A Cross-Cutting Survey of Corruption and Anti-Corruption Issues in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Overview, Challenges and Recommendations

The country's fragile state, shaped by war, ethnic cleansing, and a peace agreement that froze the conflict without addressing its roots, has hindered progress in reducing corruption and increasing democratic transparency. Despite numerous efforts, including hundreds of initiatives and reforms, the country remains far from thriving, lagging behind its neighbors in many respects. The assessment of anti-corruption issues, initiatives, and recommendations in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2015 is a critical examination of the challenges and obstacles that have hindered progress. The report identifies eight different approaches to reform that have been tried but have failed to make a macro-level impact in reducing corruption and increasing democratic transparency. These approaches include legislative frameworks, justice sector reform, politics and elections, auditing institutions, reform of public sector, public administration, and public companies, business and economic environment, anti-corruption institutions, and demand-driven reform. The report highlights the difficulties of state-building and peace-building in a country with a complex history and a fragile state. It notes that the lack of reforms over several years and the rollback of progress in many areas are a concern to citizens and international observers. The social unrest in 2014 showed that Bosnia and Herzegovina is not exhibiting signs of stability but rather stagnation. The assessment aims to provide a chance to reassess why previous efforts have not struck at the root causes of corruption and to re-group to more effectively prioritize efforts and coordinate resources. The report identifies key challenges and obstacles, including the capture of the state by political elites, the lack of a clear and effective anti-corruption strategy, and the limited capacity of institutions to address corruption. The report makes several key recommendations, including the need for a comprehensive and coordinated anti-corruption strategy, the strengthening of institutions, and the promotion of transparency and accountability. It also recommends the development of a clear and effective framework for anti-corruption efforts, the establishment of a robust and independent anti-corruption agency, and the promotion of public awareness and participation in anti-corruption efforts. The report concludes that nearly all of the pieces of the puzzle exist, but they are not being put in place to potentially trigger a real call for change. It emphasizes the need for a renewed commitment to anti-corruption efforts and a willingness to address the root causes of corruption in Bosnia and Herzegovina.