# Balkan historical revisionism in school textbooks

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/balkan-historical-revisionism-in-school-textbooks
> Updated: 2026-09-05T06:00:55.000Z. Sources: 45. Developments: 2.

Reports have emerged regarding the use of school textbooks in the Balkans to influence historical narratives of the 1990s conflicts. In Serbia, investigations suggest that primary and secondary school curricula may be implementing historical revisionism by omitting or minimizing significant events, such as the siege of Vukovar. Critics note that the textbooks avoid terms like ‘aggression’ or ‘conquest war,’ instead defining the conflict in Croatia as a ‘civil war’ triggered by secession.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, analysis of ninth-grade history textbooks shows discrepancies between educational materials and facts established by courts. In Republika Srpska, the Ministry of Education and Culture has approved a textbook that was previously banned by the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Conversely, in Sarajevo, educators are utilizing integrated materials that cover the 1992–1995 war, the siege of Sarajevo, and the genocide.

As the 2026/2027 academic year begins, these educational debates persist. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, authorities in the Brčko District are preparing for the return of approximately 8,300 students with provisions for free textbooks and increased police presence for safety. However, concerns remain regarding the accuracy of war-related content in the Federation and Republika Srpska, where textbooks continue to be scrutinized for their compliance with court rulings.

## Claims

- The Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation invested approximately 235,000 euros into the Petar I Petrović Njegoš Gymnasium in Danilovgrad. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Approximately 135,000 euros were invested in the adaptation and execution of works in the school building. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- About 50,000 euros was allocated for the procurement of new school inventory. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Around 50,000 euros was invested in STEM equipment for classrooms. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: Balkan schools begin 2026/2027 year with reforms and investments

The 2026/2027 school year begins across the Balkans with significant educational reforms, new vocational programs, and major infrastructure investments in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia

45 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bosnia-and-herzegovina-history-textbooks-show-discrepancies-in-war-education

### 2026-08-12: Serbia accused of using school textbooks to revise 1990s war history

Serbian school textbooks are reportedly engaging in historical revisionism by redefining the 1990s war in Croatia as a civil war and omitting details regarding the siege of Vukovar.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbia-accused-of-using-school-textbooks-to-revise-1990s-war-history

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Cite as: Balkan historical revisionism in school textbooks. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/balkan-historical-revisionism-in-school-textbooks