Geographical Indications in Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Comparative Legal Analysis with the European Union

Geographical indications (GIs) represent an important tool for the protection and valorization of traditional food products, rural development, and the preservation of cultural heritage. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country facing demographic decline in rural areas and continuing challenges in agricultural development, GIs also carry significant economic and social potential. The geographical and historical context of Bosnia and Herzegovina is examined alongside the development of GI legislation from the Yugoslav legal system to the current post-independence framework. Particular attention is given to the harmonization of national legislation with Regulation (EU) No. 1151/2012, which formed the basis of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s alignment with EU GI law. The analysis then shifts to Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 and the new developments it introduces, particularly regarding sustainability and environmental considerations. Using a comparative legal approach, the level of alignment between the Bosnian and EU GI systems is evaluated together with the opportunities and limitations of the current framework. The analysis highlights the potential of geographical indications to contribute to rural development, economic diversification, and the promotion of local identity, while also identifying institutional and practical challenges affecting their implementation.