7.8 Current debates and reforms
Forthcoming policy developments
The RS Government adopted the Youth Policy 2023-2027 in 2023. One of its strategic objectives is the promotion of healthy lifestyles among young people and a responsible attitude towards the environment. A direct partner in the process of developing the RS Youth Policy was the PRONI Center for Youth Development, which financially supported the development of the policy through the project "Youth Retention Program in BiH - General Mobilization". The project has been implemented by the Association of Citizens “Nesto Vise” in cooperation with the PRONI Center for Youth Development and financed by the European Union.
When it comes to BD, the Youth Policy 2022 to 2026 was adopted in February 2023, and one of its strategic goals is to improve the system and support services for young people in the field of social care, information and health, creating a better environment for young people's lives.
Based on the proposals of the FBiH Ministry of Culture and Sports, the FBiH Government, at a session held on October 30, 2023, adopted a Decision to initiate the process of drafting the FBiH Youth Policy 2024-2027.
The FBiH Law on Control and Restricted Use of Tobacco, Tobacco Products and Other Smoking Products came into effect in 2023. More info is available on the project’s website. In FBiH, data shows that 8,400 people die annually from diseases attributed to tobacco smoking; 43.95% of adults and 24.4% of children aged 13-15 are current consumers of tobacco products; and 55% of children in this age group are exposed to second-hand smoke in indoor public places. Many international and domestic institutions and organizations have expressed support for this Law.
When it comes to the Action Plan for the implementation of the RS Youth Policy 2023–2027, there is information available in the media that it has been adopted. However, the official information on the website of the RS Ministry of Family, Youth and Sport is still not available.
The Action Plan for the implementation of the BD Youth Policy 2022-2026 is currently in preparation, but official information on when it will be completed is still not available.