Bosnia and Herzegovina sees rising consumer debt and local economic shifts

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, consumer credit indebtedness has risen significantly. Data from the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina shows that by the end of August 2026, the population held 1.73 billion KM more in loans compared to the same period last year. Total domestic sector credit reached 31.43 billion KM, a 14.5 percent annual increase.

Regarding legal rights, the existence of unpaid debts, bank loans, or utility bills does not automatically grant border police the authority to prevent citizens from leaving the country. Under the current legal framework and the new Law on Border Control, travel restrictions can only be imposed through specific court decisions, such as in criminal proceedings or to ensure the presence of a suspect.

In Tuzla, the city has launched a second public call to co-finance the renovation of building facades in the city center, offering up to 10,000 KM per building. This comes amid observations of an increasing number of closed business premises in the central district, including notable closures like Textile House and the restaurant Citta del Sale.

Additionally, the Municipality of Stari Grad Sarajevo has acquired new multifunctional vehicles and street cleaning machinery to improve public maintenance and winter services.