While Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) can look forward to a future of European Union (EU) integration, it remains haunted by the ghosts of its war past. The country’s main challenges remain the lack of integration between Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs, as well as the heavy state structure, with different levels of governance, that often divides people instead of bringing them together.

If Bosnia wants to curtail the outflow of youth to EU countries and move towards European integration, it needs to start investing in its youth and ensure that they are able to meet and share experiences. Ethnic tensions and bad governance have led to potential instability. Young Bosnians are concerned with their country’s security. As today’s young generation is less affected by war than their parents, there is hope that incoming politicians, civil servants, and civil society representatives will be more inclined to work together towards a better future for BiH. In fact, it is imperative for Bosnia’s stability and security that the incoming generation knows each other and can work together.

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