Challenges and Perspectives in the Bilateral Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina with Neighbouring and Regional Countries
Challenges and Perspectives in the Bilateral Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina with Neighbouring and Regional Countries

Summary/Abstract: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s foreign policy is focused first and foremost on relations with neighbouring countries, followed by those remaining countries which make up the former Yugoslavia and the Western Balkans region. However, the history of relations in the region is complex and often hinders cooperation, leaving issues unresolved despite the imperative of “good neighbourly relations”. Since gaining independence, BiH has stabilized relations and settled disputes with only one of its three neighbours – Montenegro. BiH’s bilateral relations with the Republic of Croatia have been very dynamic and range from constructive periods to very turbulent ones. Those between BiH and the Republic of Serbia are burdened by the wartime past, as well as by Serbia’s current policy towards BiH and the poorly conceived actions and policies of BiH institutions towards Serbia. Relations and settlement of disputes with neighbours are further complicated by detrimental foreign pressures, yet, it is difficult to expect lasting solutions without decisive actions by these same foreign actors.

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