Spatial planning and cross-border cooperation: The role of the Republic of Srpska in shaping joint development programs with neighborhood countries

Cross-border cooperation is one of the leading instruments of integrative processes in Europe. The formation of cross-border regions is an essential prerequisite for effective cooperation and sustainable development. Experiences have confirmed that this type of cooperation induces a whole spectrum of positive effects on the space. Cross-border spatial planning is an initial step towards successful territorial cohesion, but also a necessary condition for economic, ecological and political cooperation, especially those areas that define large differences. The territory of Republika Srpska, considering the specificity of the shape of the territory, the state organization and the asymmetric division of jurisdiction, is characterized by a large number of (potential) border regions with diff erent characteristics and potential. The paper treats the problem of cross-border cooperation, as the potential of the territory of the Republic of Srpska/Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also explains the necessity of forming regions, their connection and cooperation. Also, the paper shows pronounced integration functions and the role of Republika Srpska/Bosnia and Herzegovina in connecting the countries that surround it. The types of cross-border cooperation are presented with reference to the current and previous spatial plans of the Republic.