023 73.3 15.2 9.5 Yes No I would not vote Does not know / Does not want to answer 1.7 1.4 2.0

WHY DO YOU SUPPORT BIH'S ENTRY INTO THE EUROPEAN UNION? N2021=966, N2022=928, N2023=881 Compared when the reason for supporting BiH s accession into the EU with the highest percentage was the guarantee of lasting peace and political stability, in this year s survey the main reason is movement of people, goods and capital. to previous years 100 90 80 70 60 free 50 40 30 20 The guarantee of lasting peace and political stability is in the second place, compliance with the laws and regulations. 10 0 followed by 2021 2022 2023 % Guarantee of lasting peace and political stability Free movement of people, goods and capital Compliance with the laws and regulations Infrastructure improvement Other None Does not know / Refused to answer 43.1 34.4 30.5 27.3 32.0 36.3 17.3 22.8 22.4 10.6 1.4 0.0 0.3 6.6 4.2 0 0 9.1 1.7 0 0

WHY DO YOU NOT SUPPORT BIHS ENTRY INTO THE EUROPEAN UNION? N2021=109, N2022=190, N2023=183, The percentage of citizens who do not support BiH s entry into the EU slightly decreased compared to 2022 (15.2% vs. 16.0%). The reasons remained mostly the same compared surveys. 100 90 80 70 to previous 60 50 40 30 20 10 % 0 2021 15.3 7.4 55.9 15.5 4.4 0.0 1.5 2022 19.8 6.5 50.4 10.0 9.1 0.0 4.2 2023 17.5 5.4 52.7 13.2 7.9 0.0 3.3 Loss of cultural diversity Increased bureaucracy Higher costs of living and taxes Over-centralisation Other None Does not know / Refused to answer

IN YOUR OPINION, WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING REFORMS IS NECESSARY TO IMPROVE DAILY LIVES OF BIH CITIZENS? N2021=1.200, N2022=1.200, N2023=1.200 As in previous years, the fight against corruption important reform improvement of daily lives of BiH citizens in 2023 decreased compared to previous years. Compared to percentage of people who believe that for improvement everyday life it is necessary to reduce the tax burden on labour and remove barriers to employment, has incresed. In 2023, reform prosecution remained the third most important reform improve daily lives of BiH citizens, but with the higher percentage than in previous years. is the for most the 2021 14.8 8.2 50.9 7.3 16.5 which slightly previous years, of their 2022 17.2 6.8 49.0 11.5 14.5 of judiciary and necessary to 2023 17.6 4.9 46.6 10.3 18.3 Reducing the tax burden on labour and removing barriers to employment Fight against corruption Reform of judiciary and prosecution Does not know / Does not want to answer Public administration reform Social system reform None

IN YOUR OPINION, WHY IS THE EUROPEAN UNION INTERESTED IN THE ACCESSION OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA? N2021=1.200, N2022=1.200, N2023=1.200 There is no significant difference in the opinions of BiH citizens in 2023 and in previous years, about the reasons for the EU interest in BiH s accession. According to dominant reasons resources, ensuring peace and stability, as well as expansion of the EU market. 2.5 3.0 5.9 2.5 2.4 2.8 1.6 4.5 3.2 16.4 15.8 17.9 citizens, are the natural 15.6 15.9 13.5 30.9 39.5 36.6 27.5 21.3 20.6 2021 2022 2023 Ensuring peace and stability Expansion of the EU market Does not know / Refused to answer Natural resources Good investment climate Professional and skilled workers Other

ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THE CURRENT STATUS OF THE EU INTEGRATION PROCESS OF BIH? N2021=1.200, N2022=1.200, N2023=1.200 14.9 15.3 Compared to previous years, the most significant increase has the answer BiH candidate for EU membership (40.1% vs 12.4% vs 9.5%) in 2023. 21.1 9.5 is already a 12.4 17.7 18.6 40.1 All decreased compared to previous years, only the answer I do not know increased on average by +6%. other answers significantly 30.3 23.0 8.9 12.7 30.7 27.6 17.2 2021 2022 2023 BiH applied for the membership BiH is answering the EU Questionnaire Does not know / Refused to answer BiH is negotiating the EU membership BiH is already a candidate for EU membership

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION REGARDING THE FUTURE OF THE EU? N2021=1.200, N2022=1.200, N2023=1.200 When asked about the future of the EU, the majority citizens believed that the EU will strengthen its internal relations and continue enlargement. previous surveys, there are no significant differences in answers. 4.7 6.8 of BiH 0.0 10.4 0.3 6.5 0.3 7.9 7.5 16.1 12.9 13.1 with the to Compared 19.5 21.4 17.4 Compared to surveys in previous years, there decrease in this year answers of citizens that the integration will not survive and that it will experience a kind of bloc division. was a slight 52.6 51.3 51.3 EU as an 2021 2022 2023 Does not know / Refused to answer Other The EU will abandon the common currency and some common policies The EU will experience a kind of bloc division The EU as an integration will not survive The EU will strengthen its internal relations and continue with the enlargement

IN YOUR OPINION, WHICH PART OF SOCIETY WOULD BENEFIT THE MOST FROM BIH'S ACCESSION INTO THE EU? N2021=1.200, N2022=1.200, N2023=1.200 100 The majority of BiH citizens believe that young people would benefit the most from BiH s accession into the EU. Answers politicians entrepreneurs slightly increased in 2023 compared to previous years. Answers students and researchers and farmers slightly compared to previous years. In 2023, as in previous years, 1 out of 10 citizens think that no one would benefit from BiH s accession into the EU. 90 80 and 70 60 50 decreased 40 30 20 10 0 2021 6.6 10.8 13.8 51.7 7.1 9.2 0.8 2022 7.3 7.0 15.6 49.9 6.5 12.5 1.2 2023 8.3 6.8 16.3 50.7 5.5 10.9 1.5 Entrepreneurs Students Politicians Youth Farmers No one in particular Does not know / Refused to answer

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT MAKES THE INTEGRATION OF OUR COUNTRY INTO THE EUROPEAN UNION THE MOST DIFFICULT? N2021=1.200, N2022=1.200, N2023=1.200 As politicisation process is the greatest obstacle to BiH integration into the EU. in previous of years, integration the the 2.2 4.8 5.0 9.2 8.5 9.7 13.3 8.9 14.5 In unwillingness decreased compared to previous years. Answers increased are obstacles (+1.3% vs 2022 and +5.7% vs 2021) and I do not know (+3.8% vs 2022). 2023, the to answer change 9.3 8.3 7.8 26.2 27.9 23.3 that slightly objective 41.1 40.9 39.1 2021 2022 2023 Politicisation of the integration process Insufficient understanding of the process Current situation in the EU Unwillingness to change Objective obstacles (extensive reforms in all spheres of life) Does not know / Refused to answer

HAVE YOU HEARD OF THE DIRECTORATE FOR EUROPEAN INTEGRATION OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OF BIH? N2021=1.200, N2022=1.200, N2023=1.200 100 90 80 44.9 The 2023 survey showed that awareness of the Directorate for European Integration Council of Ministers increased compared to previous years (+11.1% vs 2021; +4.2% vs 2022). 51.8 56.0 70 of of the BiH 60 50 40 30 54.0 46.9 41.5 20 10 0 2021 44.9 54.0 1.1 2022 51.8 46.9 1.3 2023 56.0 41.5 2.5 Yes No Refused to answer

DO YOU KNOW WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE DIRECTORATE FOR EUROPEAN INTEGRATION OF BIH? N2021=1.200, N2022=1.200, N2023=1.200 In 2023, 1 out of 4 citizens believe that the DEI s role is to coordinate activities of institutions in BiH in the field of European integration. This answer slightly increased, compared to previous when 1 out of 5 citizens gave such answer. 42.7 42.7 45.6 years, 0.0 0.5 5.2 0.3 7.8 13.4 10.4 11.8 12.6 This year results are the closest to results from Compared to 2021, there is an increase in the answer fulfillment of obligations integration process (17.1% vs 12.0%) and decrease answer distribution of the EU financial assistance beneficiaries (5.2% vs 13.4%). As in previous years, on average 4 out of 10 citizens do not know what is the role of the Directorate for European Integration. 17.1 last year. 16.4 12.0 24.6 18.8 18.1 from the EU 2021 2022 2023 in the Does not know / Refused to answer Other Distribution of the EU financial assistance to beneficiaries Representing the BiH interests in the EU institutions Fulfillment of obligations from the European integration process Coordination of activities of institutions in BiH in the field of European integration to

WHAT TOPICS RELATED TO THE EUROPEAN INTEGRATION PROCESS PRESENTED IN THE MEDIA ARE THE MOST INTERESTING TO YOU? N2021=1.200, N2022=1.200, N2023=1.200 50 As in previous years, the impact of the EU integration process on daily lives of BiH citizens and the possibility of using EU financial assistance are interesting topics related to the process of European integration presented in the media to BiH citizens in 2023. This year, reforms integration process advantages of the EU integration have equal results, compared to previous years, difference between topics was +/- 2 to 3%. 40 the most 30 20 within the and 10 when these the two 0 2021 2022 2023 The impact of the EU integration process on everyday life of citizens Advantages of the EU integration Possibility to use EU financial assistance Reforms within the integration process Integration costs Other Does not know / Does not want to answer 26.2 33.4 30.4 11.5 24.9 14.8 10.8 0.5 11.3 14.8 23.2 12.7 7.2 0.2 8.5 14.3 19.5 14.4 6.7 0.0 14.7

WHICH MEDIA DO YOU USE THE MOST TO GET INFORMATION ABOUT THE EUROPEAN INTEGRATION PROCESS? THE FIRST ANSWER N2021=1.200, N2022=1.200, N2023=1.200 100 In 2023, as in 2022, the Internet is still the main media to get information about the integration process (the first answer). 90 80 European 70 60 50 40 The second media is TV (40.5%). Compared to significantly decreased to 40.5% vs slightly compared to 2022 (40.5% vs 43.1%) 30 20 2021, TV 10 58.0% decreased and 0 Does not know /Refused to answer 0 0 0 PUBLIC EVENTS None of the above TV RADIO INTERNET PRINT MEDIA Other 2021 2022 2023 58.0 43.1 40.5 3.3 1.1 1.4 34.4 49.7 50.7 2.5 2.5 2.2 1.5 1.6 1.6 0 0 0 0.3 2 3.6

THE LARGEST DONOR OF FUNDS TO BIH IS...? N2021=1.200, N2022=1.200, N2023=1.200 Compared to previous years, more and more BiH citizens believe that the EU is the largest donor to BiH. 9.3 17.1 11.9 In 2021, this was the opinion of 47.4% of citizens, in 2022 the percentage was 56.3%. This year, 61% of citizens believe the same. 6.0 11.5 3.6 14.3 20.9 Comparing 2023 to previous years, answers Turkey and Russia significantly decreased. This decrease was recored already last year and the trend continued in 2023. In 2021, 25.4% of citizens believed that Turkey is the largest donor to BiH, and this year s percentage is 14.3%. In 2021, 11.5% of citizens believed that Russia is the largest donor to BiH, and this year s percentage is only 3.6%. 25.4 4.0 4.9 6.4 61.0 56.3 47.4 2021 2022 2023 European Union Japan Turkey Russia Does not know / Does not want to answer

IN YOUR OPINION, WHEN WILL BIH JOIN THE EU? N2021=1.200, N2022=1.200, N2023=1.200 0 0 0 The results from the 2023 survey show increased compared to previous especially compared to 2022. optimism years, 25.9 29.8 35.3 Compared increased by 9.6% and compared to 2021 by 2.7%. to 2022 optimism 14.5 13.2 14.6 19.3 16.4 Two fifths of BiH citizens (40.4%) believe that BiH will joint the EU in the period of 10 years. In 2022, 34.7% of citizens opinion. Data almost the same result as data in this year. 15.4 had 2021 such show in 40.6 40.3 34.7 2021 2022 2023 In 10 years maximum In 15 years maximum In 20 years maximum Never Does not know / Refused to answer

IN YOUR OPINION, DOES THE EUROPEAN PATH OF BIH HAVE AN ALTERNATIVE? N2021=1.200, N2022=1.200, N2023=1.200 100 While answer the European path of BiH has no alternative had a slight advantage, this year opinions are devided. in previous years the 90 80 44.7 44.8 45.8 70 Compared to 2021 and 2022, the answer that the European path of BiH has no alternative decreased (49.2% vs 48% vs 45.4%). There is a slight increase in the answers that there is an alternative to the European path of BiH and that citizens refused to answer this question. 60 50 40 45.4 48.0 49.2 30 20 10 8.8 7.2 6.1 0 2021 44.7 49.2 6.1 2022 44.8 48.0 7.2 2023 45.8 45.4 8.8 Yes No Refused to answer