Publication

This brief presents a historical overview of the evolution of police structures in Bosnia and assesses past attempts at police reform in the country. It suggests that since the 2012 closing of the EU police mission in Bosnia, police reform has been put on hold. The authors also argue that in the aftermath of this incomplete reform, the country’s multiple police services remain fragmented and lack transparency and that a deficit of coordination and civic oversight leads to political interference in policing. Consequently, the authors contend that Bosnia needs to have a new long term plan for policy reform and that the EU should adopt a new approach to the situation.