Geopolitical Conflict
Republika Srpska Defies State Courts in 2025
Leaders of Bosnia’s Republika Srpska entity have passed laws blocking state-level judiciary and police from operating in the region, triggering a constitutional crisis and fears of renewed conflict.
Since early 2025 Republika Srpska authorities have adopted legislation that effectively bans state-level courts, prosecutors and investigative agencies from functioning on entity territory. This move defies rulings by Bosnia’s top court and the international High Representative, undermining the Dayton‑era constitutional order. International actors warn that parallel institutions and refusal to enforce state decisions risk reviving inter‑ethnic tensions and could destabilize the country. The standoff has paralyzed key reforms and delayed EU accession, even as election-related polarization grows ahead of 2026.
- Status
- active
- Location
- Banja Luka, Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Date added
- 2026-03-22 17:57 UTC
- Last updated
- 2026-03-22 17:57 UTC
- Source
- boell.de
- Connected threats
- Not provided