# Bosnia-Herzegovina's ethnic divide

> Bosnia-Herzegovina's ethnic divide shapes its political structure and EU ambitions.
- Title: Bosnia-Herzegovina's ethnic divide · Dw | Shortify
- Summary: Bosnia-Herzegovina's ethnic divide shapes its political structure and EU ambitions. Bosnia-Herzegovina's complex ethnic divisions and international oversight…
- Keywords: bosnia, herzegovina, ethnic, separatism, integration, dayton, peace, constitution, war, srebrenica, republika srpska, Bosnia-Herzegovina's
- Source: Dw — https://dw.com/en/bosnia-herzegovina-shaped-by-war-separatism-eu-ambitions/a-79523557?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: bosnia, herzegovina, ethnic, separatism, eu, integration, dayton, peace, constitution, war, srebrenica, republika srpska
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Bosnia-Herzegovina's complex ethnic divisions and international oversight create political gridlock, with separatist ambitions and EU integration efforts as key challenges.