Earlier this week the three parties that represent Bosnia and Herzegovina's three main communities reached a consensus on some of the most hotly-disputed issues in Bosnian politics. The agreement was signed by the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD, the major Bosnian Serb party), The Party of Democratic Action (SDA, the major Bosniak national party), and the Croat Democratic Union (HDZ, representing Bosnia's Croat population).

The agreement covers issues such as reforms to the constitution to bring it into line with the European Human Rights Convention, the functioning of state institutions, division of state property and the territorial and administrative organization of the country.

Bosnia and Herzegovina's European integration may prove easier if these reforms are implemented. Consensus on reforms would also bring much-needed stability to state institutions as well as bringing closure to two years of considerable tension between the three major parties.

Further information:

• MónDivers: Els líders de Bòsnia i Hercegovina obren una porta a l'enteniment mutu
• BalkanInsight: Bosnia Deal Triggers New Tensions
• SETimes.com: Brussels welcomes BiH agreement, calls for concrete action
• Nationalia: Municipal elections in Bosnia reveal growing ethnic divisions