Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina Presented Recommendations for Reconciliation to the Institutions in BiH
After a months-long participatory process that brought together citizens from across the country, the process and recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina 2026 on reconciliation were presented today at the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
At the initiative of the Chair of the Joint Committee on European Integration of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zdenko Ćosić, and with the support of the project “Strengthening Trust and Cohesion in Communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Možemo bolje)”, the Citizens’ Assembly developed a set of recommendations aimed at supporting the implementation of Key Priority 5 from the European Commission’s Opinion on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU membership application. This priority focuses on improving the environment for reconciliation and overcoming the legacy of war.
The process also aimed to strengthen transparency, trust, and citizens' participation in democratic processes through open and structured dialogue, contributing to a better understanding of diverse perspectives within the society of Bosnia and Herzegovina. These recommendations were developed and submitted to institutions at all levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina by 70 randomly selected citizens who reflect a representative cross-section of the country’s population.
Zdenko Ćosić, Chair of the Joint Committee on European Integration of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, stated: “At a time when Bosnia and Herzegovina is awaiting the formal opening of accession negotiations with the European Union, the implementation of Priority 5 of the European Commission’s Opinion, relating to reconciliation and overcoming the legacy of war, carries particular importance. For this reason, as Chair of the Joint Committee on European Integration of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, I supported the Citizens’ Assembly process to create space for citizens to contribute to European reforms through their proposals. The Joint Committee on European Integration, the Forum for European Integration, as well as parliamentary diplomacy and cooperation with European institutions, can provide an important framework for promoting and considering these recommendations within the broader reform process. The recommendations developed by citizens confirm that there is a willingness for dialogue and a shared search for solutions, and they represent a valuable contribution to strengthening trust between citizens and institutions. I believe that citizens’ assemblies such as this should become a permanent democratic practice, further enhancing citizen participation and supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path towards the European Union.”
Adebayo Babajide, Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized: "Reconciliation is not only about addressing the legacy of the past, it is about building trust, strengthening democratic participation, and creating a shared vision for the future. The Citizens' Assembly demonstrates that when people from different backgrounds come together in an inclusive and respectful dialogue, they can identify common priorities and develop practical solutions for the benefit of all. The European Union is proud to support this initiative, which contributes directly to Key Priority 5 of the European Commission's Opinion. We now encourage institutions across Bosnia and Herzegovina to carefully consider these recommendations and translate citizens' ideas into meaningful action.“
The Citizens’ Assembly brought together randomly selected citizens as a representative sample of society. Through three sessions, learning, and the exchange of arguments, they identified common priorities that can serve as guidance for institutions at all levels of governance in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Arnhild Spence, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stated: „Peaceful and democratic societies are built when citizens participate, institutions act, and communities work together to rebuild trust and strengthen social cohesion. The United Nations, including through support from the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund, remains committed to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in advancing inclusive, citizen-centred peacebuilding rooted in trust, participation and accountable institutions.”
At today’s presentation, members of the Joint Committee, together with representatives of the international community, civil society, and institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, discussed the process, the resulting recommendations, and next steps required to begin implementing these citizen-led proposals.
Ambassador Richard Holtzapple, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina stated: „Today, 70 randomly selected citizens from across Bosnia and Herzegovina presented 39 reconciliation-focused recommendations demonstrating broad consensus across ethnic and entity lines. These results reflect a society that is ready to move beyond division, provided its institutions create the space to do so. The OSCE Mission to BiH believes that durable reconciliation requires both bottom-up community ownership and top-down political will. Today, citizens fulfilled their part. We all count on elected officials to do their part. Svi Možemo Bolje – We Can All Do Better.“
Bojana Urumova, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Sarajevo underlined that “Citizens’ Assemblies can be an effective way for institutions to meaningfully involve citizens in decision-making processes. Experience has shown they can yield results even on difficult terrain: for example, in polarised communities, or on sensitive issues, such as reconciliation. In fact, Bosnia and Herzegovina has been a pioneer in deliberative democracy. We have seen that structured dialogue in inclusive, randomly-selected and representative groups empowers participants to formulate well-founded and actionable recommendations, to shape a shared future. The Council of Europe encourages such processes as a powerful tool strengthening democracy, participation, and trust between citizens and institutions.“
The full set of recommendations, along with proposed actions for their implementation, is available at: www.skupstinagradjana.ba
The Citizens’ Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina 2026 is implemented as part of the “Možemo bolje” project, funded by the European Union and jointly implemented by the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Council of Europe Office in Sarajevo.