Council of Ministers Holds Its 70th Extraordinary, Phone Session

The Council of Ministers defined unanimously a Proposal Basics for negotiations on an Agreement between the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina on BH participation in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. 

The conclusion of the Agreement will make Bosnia and Herzegovina a new member of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, and it would strengthen considerably its capacities and  readiness for a more effective response to natural and other disasters.

This creates conditions for all protection and rescue-engaged institutions in BIH to get equipped, trained and developed according to the relevant EU standards. Member counties of the Mechanism are obliged to support other members hit by disaster as much as necessary and feasible. The cooperation, among other things, include exchange of information, coordination of new operations and, as appropriate, share of resources (e.g resources for transport), in order to provide quicker and more effective response to disaster both inside and outside the EU. Also, the full membership in the Mechanism enables responding to calls for applications for prevention and alert projects, as well as for expert exchange. Member countries pay an annual contribution for participation with the Mechanism, and the European Commission decreased the obligatory amount of BIH for 70%, relevant to planed financial obligations, for the purpose of support to the enlargement procedure.

Earlier, BIH had fully implemented a Special Measures Project for Flood Recovery and Flood Risk Management /Support to Civil Protection, for which the European Commission directed EUR 2,5 million within IPA (EUR 1.5 million for training and EUR 1 million for equipment), by which conditions were fulfilled for membership in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

Under its projects of prevention and alert, through the Civil Protection Mechanism, the European Union facilitates cooperation among 27 member countries, as well as with Iceland, Monte Negro, Norway, Serbia, Republic of North Macedonia, and Turkey towards two joint aims: protection of people, property and cultural heritage from disaster, and increased readiness for fast and effective response.

The Proposal Basics for conclusion of the Agreement, which further confirms dedication of BIH for a full membership in the EU, will be provided to the BIH Presidency for further decision-making procedure, with a proposal for the Minister of Security as the BIH signatory thereof. (end)