Bosnia and Herzegovina Adopts Comprehensive Reform Agenda to Unlock EU Funds
The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted a comprehensive Reform Agenda on September 30, 2025, a crucial step to access up to €917 million from the EU's Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. The agenda includes 114 measures across green transition, private sector development, human capital, and rule of law, notably committing to liberalize the electricity market and align prices with EU levels.
World Bank Lowers Bosnia and Herzegovina's 2025 GDP Growth Forecast to 2.6%
The World Bank has revised Bosnia and Herzegovina's GDP growth projection for 2025 downwards to 2.6%, a 0.1 percentage point decrease from its earlier spring forecast. This adjustment reflects ongoing challenges including political instability, rising prices, and global uncertainties impacting the nation's economic outlook.
Ursula von der Leyen to Visit Sarajevo on October 14 for Crucial EU Growth Plan Discussions
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to visit Sarajevo on October 14, 2025, to discuss Bosnia and Herzegovina's reform program. This visit is pivotal for unlocking 917 million euros under the EU's 6-billion-euro Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, following the recent adoption of BiH's Reform Agenda.
Former Banovići Mayor Bego Gutić Indicted for Multiple Criminal Offenses
The Tuzla Canton Prosecutor's Office has filed an indictment against Bego Gutić, 55, former mayor of Banovići and ex-Prime Minister of Tuzla Canton. The charges include abuse of position or authority and giving a gift, stemming from alleged irregularities in public procurement and linked to 'Operation Kraljica' in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bosnia and Herzegovina Sees 1.3% Increase in Building Permits for August
Bosnia and Herzegovina recorded a 1.3% year-on-year increase in construction permits issued in August 2025, reaching a total of 454. While permits for buildings rose by 6% to 335, civil engineering projects saw a 9.8% decline to 119. The number of planned dwellings decreased by 18.5% to 755.
Firearms Verification Center Opens in Tuzla to Bolster Public Safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina
A new Centre for Verification of Deactivated Firearms has officially opened in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on September 23, 2025. Supported by the OSCE and international donors, the facility aims to prevent the criminal misuse of firearms by ensuring proper deactivation and enhancing law enforcement capabilities.
Bosnia and Herzegovina's Trade Deficit Expands to 8.54 Billion Marka in First Eight Months of 2025
Bosnia and Herzegovina's trade deficit widened to 8.54 billion marka in the first eight months of 2025, marking a 1.3% increase from the previous year. Exports rose by 5.7% to 11.13 billion marka, while imports grew by 3.8% to 19.66 billion marka, according to the country's statistical office.