Bosnia and Herzegovina youth face high emigration rates

Research from the KULT Institute for Youth Development reveals that over 70 percent of young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina plan to leave the country after completing their education. The findings highlight a profound lack of trust in the political system, with more than half of the youth expressing skepticism toward politicians.

Key drivers for this emigration include poor living conditions, lack of professional perspectives, and corruption. Additionally, young people report feeling excluded from political processes; according to Central Election Commission data, youth represent only 12 to 15 percent of candidates on electoral lists. Experts note that young people are rarely involved in substantive political planning or strategic platforms.

In the context of upcoming general elections, the political landscape remains dominated by long-serving officials. Many current members of the Parliamentary Assembly have held office for decades, with some serving since the early 2000s. This long-term presence of established politicians, combined with perceived barriers to entry for those without ruling party affiliations, contributes to the growing apathy and desire for emigration among the younger generation.