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Bosnia-Herzegovina's ethnic divide
Bosnia-Herzegovina's ethnic divide shapes its political structure and EU ambitions.
In brief
Bosnia-Herzegovina's ethnic divide shapes its political structure and EU ambitions. Bosnia-Herzegovina's complex ethnic divisions and international oversight create political gridlock, with separatist ambitions and EU integration efforts as key challenges. Originally reported by Dw.
Bosnia-Herzegovina's ethnic divide
Bosnia-Herzegovina divides its economic, administrative and political responsibilities between a multiethnic central government, the neutral Brcko district and two semi-autonomous entities.
Ethnic groups dominate constitution
The Bosnian constitution recognizes Bosniaks, Bosnian Serbs and Bosnian Croats as 'constituent peoples' with equal rights.
Population distribution
Bosnia-Herzegovina has a population of around 3.1 million people, with 50% Bosniaks, 31% Serbs and 15% Croats.
Dayton Peace Accords end war
The Dayton Peace Accords ended the Bosnian war in 1995, legally securing the balance of power between Bosniaks, Serbs and Croats.
War crimes and displacement
The war caused 100,000 deaths and 2.2 million displaced people through ethnic cleansing.
High representative oversight
The high representative, an international institution, has sweeping powers to dismiss officials and pass laws.
Republika Srpska separatism
Milorad Dodik, Republika Srpska's leader, seeks to split his entity from Bosnia-Herzegovina with support from Belgrade and Moscow.
EU integration efforts
Bosnia-Herzegovina submitted EU membership application in 2016, with negotiations starting in early 2024.
EU funding and reforms
EU pre-accession assistance has been suspended for Republika Srpska due to separatist rhetoric and policies.
What to remember
Bosnia-Herzegovina's complex ethnic divisions and international oversight create political gridlock, with separatist ambitions and EU integration efforts as key challenges.
