Balkans to make some gains in curbing gender violence

Significance

Violence against women and children is a serious problem across South-Eastern Europe. Recently, the issue has come into the spotlight in multiple countries including Serbia, Bosnia-Hercegovina (BiH) and Bulgaria. The Croatian government is aiming to have the legislation passed by the end of the year and enacted by January 2024.

Impacts

• Croatian conservative groups will push back against the legislative changes.
• The issue of gender-based violence might resurface in campaigning for the 2024 elections in Croatia.
• Serbia, BiH and Bulgaria may also pursue some legislative changes, but they would likely be limited in scope.