Sjednice
Council of Ministers of BIH Holds its 38th Session
05/26/2021
The Council of Ministers of BIH considered a piece of information by the Ministry of Communications and Transport on issues arisen in transit of BIH goods though the Republic of Croatia, after the Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Croatia took a regulation classifying public roads for cargo transit through the Republic of Croatia.
All responsible Ministries and bodies of the Council of Ministers of BIH will continue their communication with the relevant bodies of the Republic of Croatia for the purpose of problem solving of transit of BIH goods through the Republic of Croatia.
BIH INTENSIFIES COOPERATION WITH TURKEY AND PAKISTAN IN COMBATING CRIME
The session defined a Proposal Platform for negotiations on an Agreement on Security Cooperation between the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Government of the Republic of Turkey, with some corrections made at the session.
The two countries wish to intensify cooperation in combating all forms of cross-border crime and other crimes, including illegal migrations, pursuant to relevant domestic laws and international regulations. Other than exchange of information, the cooperation will include training and up-grading programmes.
A Proposal Platform was defined for negotiations on an Agreement between the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on cooperation in fight against international crime, terrorism, trade of narcotics, and organised crime, which is intended to boost the bilateral cooperation.
The several proposal platforms will be provided to the BIH Presidency for further procedure, and the Minister of Security was proposed for the BIH signatory.
RATIFICATION OF AGREEMENTS WITH GOVERNMENTS OF SERBIA AND MONTNEGRO
The Council of Ministers of BIH defied a Proposal Decision on Ratification of an Agreement on delegation of responsibilities for service provision on air traffic between the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Government of the Republic of Serbia and Government of Montenegro, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will pass to the BIH Presidency for further procedure.
The aim of the Agreement is to promote their relations in the area of air traffic and to facilitate of international flights safe operations through their state border, in the interest of passengers.
NO CONSENT ON DECISIONS
The Council of Ministers of BIH failed to reach a consensus, with four votes against, on a decision on amendments and supplements to a Decision on setting additional conditions for foreigners’ entry to Bosnia and Herzegovina, supplemented at the session.
Simultaneously, with two votes against, consensus was neither reached on the Ministry of foreign Affairs-proposed amendments and supplements to a Decision on visas.
The Council of Ministers will reflect on the decisions in the second round of voting, after conducing consultations.
DESION ON MANDATRY APPLICATION OF PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT OF DOMESTIC PRODUCTS/SERVICES IN SECOND ROUND OF VOTING
The Council of Ministers of BIH failed to take decision, with five votes against in the first round of voting, on obligatory application of preferential treatment of domestic products/services.
The Council of Ministers of BIH had been earlier notified by the Public Procurement Agency on a cession of application of the preferential treatment of domestic products/services in public procurement procedures, as at June 1, 2021.
The Council of Ministers of BIH will reflect on the decision in the second round of voting.
2020 MIGRATION PROFILE ADOPTED
The Council of Ministers adopted a 2020 Migration Profile of Bosnia and Herzegovina, thus fulfilling its regular annual up-dating obligation in the process of visa regime liberalisation.
The Migration Profile has been adopted by the Council of Ministers since 2009, and it provides an insight into the key migration trends.
BIH diplomatic-consular offices in year 2020 issued 1.857 visas, and it represents a considerable drop in numbers for 96% relative to 2019 when 47,694 visas were issued, as a consequence of Covid-19 pandemics.
At the same time, three visas were issued at the BIH border crossing, which is 84.21% less than in 2019, when 19 visas were issued, as the multiannual downward trend continues of visa issuance at the BIH border-crossings.
Last year, the BIH border police refused 4.525 entries to BIH, which is 93.2% more than in 2019 with 2.342 rejected entries.
The number of detected illegal crossing of the BIH state border in 2020 was 11.857 (945 illegal entries and 10,912 exits from BIH), and it was increased for 120% relative to year 2019, when 5,859 illegal crossings were detected.
Foreigners in BIH were approved 8.293 temporary stays in 2020 or 18.16% less than in 2019, and 312 permanent stays were approved, which is less for 61.76% relative to the year before, when 816 permanent stay were approved.
With IOM assistance, in 2020 total 58 BIH citizens were returned to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
BIH citizenship was granted to 567 individuals last year, or less for 13.7% relative to 2019, most of citizenships were granted to citizens of the Republic of Serbia (78%).
CROSS-SECTPR WORK GROUP AND COORDINATION FOR INTEROPERABILITY
Upon a proposal of the Ministry of Communications and Transport, a Decision was made to appoint a Cross-Sector Work Group for interoperability of Bosnia and Herzegovina, comprised of four representatives of each the Council of Ministers of BIH, Governments of Republika Srpska, Federation of BIH and Brčko District, respectively.
The session took a decision to appoint members of the Council of Ministers of BIH Coordination for Interoperability, proposed by the Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers of BIH.
Thereby, an expert and consultancy body of the Council of Ministers is to be formed to the end of introduction of electronic services for businesses and citizens in their competence and for the establishment a horizontal interoperability between BIH institutions. Coordination Body for Interoperability of the Council of Ministers, proposed by the Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers of BIH.
The aim is to promote the level of e-government development in Bosnia and Herzegovina and level of digitalisation in BIH institutions, thereby facilitating service provision to citizens and businesses.
The setting-up the Cross-Sector Work Group and Coordination would enable Bosnia and Herzegovina to make a step forward in digitalisation process, which proved to be the key element during the Covid-19 pandemics for the functioning of BIH institutions.
OVER KM 37 MILLION TRANSFERRED FROM STATE BUDGET TO LOWER-LEVEL AUTHORITIES TO RECOVER FROM ECONOMIC DAMAGES
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted a Budget Execution Report of Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and International Obligations of BIH for year 2020, which will be passed by the Ministry of Finance and Treasury to the BIH Presidency and Parliamentarian Assembly of BIH. The report will be posted at the BIH Council of Ministers and Ministry of Finance and Treasury web sites.
Total realised revenues, receivables and finances available to BIH Institutions last year amounted to KM 1,011,248.147 and are 2% higher than planned. The total realised expenditures and costs were KM 989.089.130 are were higher for about KM 104.1 million or 2% relative to the year before, when temporary financing was in effect throughout the year.
An increase of expenditures refer to increase of capital expenditures and to current grants and transfers. Transfers were higher for about KM 39.7 million, and majority of resources were intended for helping other authority levels for rehabilitation from damage caused Covid-19 pandemics, in amount of KM 37,747,000 and from donor funds, in amount of KM 2.357.054.
Gross salaries and reimbursements to employees remained at the same level as in 2012. Simultaneously, travel costs were decreased last year, as well as expenditures for transport and fuel, supplies and current maintenance.
All due foreign debt obligations were timely serviced in 2020 in total amount of KM 744,530,103.79.
CoMBIH CURRENT RESERVES SUPPORT FOR RECOVER FROM COVID EFFECTS
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Finance and Treasury-tabled information on distribution and use of current reserve resources accorded for repairing of economic damages made in 1-9, 2020, and it will be passed to the BIH Parliamentarian Assembly.
The Council of Ministers of BIH secured last year total KM 25 million current reserves funds, namely, most of it, 23 million for recovering from economic damage caused by Covid-19 pandemics and for support to the health sector, of which total KM 10 million to Republika Srpska 37 per cent, the Federation with its 10 cantons 67 per cent, and the Brčko District of BIH 2 per cent.
Simultaneously, KM 13 million was allocated to general hospitals in Banja Luka (KM 4 million), Sarajevo (KM 3.5 million), and in Tuzla (KM 1.5 million), as well as to the University Hospital in Mostar (KM 3.5 million) and the Brčko District of BIH Health Centre (KM 500 thousand).
The remaining KM two million were secured for financing of costs stemming from contractual arrangements for provision of health countermeasures for Covid-19 within the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2020-2022. The funds were intended to make-up for costs made in the process of vaccines procurement in BIH, including, delivery, import and distribution of Covid-19 vaccines, transport costs, storing, and quality insurance.
PIECE OF INFORMATION ADOPTED ON MIGRATION SITUATION
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Security-tabled piece of information on situation in the area of migrations in Bosnia and Herzegovina for February 2021, which will be passed to the BIH Presidency and Parliamentarian Assembly House of Representatives. According to the piece of information, this this February 773 illegal migrants were reported to the BIH Foreigners’ Affairs Service, which is for 61% less that in January 2021.
The citizenship structure of the illegal migrants shows that citizens Afghanistan, Pakistan, Morocco, Bangladesh and Turkey, reported to the Foreigners’ Affairs Service are the most numerous.
Out of total 773 illegal migrants, 689 indicated their intention to apply for asylum, while 14 of them or 2% applied for it, thus continuing the practice of misuse of the asylum system, turning it into modus operandi of illegal migrations in BIH, as in other countries of the Western Balkans.
In February 2021, the BIH Border Police took up measures towards 846 foreign citizens, which is a drop of 63.06% relative to February 2020, when measures were taken against 2.290 individuals. Also, the number of individual detected in illegal crossing or attempted border crossing was increased for 105% this February relating to the month before.
A fight against smuggling of migrants and support to BIH police agencies, together with implementation of relevant operations throughout BIH, as well as cross-border cooperation against migrants smuggling, is one of key priorities for suppression of illegal migrations, reads the piece of information.
DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR STATE PROPERTY COMMITTEE TASKS IMPLEMETNATION
The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Ministry of Justice-proposed decision to amend a Decision on setting-up a State Property Committee, definition and distribution of state property, and rights and obligations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Entities and Brčko District of BIH in managing the state property.
The Amended Decision extends the deadline for fulfilment of tasks from the Committee’s competence to March 21 2022.
Relevant institutions failing to provide names of their respective representatives in the Committee should provide them without delay.
FRAMEWORK REPORTING PROGRAMME ON HUMAN RIGHTS TREATY IMPLEMENTATION ADOTPED
The Council of Ministers took the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees-proposed decision to adopt a 2020-2025 Framework Reporting Programme on implementation of international human rights treaties, in order to improve the level of realisation of assumed international obligations.
The Framework Programme is a strategic document setting a uniform processes of reporting and implementation of international human rights treaties, which also facilitates the coordination process with relevant BIH institutions, with an effective and rational use of organisational, human and financial resources.
PROTECTION OF PROPERTY INTERESTS
The Council of Ministers of BIH, took note, upon a proposal of the Office of Chairman, of a piece of information from the BIH Attorney’s Office concerning a public call for sales of immovable property, advertised by the Radio-Television of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Council of Ministers of BIH required the BIH Attorney’s Office to provide a detailed piece of information on taking activities from its competence for the purpose of legal protection of the property and property interests of BIH.
The Parliamentarian Assembly of BIH, as the founder of the Radio-Television of BIH, will be informed of the conclusions of the Council of Ministers, together with the Ministry of Communications and Transport and Radio-Television of BIH.
It is about a parcel intended for construction of the “Sarajevo Congress Centre”, according to relevant regulation plan, and which the Radio-Television of BIH advertised for sales,.
TO ENABLE EXTRAORDINARY TECHNICAL CHECK TO FOREIGNERS UNDER RECIPROCITY PRINCIPLE
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Communications and Transport-tabled piece of information on a need to solve the issues of motor vehicles in BIH, registered in other states, the registration of which expired during the pandemics-caused extraordinary situation.
Relevant traffic bodies of Republika Srpska, the Federation of BIH and Brčko District of BIH should instruct technical inspection stations to enable car technical checks to foreign citizens whose motor vehicle registration validity expired, for the purpose of getting valid insurance policy electronically from the country of original registration, and leaving the territory of BIH by shortest way.
The BIH Border Police was instructed to enable smooth leaving the BIH territory by such motor vehicles.
Responsible bodies of the Entities and Brčko District of BIH should report the Ministry of Communications and Transport on such cases as soon as possible, for the purpose of passing information to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which should, upon a receipt of the subject data, notify relevant bodies of other states on actions in case foreigners’ car registration expired during their stay in BIH, so that citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina may enjoy the same treatment during the extraordinary situation (reciprocity principle).
DEI INFORMATION
The Council of Ministers of BIH took note of several pieces of information from the Directorate for European Integrations on the fifth meetings of both the Sub-Committee for Internal Market and Competition, including Health Protection and Consumer Protection, and the Sub-Committee for Justice, Freedom and Security, held on December 17 and 18, 2020.
The European Commission recommendations were adopted following the meetings, and several conclusions were taken for the aim of their fast as possible implementation.
BIH JUSTICE SECTOR ACTION PLAN IMPELMENTATION REPORT ADOPTED
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Justice-tabled report on the 2020 BIH Strategy for Justice Sector Reform Action Plan implementation.
It was about activities implemented within jurisdiction, criminal sanctions execution, access to justice, support to economic development, as well as a strategic area “good governance and justice sector responses”.
Out of total 147 Action Plan activities, 64 have been implemented, 51 partially implemented, 23 were postponed, and nine have not been implemented in 2020.
SUCCESSFUL BIH PARTICIPATION IN EU PROGRAMME EUROPA FOR CITIZENS
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Justice-tabled report on the European Union Programme “Europa for Citizens 2014-2020”. According to the report, two applicants from Bosnia and Herzegovina were holders of a project, totally worth EUR 173,680, while 24 applicants partnered in 31 projects,.
The BIH entry ticket to the Programme costs EUR 15.000 annually, and in 2020 EUR 10.5 thousand (70%) was paid from the IPA funds, and EUR 4.500 or 30%. from the BIH Institutions Budget, proving that BIH has made a successful participation at the “Europe for Citizens Programme” for 2020.
The Ministry of Justice will start a procedure to join the “2021-2027 Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values” Programme (CERV), after the European Commission adopts it and following obtaining opinions from the Entities and Brčko District of BIH on accession of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the CERV.
The Ministry of Justice is responsible to plan funds provision, in cooperation with the Directorate for the European Integrations, as a contribution for participation in the 2021-2027 CERV Programme.
MOTORWAY SARAJEVO-BELGRADE-SARAJEVO PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Communications and Transport-tabled Activity Report on implementation of an Agreement between the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Government of the Republic of Serbia on Cooperation in Implementation of Sarajevo-Belgrade-Sarajevo Motorway/Fast Road Construction Project.
The Ministry of Communications and Transport should start a procedure for conclusion of an Agreement between the Council of Ministers of BIH and Government of the Republic of Serbia on construction/reconstruction of a joint border-crossing near Višegrad, Vardište– Kotroman.
The Ministry of Security should finalise its activities for conclusion of an agreement on border-crossings and joint sites between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Serbia, which should solve all the issues concerning a new joint border-crossing Rača-Sremska Rača and Vardište-Kotroman.
The Indirect Taxation Administration, in line with its competences and project activities, should propose a decision taking on way of financing of the joint border-crossing.
NO UNRALISED ACTIVITIES FROM ANTI-ORGANISED CIRME STRATEGY
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Security-tabled report on implementation of the 2020 Bosnia and Herzegovina Anti-Organised Crime Strategy Action Plan.
Out of total 60 Strategy activities, filly realised were 31 activities or 51.67%, and 28 or 48.33% were partially realised last year, while there were no unrealised activities.
The activities realised in seven strategic areas included: a continuous harmonisation of regulations in BIH and BIH legislation with relevant international standards, improvement of legal and institutional framework for fight against organised crime, institutional capacities strengthening; and development of pro-active approach in fight against organised crime; seizure of property attained though organised crime; cooperation development at both regional and international levels; and strengthening of cooperation of public institutions with private sector and civil society.
Among 88 remaining activities not projected under the Strategy, but included into competent institutions’ the Action Plans, total 55 activities (60.23%) were fully realised, 22 activities (25%) were partially realised, and 13 (14.7%) were unrealised.
REALSIED 80% OF CoM CONCLUSIONS
The Council of Ministers of BIH considered, upon a proposal of, a review of realisation of conclusions from totally 16 held sessions, eight regular and extraordinary sessions each in 2020, presented by the Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers of BIH.
Out of 253 conclusions, realised were 202 or 80%, and 51 conclusions were not realised. The review covered 25 Council of Ministers institutions.
Ministries and other institutions not fully realising the conclusions were tasked to fully implement them and report it to the Council of Ministers of BIH Secretariat–General, and to seep-up the realisation requiring longer time or cooperation with other institutions.
The realisation of the Council of Ministers of BIH conclusions should be a priority to all Ministries and other institutions, for the aim of increasing effectiveness of the Council of Ministers of BIH operations.
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