Sjednice
Council of Ministers of BIH Holds Its 3rd Session
02/23/2023
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined a Proposal Law on Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (OS BiH), which facilitates admission to the service, simplifies procedures for managing career of professional military personnel, and thereby provides better staffing.
The Amendments and Supplements to the Law are focused at redefining the level of training for admission to service, enabling a-year long job vacancy ad, changed age limit of up 40 years of age for soldiers and non-commissioned officers for admission to the rank of non-commissioned officer or officer as at the singing of contract.
The proposed amendments and supplements should ensure increased interest of young people for admission to a category of soldiers from among civilians, because of a prospects for a long career and promotion.
This would ensure continuity of operative capability, timely and full completion of the Armed Forces missions, in line with the Law on Defence of BIH, even more because BIH misses 1.125 professional military men (222 officers, 178 non-commissioned officers and 815 soldiers.
The Ministry of Defence will provide the Proposal Law on Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Service of Armed Forces of BIH to the BIH Parliamentarian Assembly for consideration under shortened procedure of adoption.
EU INTEGRATIONS: STRATEGY FOR COMBATING ORGANISED CRIME ADOPTED
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Security-proposed 2023-2026 Strategy for Combating Organised Crime in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a new document redefining a strategic framework in this area, and enabling effective security sector in the process od accession to the European Union.
All institutions and law implementation agencies, representatives of which took part in the Strategy development should within three-month time from adoption of the Strategy take up individual action plans for the Strategy implementation.
The integrative part of the Strategy is an Action Plan Implementation Report form.
The Strategy, developed by the Council of Ministers-designated work group, promotes strengthening of cooperation of BIH with countries of the region and international organisations, together with modernisation of legal frameworks, and institutions and their relevant capacitates.
Key strategic aims are prevention of organised crime in all forms, detection and criminal prosecution of criminal groups, protection of society and economy from organised crime, promotion of relevant cooperation and partnership.
The work group will report the Strategy implementation annually to the Council of Ministers of BIH.
CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGY ADOPTED
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted 2020-2030 Climate Change Adaptation and Low-Carbon Development Strategy of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which represents a comprehensive systemic framework for defying climate change challenges faced by BIH.
The adoption of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Strategy, with certain corrections made at the session, represents an important step towards sustainable “green economy” in Bosnia and Herzegovina and facilitates the obtaining international support for further implementation of related activities.
The strategy primarily provides an analysis of climate change effects to BIH and their influence to key sectors, such as agriculture, water management, forestry and forest resources, biodiversity and vulnerable ecosystems, tourism and human health.
It also analyses greenhouse gas emissions, projects future gas emissions and capacities for reduction thereof.
The overarching aim of the Strategy is for Bosnia and Herzegovina to become a sustainable and advanced green economy by 2030, which implies resistance to climate variability and change, with simultaneous achievement of development aims.
Also, the Strategy aim in view of low-carbon development is curbing-up the greenhouse gas increases and considerable gas emission reduction by 2030, in parallel with economic growth.
Adopting the Strategy, BIH fulfils its obligations form the Paris Agreement, as well as the assumed obligations within international cooperation mechanisms for gas emissions reduction and adaptation to climate change.
The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations will provide the Strategy to the institution-contact point for United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of BIH for the purpose of providing the signed Convention to the UNFCCC Secretariat.
EU INTEGRATIONS: RATIFICATION OF AGREEMENTS WITH EU
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined, upon a proposal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a Proposal Decision on ratification of an Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union on participation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Union Civil Protection Mechanism, an important agreement in Bosnia and Herzegovina accession process to the European Union.
Also a Proposal Decision was defined on ratification of a Finance Agreement for BIH 2021 Annual Action Programme between the European Union, represented by the European Commission, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, represented by the Directorate for European Integrations.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS: PREVENTION OF MONEY LAUNDERING AND FINANCING TERORISM
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Security-proposed Regulation on Amendments and Supplements to Implementation Regulation on Law on Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing Terrorism, for the aim of further harmonisation thereof with relevant international regulations.
The Regulation Amendments and Supplements specify provisions regarding suspicious transactions, it extends list of risks and indicators as to an increased business and transactions risk, and provide new guidelines and indicators for facilitation and improvement of operations related to the MLFT Law.
The Regulation aims to strengthen additionally countering of money laundering and financing terrorism, which will be discussed during an announced MONEYVAL delegation visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina during 2023.
ACTION PLAN FOR EU ACCESSION COMMUNICATION STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted an Action Plan for implementation of 2023 BIH Institutions Communication Strategy on the EU Accession Process of Bosnia and Herzegovina – from candidate status to membership.
Earlier, the session adopted a piece of information of the Directorate for European Integrations on development of the proposal action plan, after Bosnia and Herzegovina got the candidate status for EU membership on Dec. 15, 2022, which was the start of implementation of the BIH Institutions Communication Strategy in the EU accession process – from candidate status to membership.
The new approach in the activity package this year will be implemented for the aim of high quality and effectiveness communication focused at different approaches to each of target groups with specific topics.
Seven institutions are included into activity implementation in six areas, namely, publishing, on-lien communication, research, competitions, events and promotion
Funds for relevant material totally worth KM 1,725,900, were secured by institutions taking part in the Action plan implementation, so there will not be specific budget contributions.
Other than the Directorate for European Integrations, the Action Plan implementation engages the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Ministry of Security, Public Procurement Agency, Institute for Intellectual Property of BIH, Public Administration Reform Coordinator’s Office, and Indirect Taxation Administration.
BIH AND ROMANIA BOOST THEIR DEFENCE COOPERATION
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined a Proposal Agreement between the Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Romania on Defence Cooperation.
The cooperation, among other things, includes issues from the area of defence policy, strategic coordination, arms control and disarmament, technology, and exchange of information.
The Proposal Agreement will be passed to the BIH Presidency for further procedure, with a proposal for Minister of Defence as the BIH signatory thereof.
SUPPORT TO SARAJEVO CITY TRANSPORT PROJECT
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined a proposal Finance Contract between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Investment Bank for Sarajevo City Transport Project – B (FI No. 94.965), worth EUR 35 million.
The project aims to improve public line passenger transport and improve city roads in the Sarajevo Canton.
The Loan will be allocated to the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Project implementation agency will be the Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Transport. The loan term is 20 years including five-year grace period.
The Proposal Contract with accompanying Platform for its conclusion will be provided to the BIH Presidency, and the Minister of Finance and Treasury will be the signatory thereof.
EU GRANT WORTH EUR 1 MILLION FOR VISOKO WATER PIPELINE PROJECT
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined a Proposal Grant Agreement (Water Supply Project Visoko) between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, referring to an investment grant from the European Joint Fund for Western Balkans.
The grant worth EUR one million was approved by the European Union through the Western Balkans Investment Framework, and it will be administered by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
The aim of the Project is to assist Bosnia and Herzegovina, specifically, the town of Visoko and Visoko Water Management Company, to finance works, goods and services, including an extension of water supply system in the community of Moštre.
The Proposal Contract with Platform for its conclusion will be provided to the BIH Presidency for further procedure, and the Minister of Finance and Treasury will be the BIH signatory thereof.
SUPPORT TO DEVELOPEMNT OF CORRIDORS OF SAVA AND DRINA FOR BRČKO DISTRICT OF BIH AND FEDERATION OF BIH
The Council of Ministers of BIH endorsed an Initiative and designated a negotiating team for conclusion of a Loan Agreement (Integrated Development of the Rivers Sava and Drina Corridors Regional Programme) between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
It is EUR 37 million worth loan, of which EUR 25 million is for the Brčko District of BIH, and EUR 12 million for the Federation of BIH.
The project to be realised in the Federation of BIH and the Brčko District of BIH should boost cross-border cooperation in the water sector, improve both navigability and flood protection in corridors of the Rivers Sava and Drina, and environmental protection and improvement.
In the Federation of BIH funds are intended for measures implementation in rehabilitation after consequences of an increased flood and drought risks due to climate change, while a part of resources are intended for continued realisation of already prepared and completed main projects in Goražde and Ustikolina.
The major part of Project funds for the Brčko Distrct of BIH is tended for closing of waste dump (EUIR 7,000,000.00) and development of solid waste management centre (EUR 7,500,000), in addition to a construction of a walk lane and bicycling lane along the right bank of the Sava River (EUR 6,150,000.00).
The Ministry of Finance and Treasury will provide, upon the negotiations completion, a Draft Loan Agreement with Platform for its conclusion.
MINISTRY OF COMMUNCIATIONS AND TRANSPORT BOOSTS ITS COOPERATION WITH UNDP
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined a Proposal Memorandum on Understanding between the Ministry of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
This intensified cooperation stems from aims defined in relevant strategic documents in Bosna and Herzegovina, United Nations Cooperation Framework, UNDP Programmatic Document for BIH (2021-2025) and Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.
The Memorandum incites cooperation in the area of security of road traffic, application of good practices and awareness rising on importance of all stakeholders in road transport, with focus to the most vulnerable categories of society in transport.
The Proposal Memorandum will be provided to the BIH Presidency for decision-takng on acceptance, and the Minister of Communications and Transport will be the BIH signatory thereof.
WATER SUPPLY AND SEWAGE PIPELINES CONSTRUCTION IN FBIH
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined a Proposal Amendment No. 5 to a Finance Contract concluded by and between the European Investment Bank (Bank), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Borrower) and Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Entity) in Sarajevo on July 15, 2022 and in Luxembourg on August 18, 2009 with subsequent amendments (Finance Contract) - Water Supply and Sewage Project in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FI No24.549 – SERAPIS 2006-0272), for the aim of funds withdrawal deadline extension to June 30, 2023, due to earlier delay in the project implementation.
Funds approved to Bosnia and Herzegovina for the Water Supply and Sewage Project in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina were EUR 60 million, and 62.67% of loan proceeds were withdrawn thus far.
The Proposal Amendment with Platform for its conclusion will be provided to the BIH Presidency for further procedure, and the Minister of Finance and Treasury will be the BIH signatory thereof.
PIECE OF INFORMATION ADOPTED ON REALISATION OF REFORM PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted a piece of information by the Committee for Cooperation with NATO on realisation of activities under two reform programmes of Bosnia and Herzegovina, for 2021 and for 2022, respectively.
The piece of information, represents a kind of self-assessment of planned and implemented activities of BIH Institutions, and it confirms reform activities are unfolding within a structured BIH - NATO cooperation.
The report on the implementation level of political and economic issues, defence, security, resources and legal matters attests that there is a strong foundation for a continuation of cooperation between BIH and NATO.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should provide the piece of information to NATO HQ in Brussels, in accordance to regular diplomatic procedure.
The Committee for BIH-NATO Cooperation should launch procedures for development of a Reform Programme of Bosnia and Herzegovina for year 2023.
BIH IN INTERREGIONAL COOPERATION PROGRAMME URBACT IV
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted a piece of information on an Interregional Cooperation Programme – URBCIT IV 2021-2027, and authorised the Director of the Directorate for European Integrations of BIH to sign a letter of consent for the programme.
The URBACUIT IV Programme ranks with territorial cooperation programmes of the European Union in 20221.2027 time span, and represents one among instruments of the European cohesion policy. The main programme aim is promotion of an integrated, sustainable urban development, policy improvement and increased cohesion policy in cities.
The program features 27 EU member-countries, Norway and Switzerland, and now it is open for five Western Balkan countries, IPA beneficiaries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.
The URBACIT IV is a sequel of previous phases of support to cities and municipalities throughout Europe in solving same or similar issues in local communities for the aim of improvement of life quality of citizens.
TRGOVSKA GORA TEAMS REPORT ADOPTED
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted an Activity Report by the Coordination Body, Expert Team and Legal Team in regard to problematic storing of radioactive waste and depleted nuclear fuel at Čerkezovac site, Trgovska Gora, the Municipality of Dvor, Republic of Croatia.
The Report lists activities taken by these bodies, including inspection of the Čerkezovac site, numerous meetings and discussions with competent representatives of the Republic of Croatia and other relevant international officials. A drafted strategy of protection of legal interest of Bosnia and Herzegovina was adopted at the session as to the issues of storing radioactive waste and depleted nuclear fuel on the Trgovska Gora.
Upon the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations proposal, a Decision was taken on Supplement to a decision on Legal Team for development of Strategy of Legal Protection of Interests of Bosnia and Herzegovina as to the issue of storing radioactive waste and depleted nuclear fuel at Trgovska Gora site.
The Supplement to the Decision extends responsibilities of the Legal Team as to planning of activity implementation, and realisation of actions, measures and other activities in line with the Strategy.
The Legal Team will implement the activities in cooperation with an Expert Team, with previously obtained consent from the Coordination Body and consent from other responsible institutions, if necessary for its implementation.
MULTI-ANNUAL PROJECTS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND MODERNISATION OF BORDER CROSSINGS AND ITA
The Council of Ministers of BIH took a Decision to approve a multi-annual project “Construction of Border Crossings Klobuk and Zupci” Project, evaluated at KM 5.5 million, proposed by the Indirect Taxation Administration of BIH.
It is a Multi-Annual Project to be financed from the BIH Institutions Budget at annual level, in amount of KM 2 million in 2023, and KM 3.5 million in 2024.
Under the Agreement and accompanying annexes earlier concluded by Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, Klobuk and Zupci are two of four sites defined for join border crossing for international passenger and cargo transport.
The project realisation will enable simplification of border controls and faster flow of people and goods between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.
A decision was taken on Amendment of a Decision Approving Multi-Annual Project “Construction and Furbishing of Facility for Accommodation of ITA and Border Police Personnel at Airport in Banja Luka”, which approves additional resources for the project realisation in amount of KM 650,000.00. The Decision was taken due to significant price increase of civil construction material and services, because of which the total cost of the Project increased to KM 3.650.000.00.
Upon a proposal of the Indirect Taxation Administration, a decision was taken on amendment and supplement to the Decision Approving 2023-2024 Multi-Annual Project “Construction and Furbishing of Osoje Border-Crossing”, which increases funds for the Project realisation for KM 650.000.00.
Instead of earlier approved KM 5.2 million for the Project, approved were KM 5.850.000,00, and funds in amount of KM 650,000.00 will be secured from the Indirect Taxation Administration budget.
The Council of Ministers of BIH took a Decision to approve a Multi-Annual Project “Preconditions Securing for IPA Funds-Financed Construction of Border-Crossings for Cross-Broder Transport“.
The Project was estimated at KM 2,150,000.00, and Budget funds in amount of 1,700.000,00 will be spent for purchase of land, while KM 4450,000.00 will be spent for obtaining permissions and consents for construction of border-crossings.
The Indirect Taxation Administration planned construction of facilities at border crossings for cross-border transport, to be financed from IPA non-refundable funds, at total 28 sites, provided that planning the sites and other conditions will be priority for 13 and subsequently for additional 15 border-crossings for cross-border transport.
The Council of Ministers of BIH took a decision to approve a Multi-Aannual Project “Construction of Broder Crossings Čepikuće and Brod”, estimated at KM 2,000,000.00.
The funds will be secured from the BIH Institutions Budget, namely, KM 750,000.00 in year 2023 and the remaining KM 1,250,000,000.00 in 2024, respectively.
The construction of the planned Čepikuće and Brod Border-Crossings should cost KM 2 million each. The finalisation of infrastructure works of the two international border-crossings with the Republic of Croatia will ensure optimal conditions for work of customs, police and other control services, which would enable faster flow of goods and passengers and shorten waiting time at the border.
ROAD MAP FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF EU DIRECTIVE ON REGULATED PROFFESIONS
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Civil Affairs-tabled a piece of information on implementation of a Road Map for Implementation of the EU Directive on Regulated Professions 2005/36EC and 29013/55EU, and urged to all responsible institutions in BIH to intensify their respective activities on implementation of the Road Map recommendations.
The piece of information contains a list of activities competent bodies implemented from September 2021 to August 2022 on realisation of several projects, among which there is mapping of professional qualifications and professions (development of a list of professional qualifications and professions) regulated by all–level authorities in BIH, as well as development of a proposal list of regulated professional qualifications and professions, with support of the EU Delegation in BIH and “Sisterhood Strengthening in Bosnia and Herzegovina” Project, implemented with financial support by the Government of Switzerland.
IMPROVED IMPLEMNTTION OF PROTECTION AND RESCUE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Security-tabled piece of information on activities undertaken in connection to the Audit Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina recommendations realisation monitoring as to performance audit of “Activities of Bosnia and Herzegovina Institutions for Implementation of Protection and Rescue in Case of Natural and Other Disasters”.
The Audit Office concluded that out of 10 planned activities, nine were realised, among which there is an up-date of BIH natural and other disasters risk assessment, the Council of Ministers session adoption of 2018-2022 Development Programme of Protection and Rescue System of Institutions and Bodies of BIH, setting-up data base for protection and rescue and signing of Protocol on electronic data exchange between competent institutions in BIH. The adoption of relevant decisions improves the work of the Protection and Rescue Coordination Body, including standard operative communications and relevant public information procedures, with improved communication procedures among operative-communication centres of BIH Institutions and Bodies. Regulations referring to methodological approach for risk assessment in Bosnia and Herzegovina, were harmonised with EU and UN guidelines, as well as with those in the region.
The Ministry of Security of BIH should continuously develop, up.-date and evaluate key plan and operative documents, set-up appropriate relevant data bases, and take effort in realisation of the remaining recommendations.
INCREASED TOTAL EXCHANGE OF GOODS
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted an Analysis of foreign exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina for I-IX 2022, which suggests that BIH foreign exchange was KM 34.70 billion and was higher36.6% relative to the same time period previous year.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and economic relations analysis, the value of exported goods was KM 13.53 billion, and value of the imported goods was KM 21.17 billion. The foreign trade deficit was KM 7.65 billion.
The European Union is still our main foreign trade partner with total range of foreign exchange of 63.2%, followed by CEFTA countries with 14.6%, while other countries participated with 22.2 per cent.
The export to the EU was KM 9.9 billion, which is 33.7% more than in the same time period in 2021, while the import was KM 11.94 billion.
CoM NOTIFIED OF BIH AUDIT OFFICE REPORTS
The Council of Ministers of BIH took note of two reports by the BIH Institutions Audit Office, namely, performance audit “Activities of Bosnia and Herzegovina Institutions on preparation and surveillance of integrity plans implementation” and performance audit ”Activities of Bosnia and Herzegovina Institutions in securing basic preconditions for cyber security”.
The reports contain recommendations, the realisation of which would improve activities on securing more effective preparation and implementation of integrity plans in BIH Institutions.
The BIH Institutions Audit Office made certain recommendations to the Council of Ministers of BIH, within the report on Bosnia and Herzegovina Institutions’ activities on securing basic preconditions for cyber security, including to the Ministry of Communications and Transport of BIH, Ministry of Security of BIH and BIH Institutions.
TO IMPROVE INFORMATIC SECURITY IN BIH INSTITUTIONS
The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Ministry of Communications and Transport-proposed two decisions on adoption of several guidelines to improve informatics security in BIH Institutions.
It took a Decision on adoption of Guidelines on access control and event recording, Guidelines on physical data protection and Guidelines on use of portable devices in Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Decision on adoption of Guidelines on management of security patch, as well as Guidelines in classification of informatics resources, Guidelines in informatics safety of work place, and Guidelines on management of security incidents.
The Ministry of Transport and Communications and Ministry of Security are in charge to monitor the realisation of the decisions,
Also, a decision was taken on amendment and supplement to a decision on adoption of a document on technical-technological and software standard for work station in Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, proposed by the Ministry of Communications and Transport.
SUPPORT TO BIH RESCUE TEAM IN HUMANITARIAN MISSION IN TURKEY
The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina gave its support to the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina-ordered activities of the Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as to sending members of the Armed Forces of BIH to humanitarian mission to the Republic of Turkey, where they assisted in mitigation of tragic aftermath of devastating earthquakes.
The Ministry of Finance and Treasury will, based on a financial request by the Ministry of Defence, prepare and provide a proposal decision on approving current reserves funds, in accordance with the BIH Presidency 6th extraordinary session conclusion.
TO PUBLISH JOB VACANCY AD
The Council of Ministers of BIH tasked the Civil Service Agency to publish a public job vacancy ad with the Joint Affairs Service of BIH Institutions, after taking note of a piece of information that the term of a managing civil servant at the secretary level expires by May 7, 2023.
CONSENT TO APPOINTMENT
The Council of Ministers of BIH gave, upon a proposal by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a consent for appointment of Egbert Rene Felix Kamohuisa to the post of a military police liaison officer of the Kingdom of Netherlands for Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with his seat in Tirana.
The session granted its consent to appointment of Oliver Schusdziarr to the post of assistant defence attaché with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Sarajevo.
A consent was granted at the session for appointment of Muhammad Arslan Khan to the post of Defence attaché of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Upon a proposal by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a consent was granted for appointment of Uri Robinsohn to the post of police attaché of the State of Israel for Bosnia and Herzegovina, seated in Bucharest. (end)