Forthcoming policy developments

The Republika Srpska Government adopted the Youth Policy 2023–2027 in 2023. One of the strategic objectives of this policy is to promote healthy lifestyles among young people and encourage responsible environmental behavior. The PRONI Centre for Youth Development was a direct partner in drafting this policy, providing financial support through the project “Youth Retention Program in Bosnia and Herzegovina – General Mobilization”, implemented by the Citizens’ Association “Nešto Više” in cooperation with PRONI and funded by the EU.

In the Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Youth Strategy was adopted in February 2023. One of its strategic goals focuses on improving youth support systems and services in the areas of social protection, information, and health to create a better living environment for young people.

In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Law on Tobacco Control and Restricted Use of Tobacco and Other Smoking Products came into force in 2023. This law prohibits smoking in all indoor public spaces, workplaces, public transport, and areas frequented by minors. Annually, around 8,400 people in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina die from tobacco-related diseases. According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey 2019, approximately 43.95% of adults and 24.4% of children aged 13–15 are active tobacco users, while 55% of children are exposed to passive smoking in enclosed public spaces in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The law was supported by multiple domestic and international institutions, including WHO, UNICEF, and civil society organizations.

Approximately 11.8% of children aged 13–15 are active tobacco users, while 53.7% of children are exposed to passive smoking inside enclosed public places, according to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey 2018 for Republika Srpska. 

Ongoing debates

The Youth Strategy 2025–2034 is the first strategic document in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina fully dedicated to youth. The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Government initiated its development in October 2023, and the draft was finalized and adopted in May 2024. At the proposal of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Ministry of Culture and Sports, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Government in February 2025 approved the  Draft Youth Strategy 2025–2034, which will be submitted to the Parliament of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina for consideration and adoption. The Strategy defines a programmatic approach to youth engagement, including an analysis of youth needs and issues, strategic directions, and specific objectives and measures.

Focus Areas of the Strategy (2024–2025) are:

• Improving the health and mental health of young people,
• Promoting healthy lifestyles,
• Ensuring youth participation in policymaking,
• Supporting entrepreneurship and innovation,
• Enhancing access to information and institutional support.

The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Youth Strategy is expected to be adopted by the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Parliament by the end of 2025.

In Republika Srpska, the Action Plan 2023–2027 is currently being implemented. In Brčko District, annual plans are regularly executed through financial support mechanisms for youth projects.