International Conference on Economic and Social Studies (ICESoS` 13) :"Economic Crises and European Union", 10-11 May, 2013, Sarajevo, BIH 1 Strategies for Curbing Unemployment in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Lessons from Ireland and Netherlands Bičo, Azra, Faculty of Business and Administration, International University of Sarajevo, Hrasnička cesta 15, Ilidža, 71200 Sarajevo, BiH, azrabico@hotmail.com Bajram, Narela, Faculty of Business and Administration, International University of Sarajevo, Hrasnička cesta 15, Ilidža, 71200 Sarajevo, BiH, narela7@yahoo.com Abstract: Over the past three decades European countries have been coping with problems of high unemployment, and they need rigid labor market improvements. Countries tried to find strategies to decrease unemployment by using different methods, such as wage moderation, income tax cuts, tightening of unemployment benefits, reduction in barriers to part time work, and education programs. This paper examines methods which have been proven to be successful in Ireland and Netherlands. By looking at its implications it tries to give strategic solutions to countries as Bosnia and Herzegovina, since it is coping with the same problem. This paper analyzes problems of unemployment with special focus on the youth unemployment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Keywords: Strategy, Curbing, Unemployment, Ireland, Netherland, Bosnia and Herzegovina