# Croat political representation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/croat-political-representation-in-bosnia-and-herzegovina
> Updated: 2026-08-28T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 3.

The political status and representation of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina remains a central point of contention. The Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina (HDZ BiH) recently marked its 36th anniversary, with party leader Dragan Čović emphasizing that the party’s position relies heavily on political backing from the Republic of Croatia and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. Čović noted that Croatian officials advocate for the Dayton Peace Agreement and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s integration into the EU and NATO.

Discussions have resurfaced regarding the 33rd anniversary of the transition of the Croatian Community of Herzeg-Bosnia into the Croatian Republic of Herzeg-Bosnia (HRHB). Proponents argue the entity provided an institutional framework that granted Croats equal rights and facilitated the Washington and Dayton peace agreements. However, the legacy of HRHB remains a source of tension, with Croat leaders viewing current efforts to abolish the House of Peoples of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a threat to their institutional protection against a unitary state based on a ‘one person, one vote’ principle.

In August 2026, political leaders gathered in Mostar and Grude to mark the 33rd anniversary of the founding of the Croatian Republic of Herceg-Bosna. Dragan Čović, president of the Croatian National Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina (HNS BiH), stated that the institutions of Herceg-Bosna were “essential for the survival and political independence of Croats in the region.” During the commemorations, Croatia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Ivan Anušić, called for urgent changes to the Electoral Law, arguing that the current political status of Croats is unjust and prevents them from effectively choosing their own representatives. Anušić also reaffirmed Croatia’s support for the political independence of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the country’s path toward NATO and EU membership.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-28: Croatia officials mark 33rd anniversary of Herceg-Bosna in Mostar

Leaders mark the 33rd anniversary of Herceg-Bosna in Mostar, with Croatian officials calling for Electoral Law reforms to ensure political equality for Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/herceg-bosnia-marks-33-years-as-a-foundation-for-croat-political-rights

### 2026-08-25: Croat political status in Bosnia and Herzegovina remains a central issue

Marking 33 years since the founding of Herceg-Bosna, discussions continue regarding the political equality and constitutional rights of Croats as a constituent people in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croat-political-status-in-bosnia-and-herzegovina-remains-a-central-issue

### 2026-08-18: HDZ BiH marks 36th anniversary with emphasis on Croatian support

HDZ BiH celebrated its 36th anniversary in Mostar, with leader Dragan Čović highlighting the vital political support provided by Croatia for the party and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU aspirations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hdz-bih-marks-36th-anniversary-with-emphasis-on-croatian-support

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Cite as: Croat political representation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/croat-political-representation-in-bosnia-and-herzegovina