Institutionally organized youth policy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including youth associations and youth participation at all levels of decision-making, is formally grounded in the principles of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, the constitutional order, the rule of law, and international legal standards. Youth policy development and youth work are also influenced by the objective of aligning with European standards and good practices, particularly in the context of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU integration process.

At the state level, Bosnia and Herzegovina does not yet have a comprehensive, strategic youth policy framework accompanied by a dedicated strategy and action plan. A systematic and institutionalized approach to youth policy development at state level, based on European youth policy standards, has therefore not been established.

Youth policy development is primarily undertaken at lower levels of government:

• The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is in the process of adopting a youth policy framework,

• In Republika Srpska, the Government adopted the Youth Policy of Republika Srpska 2023–2027, a comprehensive strategic document that defines priorities and measures for youth development over a five-year period.

• In the Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Youth Strategy 2022–2026 has been adopted, setting out strategic goals and actions to improve the position of young people, strengthen youth organizations and enhance youth participation in public life.

• Youth policy competences also exist at cantonal level in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, resulting in varying approaches and levels of implementation across cantons.

Regarding coordination mechanisms at state level, Bosnia and Herzegovina has several institutional instruments relevant to youth policy. The most significant of these is the Commission for the Coordination of Youth Issues in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which operates within the framework of the Council of Ministers and in cooperation with the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Commission plays a coordinating and consultative role in youth-related matters, including cooperation with lower levels of government and international partners.