Three Decades of Partnership – A Shared Journey Toward a Sustainable and European Future
In 2025, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Germany celebrate 30 years of development cooperation three decades of partnership, mutual trust, and tangible impact that have shaped the country’s path toward sustainable development and European integration.
The first week of November was marked by a series of high-level events in Sarajevo dedicated to the anniversary, bringing together representatives of both governments, partner institutions, and the development community to honour shared achievements and reaffirm the commitment to working together toward Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European future.
Intergovernmental Consultations – Deepening the Partnership
On 4 November 2025, intergovernmental consultations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Federal Republic of Germany took place in Sarajevo. Delegations led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of BiH and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) reflected on the results of past cooperation and defined new priorities for the years ahead.
Representatives of BiH institutions and the German delegation – including BMZ, the German Embassy, KfW, and GIZ – discussed ongoing reforms and future collaboration in areas such as sustainable economic development, vocational education, climate and energy transition, good governance, and EU integration.
Head of Bosnian delegation, Assistant Minister Aida Hodžić expressed gratitude to the German side for “30 years of support and successful cooperation that have strengthened institutions and improved the lives of citizens through numerous projects across different sectors.”
Sustainable Supply Chains for Stronger Economic Cooperation
Continuing the anniversary programme, the economic dimension of this long-standing partnership was highlighted on 5 November 2025 through the event “Sustainable Supply Chains for Strong Economic Cooperation”, organised in cooperation with the German Chamber of Commerce in Bosnia and Herzegovina (AHK BiH). The event brought together over 70 representatives from BiH and German companies, chambers, and business support organisations. Germany remains one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most important economic partners, with bilateral trade reaching around 2.8 billion euro in 2024.
A panel discussion featuring Minister of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Edin Forto, Ali Mir-Hällmayer (BMZ), Yvonne Heidler (VDMA), and Dr. Christian Kuckertz (Roundliner d.o.o.) explored opportunities for advancing sustainable and competitive supply chains. In his address, Ambassador H.E. Alfred Grannas underlined Germany’s continued commitment to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s economic modernisation and EU alignment.
Anniversary Celebration and Exhibition – Stories of Change
The same day culminated in an evening celebration at the iconic Sarajevo City Hall (Vijećnica). The ceremony gathered partners, government representatives, civil society, and citizens to celebrate shared achievements through an immersive exhibition and film premiere titled “30 Years of Partnership – Stories of Change.”
The exhibition showcased 30 visual stories of transformation across Bosnia and Herzegovina – from renewable energy and digital transformation to education, governance, and youth empowerment – highlighting the human impact of German–Bosnian cooperation.
The event was opened by:
- H.E. Elmedin Konaković, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina
- H.E. Alfred Grannas, Ambassador of Germany to Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Heike Backofen-Warneke, Head of Division for South-Eastern and Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus, BMZ
In their remarks, all speakers emphasized the depth of partnership and friendship between the two countries and the shared vision for a sustainable, inclusive, and European future.
“For 30 years, GIZ has been working hand in hand with partners in Bosnia and Herzegovina to create opportunities, drive innovation, and strengthen resilience,” said Daniel Bagwitz, Director of GIZ Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. “This anniversary is not only about looking back at what we have achieved together, but also about reaffirming our commitment to a sustainable and European future.”
The evening concluded with a gallery walk, music performance, and networking among partners – symbolising three decades of cooperation built on trust, solidarity, and shared progress.
Over the past 30 years, Germany has invested more than 1.2 billion in Bosnia and Herzegovina through BMZ-commissioned projects implemented by GIZ and KfW. These efforts have supported small and medium enterprises, promoted renewable energy, improved water and waste systems, strengthened governance, and equipped young people with modern skills for the future. As the celebrations mark a milestone, the partnership continues to evolve – focusing on green transformation, digitalisation, regional cooperation, and EU integration.
The film “30 Years of Partnership – A Development Journey” visually captures this shared story – one of people, progress, and enduring partnership between Germany and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
