Forthcoming policy developments

The consultation phase for the forthcoming reforms includes the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Draft Youth Strategy 2025–2034, which was finalized in 2025. In February 2025, the Government accepted the Proposal of the Strategy prepared by the Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Strategy foresees greater involvement of young people in global initiatives through partnerships with CSOs and international organizations. The Strategy is expected to be adopted by the end of 2025.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is currently preparing a new Country Program Document (CPD) for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2026–2030. The program will concentrate on human capital development, inclusive growth, and strengthening institutions. Special attention will be devoted to addressing youth unemployment, supporting youth migration, and strengthening youth participation in governance.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina Cooperation Framework 2026–2030 defines national development priorities in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Promoting inclusive green growth, strengthening human capital development, and building accountable institutions are key objectives. A central component of the framework is to enhance youth participation in development processes and decision-making at national and local levels.

Ongoing debates

Current debates in Bosnia and Herzegovina are focused on improving cooperation between institutions and civil society organizations (CSOs), particularly in the context of EU integration. The 2020 EU report highlights the need to create an enabling environment for CSOs, including transparent funding and support for freedom of association.

The Dialogue for the Future 3 Conference, held in Mostar, facilitated the signing of the Mostar Youth Declaration 2025. The declaration emphasizes protecting cultural heritage, advancing peace, fostering cross-border education, and strengthening youth engagement in diplomacy. The event was co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Government, UNESCO, the City of Mostar, the Center for Peace and Multiethnic Cooperation Mostar, and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), with support from the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund.

The Economic Reform Program (ERP) 2025–2027 specifically targets youth-related socio-economic challenges. The program objectives focus on tackling youth unemployment, addressing outward youth migration, and creating opportunities to retain young professionals in the country. Public discussions and consultations revolve around aligning ERP measures with the needs of the youth demographic, particularly in terms of employment strategies, brain drain and migration policies.