The Erdut Agreement was a crucial document signed in November 1995 that aimed to bring an end to the Croatian War of Independence, which had lasted since 1991. The war was initiated with Croatia's declaration of independence from Yugoslavia, which led to conflict with the ethnic Serbian population and the Serbian government. By 1995, Croatia's military campaigns significantly shifted the balance of power, leading to a push for diplomatic resolutions. The agreement was signed in the town of Erdut, located in eastern Croatia, amid ongoing tensions and the presence of United Nations peacekeeping forces. The primary architects of the agreement included Croatian negotiators and representatives from the ethnic Serbian community, alongside international mediators who played a pivotal role in fostering dialogue. The Erdut Agreement not only called for a ceasefire but also promoted the reintegration of the territories held by the Serbs back into Croatia, and stipulated that these areas would be overseen by an international administration for a transitional period. This framework included provisions for local elections, the return of refugees, and the protection of minority rights.