The Youth Transfer is again part of the 2026 Budget of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and has been increased to a record 1,000,000 KM! This important and encouraging news comes after a period of serious concern and uncertainty, in which young people in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina were left without the only clearly named federal budget line intended exclusively for them.

This decision represents a strong step towards systemic and long-term support for young people and sends a clear message to young people that they are recognized, that their needs and potential are taken seriously, and that they have their place in public policies and the budget.
We remind you that at the beginning of the year, the omission of the Youth Transfer from the budget proposal raised justified concern in the youth sector, as well as in the wider community. Deleting the only dedicated budget line for youth would mean not only a loss of funds but also an institutional recognition that young people deserve special and transparent support. This is precisely why this return is important, because it shows that the voice of young people has not remained silent and that their struggle has not been in vain.

“We would like to especially highlight and thank the Commission on Youth Affairs and the Committee on Economic and Financial Policy of the House of Representatives of the Parliament of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who, recognizing the importance of this budget item, initiated and proposed amendments to restore and increase the Youth Transfer. We also express our gratitude to the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports for their clearly expressed commitment and constructive action within this process. This decision confirms that the voice of young people, arguments, and continuous advocacy are recognized where key decisions are made,” they emphasize on behalf of the Youth Council of the Federation of BiH.

The Youth Council of the Federation of BiH, with the support of the youth sector, insisted on a simple principle throughout the process: if it is claimed that young people are a priority, it must be seen where it matters most, in the budget. This result also comes as part of a broader effort for more transparent and accountable budgeting for youth, within the PRAGG project.

“In the coming period, we expect a stronger step forward from the youth sector through a larger volume of quality projects, so that the available funds from the Youth Transfer can be fully used for the development, empowerment, and inclusion of young people in processes that concern them,” added the Youth Council of the Federation of BiH.

The return and increase of the Youth Transfer is a signal that investing in young people is still recognized as an investment in society as a whole. Young people in the Federation of BiH have not only received funds, but also confirmation that their place in the budget priorities has not been lost. The budget procedure continues, as the Budget Proposal is now being considered by the House of Peoples of the Parliament of the Federation of BiH.