Bosnia and Herzegovina
The European Training Foundation (ETF) cooperates with and complements the work of the European Commission and the European External Action Service in supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina, including contributing to EU-Bosnia and Herzegovina policy dialogue and the implementation of the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance 2019 whose objectives include strengthening the country’s capacities to render vocational education and training more responsive to the labour market needs.
The ETF also cooperates with the Ministry of Civil Affairs in implementing the Torino Process in partnership with national authorities, experts, and stakeholders.
In 2023, the ETF provided expertise to support the development of a national qualifications framework, as well as contributed to activities promoting the accreditation and validation of non-formal learning.
As part of its work on skills anticipation, the ETF is conducting a study on skills for a green future in the country to deepen its understanding of how the country addresses sustainability issues as part of its sustainability sector strategies and policies and how these are translated into specific education and training offers.
Moreover, the ETF has implemented the European skills and jobs survey in the country to gather comprehensive data from adult workers on various aspects, including background information, job characteristics, required skills, and skill mismatches. Additionally, the survey covers participation in vocational education and training, along with labour market outcomes like wages, job insecurity, and job satisfaction.
Read our 2025 update on Key policy developments in education, training and employment (ETF, 2025). For a quick overview, see below:
2025 developments at a glance
🏛️ Governance, reforms and EU integration
Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to advance reforms in education, skills and employment in a highly decentralised governance environment. In late 2025, the country adopted its Reform Agenda under the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, although delays in submission led to a reduction in available EU funding. Progress on reforms remains affected by institutional fragmentation and coordination challenges across entities, cantons and districts.
📉 Demographic and economic pressures
Population decline continues due to low birth rates and sustained emigration, particularly among young people. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s population is estimated at around 3.2 million, with emigrants representing more than half of the total population. Economic growth remained modest, while remittances continue to play a significant role in household income and labour market behaviour.
🏫 Vocational education and training (VET)
The implementation of the strategic framework Improvement of Quality and Relevance of VET in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Light of Riga Conclusions (2021–2030) continues to guide reforms. Priorities include improving quality, attractiveness and labour-market relevance, strengthening work-based learning and aligning VET more closely with European standards. At the same time, challenges remain in funding, quality assurance, infrastructure and teacher development.
🛠️ Work-based learning (WBL)
Work-based learning remains a strategic priority and takes several forms, including dual arrangements between schools and companies, practical training in school workshops and structured placements with employers. Efforts are ongoing to strengthen employer engagement, company mentoring and cooperation with chambers of commerce. Bosnia and Herzegovina is actively engaged with the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) as part of these reforms.
💼 Labour market developments
Employment indicators continued to improve in 2024, although labour market outcomes remain weaker than EU averages. Unemployment fell to 12.6%, while youth unemployment remained above 30%. Employment services expanded labour market measures, though expenditure on active labour market policies remains low. Skills mismatches continue to affect competitiveness and labour market performance.
✅ Youth Guarantee implementation
Preparations for Youth Guarantee implementation continued at state, entity and district levels. Republika Srpska and Brčko District adopted implementation plans earlier, while the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted its plan in 2025. Public employment services are preparing to deliver Youth Guarantee measures, although capacity constraints and limited training provision remain significant challenges.
👦 👧 Youth in focus
The share of young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs) continued to decline, reaching 20.1% in 2024. However, youth labour market participation remains low, and many young people continue to pursue opportunities abroad, reflecting ongoing concerns around employment prospects and economic inclusion.
💻 Digital skills development
Bosnia and Herzegovina continues implementing priorities for integrating digital competences into education systems. Results from ICILS 2023 highlighted significant gaps in digital literacy, particularly in information evaluation, problem-solving and advanced digital skills. At the same time, new initiatives are supporting digitalisation of schools, teacher training and curriculum reform aligned with European competence frameworks.
🌱 Green transition and skills for sustainability
Green and digital transformation are increasingly reflected in VET reforms. Projects supported by GIZ, UNDP, the EU and other partners are introducing green skills, sustainable production practices and environmental awareness into vocational education, while supporting labour market opportunities linked to the green economy.
📚 Adult learning and qualifications
Adult participation in learning remains very low. At the same time, progress continues on developing the qualifications framework, recognition of prior learning and validation of non-formal and informal learning. A new process to revise the strategic platform for adult education was launched in 2025, with a stronger focus on lifelong learning, recognition and quality provision.
Priorities for 2026
👉 Advance the development and implementation of the Qualifications Framework in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including validation and recognition of non-formal and informal learning and closer alignment with the European Qualifications Framework.
👉 Strengthen quality assurance systems in VET, supporting coherent implementation across different levels of governance and increasing the use of evidence for improvement and accountability.
👉 Expand and improve work-based learning and apprenticeship opportunities through stronger employer partnerships and engagement with the European Alliance for Apprenticeships.
👉 Support implementation of the Youth Guarantee and strengthen the capacity of public employment services, training providers and labour market institutions.
👉 Promote lifelong learning and adult education through stronger institutional frameworks, increased participation opportunities and improved recognition of prior learning.