Sjednice
Council of Ministers of BIH Holds Its 54th Session
07/28/2022
The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina considered over 300 documents within 160 of today’s session agenda items, and adopted unanimously 2023-2025 Framework Budget Document (FDB) of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The BIH Framework Budget Document 2023-2025 will be aligned with the Global Framework of Fiscal Balance and Policy in BIH for the relevant time span, after adoption thereof by the BIH Fiscal Council of BIH.
The document includes a mid-term budget framework of BIH Institutions, together with a preliminary 2023 BIH Institutions Draft Budget and preliminary expenditures projections for 2024 and 2025.
The Framework Budget documents supports the continuation of reforms relevant for the fulfilment of the European Partnership requirements, further implementation of the Stabilisation and Accession Agreement, in addition to securing funds for implementation of budget users’ multiannual projects and improvement of the current material status of BIH Institutions’ employees.
This enables the Ministry of Finance and Treasury to develop a Draft Budget Law of Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and international obligations of BIH for year 2023, to be provided to the BIH Council of Ministers for endorsement and passed to the BIH Presidency, authorised to provide it to the BIH Parliamentarian Assembly for adoption.
ENABLED EXPORT OF WOOD BRIQUETTES
The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations- proposed Decision on amendments of Decision on temporary ban of export of certain forest assortments, firewood and wood products, enabling export of wood briquettes from BIH, since the BIH market has no sufficient buyer base.
Earlier, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Republika Srpska requested the export of wood briquettes which are a side product in wood industry and are not efficiently marketable in BIH, on the ground of cost for storing thereof, in addition to jobs preserving and survival of wood-processing export-oriented companies.
CUSTOMS DUTIES TO IMPORT OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES TEMPORARILY OFF
The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations-proposed decision on temporary suspension and temporary decrease of custom rats for import of new electric and hybrid automobiles until Dec. 31. 2022, following an initiative by the BIH Chamber of Commerce.
The decision lifts customs duty for import of electric automobiles in BIH and decreases considerably a customs rate for import of hybrid automobiles form the current 15% to 5%.
Thus, the Council of Ministers of BIH wants to incite citizens and both public and private sectors to purchase and import these kinds of cars, for the aim of decreasing air pollution, improving environmental protection and road safety.
Simultaneously, due to increased import of electric and hybrid cars in BIH, new jobs should be created with authorised sellers and service facilities, and new investments should be made in electric rechargers, which an incentive more for accelerating the underway electric rechargers project implementation.
SUPPORT TO SMEs COMPETITIVENESS AND SUSTAINABILITY
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations- tabled piece of information on activities made to-date as to participation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European Union Single Market Programme.
Bosnia and Herzegovina showed its interest for participation in the Programme Pillar 2 – 2022-2027 Competitiveness and Sustainability of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises – a continuation of the previous EU COSME Programme, in which BIH took part, as well.
In regard to that, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, as the holder of activities, and in cooperation with the Directorate for European Integrations, as coordinator of the European Union Programmatic Assistance, should take activities required for conclusion of an Agreement on Participation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European Union Single Market Programme, specifically its Pillar 2 – SMEs Competitiveness and Sustainability.
Bosnia and Herzegovina will start a procedure for participation in the Programme Pillar 1 – Increased Single Market Effectiveness, Pillar 4 – Improved Customs’ Interest, Customs’ High Protection and Product Safety, and Pillar 5 – High Health and Safety Levels for People, Animals and Herbs in Food Chain, provided that the Council of Ministers of BIH establish, based on initiatives by responsible institutions, continued interest for participation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in these Programme Pillars, starting from year 2023.
The Council of the European Union and European Parliament adopted the 2021-2027 European Union Single Market Programme in April 2021, totally worth over EUR 4.2 billion.
CONSIDERED FARMERS’ REQUEST FOR INTRODUCTION OF BLUE DIESEL
The Council of Ministers of BIH took note of a request by the Association of Agricultural Producers – Dairy Operators of Republika Srpska - for releasing diesel fuel for agricultural production from excises and tolls, sent to the BIH Parliamentarian Assembly House of People, and requested the Indirect Taxation Administration to reflect on the request.
CRITERIA SET FOR CoM GRANTS FOR CULTURE, SPORT, INNOVATIONS, SCIENCE
The Council of Ministers of BIH took seven decisions, defining criteria for allocation of the Ministry of Civil Affairs grant funds in year 2022 for support to projects in the areas of culture, science, sport, innovations, project preparation for the Horizon Fund, as well as for co-financing of HIV and TBC prevention projects, run by NGOs.
It is about decisions on criteria for funds allocation from the current 2022 grant from the Ministry of Civil Affairs budget for: “Co-Financing of Culture Projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina” (total grant KM 3,097,000.00); “Co-Financing of Sports Events” (KM 1,342,000.00); “International Culture Cooperation” (KM 390,000.00); “Support to technical Culture and Innovations in Bosnia and Herzegovina” (KM 117,000.00); “Programmes for Preparation of Projects and Potential Candidate Project for Horizon Fund” (444,000.00); “NGO-Run HIV, TBC and Addiction Prevention Project Co-Financing” (KM 50,000.00).
Also, a decision was taken on allocation of the current grant funds for the project implementation in area of science, based on international agreements for year 2022 (KM 100,000.00), with some corrections made at the session.
The applicants not satisfying the competition criteria will be informed accordingly via the Ministry of Civil Affairs web site.
MID-TERM DEBT MANAGEMENT STRATEGY ADOPTED
The session adopted a Mid-Term Debt Management Strategy of BIH for 2021-2024, thus fulfilling one among obligations stemming from the Action Plan for Reform Agenda implementation at the Council of Ministers level.
The Strategy is based on mid-term debt management strategies of Republika Srpska, the Federation of BIH, Brčko District of BIH, including BIH institutions’ foreign debt.
The aim of the Strategy is to ensure funds for financial needs of the State, Entities and Brčko District, with an acceptable level financing costs and risks. An additional aim is a development of domestic securities market development.
The Ministry of Finance and Treasury will apply guidelines defined by the Strategy in future borrowing.
The Mid-Term Debt Management Strategy for 2021-2024 will be published at the Ministry of Finance and Treasury web site.
COMPREHENSIVE PUBLIC FINANCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY BY 2025 ADOPTED
The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted a Proposal Comprehensive BIH Public Finance Management Strategy for 2021-2025, in view of a harmonised reform implementation in BIH and further progress in the area.
Thereby, Bosnia and Herzegovina fulfils its obligations assumed in the EU accession process and follows international recommendations in regard to fulfilment of 14 priorities, in parts referring to public procurement and public finances.
The Strategy adoption will allow the use of budget support from the Instrument of Pre-Accession Assistance.
The Strategy reforms, relevant to public finances management in BIH relay on six pillars, 30 measures and 287 activities, scheduled to be implemented by the end of 2025.
The proposal Strategy was drafted by a joint body comprised of representatives from the State, Entity and Brčko District Ministries of Finance, and with technical support from the International Monetary Fund.
The adoption of this important document was a follow-up of three strategic documents relevant for improvement of public finance management 2021-2025, adopted by the Council of Ministers of BIH, Governments of Republika Srpska, the Federation of BIH and Brčko District of BIH.
ACTION PLAN ADOPTED FOR IMPROVEMENT OF LGBT RIGHTS
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Civil Affairs-proposed Action Plan for improvement of human rights and basic freedoms of LGBT individuals in Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2021-2024 time period, with suggestions made at the session as to implementation-responsible institutions. This way, BIH fulfils one among key priorities in the pre-accession process of BIH accession to the European Union, which is also an obligation under relevant international conventions.
The Action Plan adoption is a conformation of BIH dedication to contribute to respect, protection and implementation of rights and freedoms of LGBT individuals, and suppression of prejudgments and stereotypes existing in the society.
Eh Action Plan focuses on implementation of three overarching aims: equal possibilities and ban of discrimination, equal rights in all areas of life, and respect of diversity.
The Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees - Gender Equality Agency – will provide the Action Plan implementation report to the Council of Ministers of BIH.
BANJA LUKA MEDICAL COMPLEX PROJECT SUPOPRTED
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Finance and Treasury-proposed Initiative and appointed a negotiating team for conclusion of a Financial Contract between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska and the European Investment Bank (Banja Luka Medical Complex Project).
The aim of the Project is the enhancement and improvement of infrastructure of the Medical Complex in Paprikovac, Banja Luka, comprised of the University Hospital of Republika Srpska (UKCRS), Faculty of Medicine and Health Care of the University in Banja Luka, and Education and Research Centre.
The project supports the first phase of a long-term infrastructure development of the complex for provision of high quality health care and medical education services for citizens’ needs.
The amount of the proposed foreign debt is EUR 75 million, with 25 year term, including six-year grace period and allocation to Republika Srpska.
The project was planned to be completed by the end of 2024.
Following the negotiations completed, the Ministry of Finance and Treasury will provide a proposal for conclusion of the Contract to the Council of Ministers of BIH, in accordance with the Law on Borrowing, Debt and Guarantees of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
BIH CONTINUES IN FISKALIS EU PROGRAMME
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined a Proposal Agreement between the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina on participation of Bosnia and Herzegovina n the Union Fiscalis Programme in 2021-2017 time period, in view of strengthening of cooperation with the EU countries in the area of taxation.
Bosnia and Herzegovina thus continues its participation int eh programme, after acceding it in 2015, in the first cycle that lasted to 2020, which represents an important step in further harmonisation of legislation with that of the European Union, especially in the area of indirect taxation.
The programme targets the improvement of the taxation system within internal market, by way of supporting participating countries, their taxation administrations and officers in fight against tax frauds and evasions, to result in an improved tax collection.
Activities within the programme will considerably affect the functioning of internal market in terms of its improvement and advancement of BIH competitiveness within the EU.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is to ensure EUR 230,497.00 for the participation in the programme in 2021.2027, and a considerable share of funds will be able to arrive from IPA.
The Proposal Agreement with a 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.
BIH SUPPORTS DECLARATION ON FUTURE OF INTERNET
The Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina will sign a Declaration for future of Internet, after Ministers endorsed the text Declaration, which defines a vision and principles of an open, free-of-charge, global, reliable and safe Internet.
The declaration emphasises, that, among other things, Internet should function as a single, decentralised network, where digital technologies are used on a reliable fashion, avoiding unjust discrimination among individuals and enabling competition among on-line platforms, and a fair competition among companies.
BIH IN TERRITORIAL COOPERATION PRROGRAMME WITH CROATIA AND MONTE NEGRO
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted a piece of information on a Territorial Cooperation Programme, Interreg VI-A IPA 2021-2027 Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Monte Negro, and authorised the Director of the Directorate for European Integrations to sign a letter of consent for the Programme.
Signing the letter of consent is a precondition for the Programme submission to the European Commission for approval, expected by autumn 2022.
The 2021-2027 Cross-Border Cooperation Programme, under which the participating countries strengthen their cooperation for the purpose of promotion of a smart, green and inclusive development of the border areas by implementation of joint projects and activities
The Programme area covers the Brčko District and 109 municipalities and towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 12 cantons in Croatia and 11 municipalities in Monte Negro of total surface of 87.453.95 km2 of territory with 5,587,836 inhabitants, which 57.67% live in BIH, 35.73 % live in Croatia, and 8.60 % live in Monte Negro.
The Programme total value is EUR 138,453,763.57, and EU contribution is EUR 117,685,699.00. The rest of 15% funds will be secured by the Programme beneficiaries, specifically project partners in approved projects and responsible institutions in all user countries, obliged to ensure co-financing of technical assistance.
The session tasked the Directorate for European Integrations to provide a piece of information by the next Council of Ministers session, on steps undertaken as o formation of structures for use of the IPA funds, with a proposal of concrete issue-solving measures.
BIH – EU DIALOGUE CONTINUES AT SUB-COMMITTEES LEVEL
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted a Discussion Document for the sixth meeting of Sub-Committee for Transport, Energy, Environment and Regional Development between the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina, after it took note of a revised piece of information on holding of the meeting in a new term to be agreed subsequently.
The session took note of the meeting agenda and it consented to the BIH delegation composition to discuss the progress made between two meetings in the sectors of environmental protection, climate policies, regional development, energy and transport.
Also several Directorate-tabled pieces of information were adopted, these concern holding of the sixth meeting of the Sub-Committee for Internal Market and Competition, including health protection and consumer protection, between the EU and BIH, as well as holding of the sixth meeting of the Sub-Committee for Trade, Industry, Customs and Taxation between BIH and the EU.
The Directorate for European Integrations should, in cooperation with responsible domestic institutions and the European Commission bodies, carry out all required activities for holding of mentioned meetings in new terms.
The Chair of the BIH delegation will be available to media concerning these meetings.
BRIDGES AT SVILAJ AND GRADIŠKA TO BE A PART OF BIH – CROATIA AGREEMENT
The Council of Ministers of BH defined a Proposal Platform for conclusion of a Supplement Agreement between the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Government of the Republic of Croatia on maintenance and reconstruction of road bridges at the state border, proposed by the Ministry of Communications and Transport.
The Supplement Agreement enables including of a bridge near Gradiška and bridge near Svilaj among bridges the maintenance and relevant funds planning for which was provided for in a bilateral agreement on maintenance and reconstruction of road bridges at the state border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Croatia.
Practically, all provisions of September 2020 Agreement between the Republic of Croatia Government and Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina concerning the maintenance and reconstruction of road bridges at state border will apply to newly-constructed bridges Svilaj and Gradiška.
The Proposal Platform will be provided to the BIH Presidency for further procedure, and the Minister of Communications and Transport will be the BIH signatory thereof.
RECONSTRUCTION OF RIVER SAVA WATERWAY
The session defined a Proposal Agreement between the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Government of the Republic of Serbia on financing and development of project-technical documentation “Hydro-technical and Digger Operations in Arranging Critical Navigation Sector – Confluence of the Drina and Sava Rivers”, which creates conditions for realisation of the project.
Thus, BIH and Serbia improve their cooperation in reconstruction and modernisation of the international waterway of the River Sava.
The Agreement defines the financing and development of project-technical documentation, legal proceedings, and issuance of consents and civil construction permits.
According to the Agreement, Serbia is obliged to provide the project-technical documentation free-of-charge to BIH, based on which BIH will issue needed civil construction permit and other required permits for carrying out hydro-technical and digger works at parts of waterway belonging to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Proposal Agreement will be provided to the BIH Presidency for further procedure, and the BIH signatory will be the Minister of Transport and Communication.
BIH AND ROMANIA BOOST THEIR DEFENCE COOPERATION
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined a Proposal Platform for initiating negotiations for conclusion of an Agreement between the Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ministry of National Defence of Romania in Defence Cooperation.
The aim is to set a legal framework for cooperation of competent ministries of the two countries in the area of defence and thus contribute to regional peace and security.
Based on the concluded Agreement, the two Ministries of Defence will develop an annual cooperation plan.
The Proposal Platform will be provided to the BIH Presidency for further procedure and the BIH signatory will be the Minister of Defence.
2021 MIGRATION PROFILE ADOPTED
The Council of Ministers of BH adopted the Ministry of Security-proposed Migration Profile of Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2021, the annual up-date of which, other than representing visa regime liberalisation related obligation, enables an insight into key migration trends.
The Migration Profile points out that the BH diplomatic-consular offices issued 18,427 visas last year, considerably more than in 2020, when only 1,870 visas were issued, due to Cvid-19 pandemics. Seven visas were issued at the BIH border, in 2020 there were three.
The BIKH Border police denied 5,038 entries to BIH, which is an increased for 11.34% relative to 2020, when 4,525 entries were denied.
The nubmer of detected illegal border crossings was 8,834, less for 25% in respect to the year before, when the number reached 11,857.
Foreigners in BIH were approved 417 permanent residences last year, or for 33.5% more than in 2020, when 312 permanent residences were approved.
Last year market an increased number if cancelling of non-visa or temporary stays, total 444, which is more for 158% in relation to 2020, when they were 172. Simultaneously, the number of cancelling of permanent residence in BH was increased for 342%, total 62 compared to 14 in 2020.
Last year saw in increase of expelling resolutions for 10%, when 1330 resolutions were issued, compared to 1,209 issued in 2022. In line with readmission agreements, 417 citizens of BKH were admitted last year.
EXPENDITURES AND NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES IN BIH INSTITUTIONS DECREASED LAST YEAR
The Council of Ministers adopted the Ministry of Finance and Treasury-tabled 2021 Budget Execution Report of Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and International Obligations of BIH.
The total realised revenues, receivables and finances at disposal to BH Institutions last year were KM 1,056,921,442 and were for 6% higher than planned. Simultaneously, the total realised expenditures and costs were KM 929,555,358 and were less for KM 8 million in relation to the year before, due to temporary financing throughout 2021.
The decrease of revenues primarily refers to lesser execution of current grants and transfers, as well as lesser execution of capital expenditures of BIH Institutions, relative to the previous year.
Goss salaries and emoluments of employees remained at the same level as in 2012, thus continuing the implementation of the Council of Ministers Decision on a decrease thereof. Also a decrease of number of employees in BIH Institutions was noted.
Last year, all due foreign debt obligations were serviced timely in total amount of KM 772,787,436-86.
The Ministry of Finance and Treasury will provide the Report to the BIH Presidency and Parliamentarian Assembly, and it will be published at the Council of Ministers of BIH and Ministry of Finance and Treasury web sites.
The session adopted the Budget Execution Report of Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and International Obligations of BIH for I-III 2022, when temporary financing was in force.
According to the Report, total revenues, financing and receivables at disposal to BIH Institutions in QI 2022 were KM 236,891,731, and expenditures and costs were KM 214,862,641, less for about KM 8.8 million relative to the year before.
The Ministry of Finance and Treasury will publish the Report at its web site
INCREASED EXPORT TO CEFTA COUNTRIES IN 2022 QI
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations-tabled Analysis pf Foreign Trade Exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina for I-III 2022, which indicates that the BIH export to CEFTA countries increased for 69%.
In its goods exchange with CEFTA, BIH made a surplus amounting to KM 21.77 million, while a defficit was noted in the same period of time in amount of KM 55.83 million.
The BIh export to the Eu countires increased for 39% in the reported tie, relative to the same period od time last year,while the import was higher for 31.7%, whch has a posisive efect to a drp in trade deficit. Frfor 13.%
The Eurorepan Union is still the major foreign trade partner of our countiry, and its share of total goods exchange is 66.3%, followed by “CEFTA 2006” countries with 15%, and the rest participated with 21,7%.
The total goods exchange of BIH in the first qarter of this year was KM 10.9 billion, which is for three bilio more than in the same perif of tiemn last year. , when it was KM 7.4 billion. The value of the exported goods was KM 4.29 billion, and the value of the imported goods was KM 6.30 billion, while the foreign trade deficit increased, and was KM 2.10 billion.
The main features of the QI this year, compared to the same period of time last year were an increase of foreign trade exchange for 41.8%, export increase for 39.0%, import increase for 43.1%, and a fall of coverage rate of import by export for 1.55%
Earlier adopted was an Analysis of BIH Foreign Trade Exchange for 2021, which suggests an increase of export of goods for 35.66%, while the import increased for 27.9%, so the coverage of export by import was made in 3.78% rate.
The total goods exchange in the reported period of time was KM 35,87 billion; the value o +of the exported goods was KM 14.27 billion, and of imported good was KM 21.60 billion, which affected the growth of foreign trade deficit for 15.5% relative to the previous year.
AMENDMENT OF MLFT REGULATION
The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Ministry of Security-proposed decision on setting-up a work group for development of a Proposal regulation on amendments and supplements to the implementation regulation for the Law on Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing Terrorism.
Members of the work group appointed are representatives of the Ministry of Security, State Agency for Investigation and Protection (SIPA), Entity banking agencies, Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska, Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs, and Police of Brčko District of BIH.
The work group should develop a Proposal Regulation on amendments and supplements to the implementation regulation for the Law on Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism within three month time.
The amendments and supplements to the regulation were proposed by SIPA, for the aim of a more precise defining of provisions concerning suspicious transactions, and for harmonisation of a list of countries having satisfactory MLFT-related regulations.
TO IMPLEMENT GREECO REPORT RECOMEMNDATIONS
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted a piece of information on adoption of an Interim Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina aligning level with GREEKO recommendations in the fourth cycle of evaluation.
Also, a piece of information was adopted on adoption of the second addendum to the Second Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina aligning level with GREEKO recommendations in the third cycle of evaluation.
The Ministry of Security will, on behalf of the Council of Ministers of BIH, send a letter to all responsible institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina urging them to prioritized realisation of GREEKO recommendation from the evaluation third and fourth cycle.
The session approved the publication of the reports at the Ministry of Security and GREEKO web sites.
ADMISSION TO CITIZENSHIP
The Council of Ministers of BIH took several decisions on obtaining citizenship of Bosnia and Herzegovina, under which sportsmen Hidajet Hankić and Bego Kurjaković are admitted to the BIH citizenship, upon a recommendation by the Football Federation of BIH, and a businessman, Milorad Starčević.
MINIMUM SUPPORT AMOUNT FOR FOREIGNERS
The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina took the Ministry of Security-proposed decision on a minimum amount of resources required for support of a foreigner during his/her intended stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2022.
The minimum amount of funds obligatory at a foreigner’s disposal on his/her entry to BIH for the year 2022 is the same as in the last year and it amounts KM 150.00 or equivalent in foreign convertible currency, for each day of his/her intended stay in BIH.
FOUR GUIDELINES ADOPTED
The Council of Ministers of BIH took a Decision to adopt guidelines from the Bosnia and Herzegovina Institutions Information Security Management Policy for 2017-2022, prepared by the Ministry of Communications and Transport, in cooperation with the Ministry of Security.
Under the decision, adopted were guidelines on user accounts and rights to access, security copies, on employment and termination of employment, and methodology and risk assessment development.
It is a technical document drafted in accordance with earlier adopted policies, for the purpose of development of better and more secure procedures in computer-information services in the BIH Institutions, harmonised with ISO standards.
SPECIFYING FOREIGNERS STATUS DURING NATURAL DISASTER SITUATION
The Council of Ministers took the Ministry of Security-proposed decision on amendments and supplements to a decision on status of foreigners during validity of the Decision on declaring natural disaster or other emergency situation in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This way, circumstances were specified in which the decision is applicable.
ASSISTANCE OF GOVERNMENT OF SLOVENIA DISTRIBUTED
The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Ministry of Security-proposed decision on distribution of international assistance for protection and rescue in equipment and other means.
It is the international assistance for protection and rescue for the needs of supressing Corona virus spreading, provided by the Republic of Slovenia, and it includes, protective masks, large and middle protective cloths, and protective eyeglasses.
The assistance will be distributed to competent institutions in Republika Srpska (3.5%), in the Federation of BIH (61.5%), and in the Brčko District of BIH (1%).
FROM SEP. 1, FOOD ALLOWANCE TO CIVIL SERVANTS AND EMPLOYEES IS KM 11.00
The Council of Ministers took a decision on amendment of a decision on level of money allowance to employees in the Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina for food during work time.
Under the decision, the “food allowance” to employees in the BIH Institutions will be increased from September 1 on from the current KM 8.00 to KM 11.00.
The exception are elected and appointed officials (BIH Presidency members, Deputies and Delegates in the BIH Parliamentarian Assembly, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BIH, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, institutions’ Managers and their Deputies), whose food allowance will remain at KM 6.00.
The session took a decision on amendments of decision on the level, way and procedure of fulfilling the right to reimbursement for transport to/from work place in the BIH Institutions.
So, daily and monthly reimbursement for transport were set based on the distance of employee’s place of work and place of residence, in terms of kilometres, and it is increased for 20%, starting from Sept. 1.
SPECIAL ADDITION TO SALARY OF POLICE OFFICERS
The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Ministry of Security-proposed decision on setting a level of special addition to salary to police officers in Bosnia and Herzegovina police bodies and civil servants with the State Investigations and Protection Agency engaged on assignments closely linked to operative-technical work.
The Decision sets the level of special addition to salary to police officers in BIH police bodies (State Investigation and Protection Agency, BIH Border Police, Directorate for Police Bodies Coordination), as well as civil servants with the State Investigation and Protection Agency engaged at assignments closely linked to operative-investigation activities.
Having regard of the risk, accountability level and work conditions at certain work places, the level of addition may reach 40% of basic salary, or 0% for those assigned to a Special Support Unit with the State Investigation and Protection Agency.
Appointed police officers, including managers, deputy managers and assistant managers are not entitled to the special addition to salary, in terms in the decision.
COORDINATION TEAM FOR COOPERATION WITH CHINA APPOINTED
The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations-proposed decision on appointment of a Coordination Team for cooperation with the People’s Republic of China in promotion of friendly cooperation with Central and East European countries, with some corrections made at the session.
The new composition of the Coordination Team includes representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, Communications and Transport, and Finance and Treasury.
The Coordination Team is responsible for communication and coordination on all “17+1” cooperation matters, preparation of meetings and business fora, follow-up thereof. They are obliged to report their activities to the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
MIGRATIONS SITUATION
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted monthly reports of the Ministry of Security on the situation in the area of migrations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, from January to April 2022, which will be provided to the BIH Presidency for further procedure.
The Foreigners’ Affairs Service registered totally 3,865 illegal migrants, which is for 4.6 % less compared to the same time period last year. Citizens of Afghanistan, and Pakistan are still the most numerous among reported illegal migrants.
The BIH Border Police reported 1,433 individuals in illegal crossing or attempt of it, in the first four months this year, which is for 32% less than last year.
Earlier, a piece of information of the Ministry of Security on situation in the area of migrations in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2021 was adopted, and it will be provided to the BIH Presidency.
According to the piece of information, a migratory pressure in 2021 ceased, compared with year 2020.
The Foreigners’ Affairs Service reported total 15,812 illegal migrants, among whom 76% arrive from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The misuse of asylum is still considerable, proven by a fact that 14,688 individuals said they attempt to file for asylum, yet only 167 or 1% really filled for it
All accommodation centres provide shelter for 3,836 individuals averagely at monthly level; the average from 2020 was 5,903 individuals.
A temporary accommodation centre “Lipa” was opened last year it the area of Bihać, while temporary accommodation centres “Sedra” in Cazin and “Bira” in Bihać were closed.
Bosnia and Herzegovina intensified its activities last year on conclusion of readmission agreements, and draft agreements were sent to: Egypt, Morocco, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Iran, and Tunis, while initiatives for conclusion of the agreements were sent to Palestine Yemen, Libya, Eritrea and Somalia.
BIH PARTICIPATES AT HORISOZON AND ERASMUMS+ PROGRAMMES OF EU
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted several pieces of information on participation of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Horizon 2020 (H2020) and its success level, and at 2021 Erasmus+ Programme, specifically in a part of it relevant for education and youth, with suggestions made at the session.
As to the participation at the 2014-2020 Horizon Programme, BIH Institutions withdrew total EUR 8.56 million. Among 699 applications submitted, 558 were credible for evaluation, while 67 projects were approved, and they include participation of 113 institutions from BIH. The success level was 12.19% relative to total N2020 average 11.88% (number of approved against total submitted project applications).
In regard to the Erasmus + Programme, the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina will cooperate with competent education authorities, education agencies in BIH and other key actors to provide for conditions necessary for the continuation of participation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 2021-2027 Programme. Bosnia and Herzegovina needs not to sign a new agreement, nor to pay for entry ticket for its continued participation in the Programme, and will continue to use funds allocated to the Western Balkans for participation in activities within the international dimension of the Erasmus+ Programme.
CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC BROADCASTERS DIGITALISATION PROJECT
The Council of Ministers adopted a piece of information on status of a Project of Digitalisation of Public Broadcasters in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Ministry of Communications and Transport should continue regular reporting the project realisation to the Council of Ministers of BIH.
After Pubic Broadcasters in Bosnia and Herzegovina provided a specification of equipment for the second and third digitalisation phases, the Ministry of Communications and Transport published an open call for the provision of the equipment, thereby continuing the Public Broadcasters Digitalisation project.
According to the piece of information, The Special Purpose Programme – Digitalisation Project has total KM 29,87,699.99 available unspent funds for realisation of the project, out of which Budget funds are KM 9 million, CRA funds are KM 12,126,699.99, and UTMS funds in amount of KM 8,750,000.00.
IMPLEMENTATION OF AGREEMENT ON SUCCESSION ISSUES
The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted a piece of information from the Ministry of Finance and Treasury on implementation of an Agreement on Succession Issues, which reviews activities on implementation of the Agreement and its seven Annexes.
The Ministry of Finance and Treasury of BIH will secure needed coordination and support to authorised negotiators in negotiations on implementation of the Agreement on Succession Issues of Ex-Yugoslavia.
The Council of Ministers of BIH tasked a joint member of the Annex A Joint Committee, which pertains to movable and immovable property, to send a request to representatives of other ex-Yugoslavia successor states in order to convene a meeting of the Joint Committee, for the aim of resuming its operations.
According to adopted conclusions, the implementation of the Annex B, referring to diplomatic and consular property, unfolds in satisfactory dynamics, and a need was noted for the authorised representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina, member of the Committee, to continue its activities for the purpose of a final distribution of diplomatic-consular property of ex-SFRY.
For the aim of up-dating succession of archive material of ex-SFRY within Annex D, the Director of the BIH Archives is responsible to intensify activities on digitalisation and taking over of archive material of ex-SFRY.
For the reason of an effective application of Annex G, referring to private property and acquired rights in the Republic of Croatia and Republic of Serbia, the Ministry of Justice of BIH should up-date its activities for conclusion of bilateral contracts on property relations with these states.
It was pointed out that the issue of retirement payments, dealt with within Annex E, was solved in accordance with the Agreement in Succession Issues, and mostly through concluded bilateral agreements on social insurance. The Annex F, which deals with other rights and interests, will be solved in accordance with principles set forth by the Annex C.
STORING OF ELECTION DOCUMENTS
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted a piece of information on solution-finding to storing premises for the needs of the Central Election Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and tasked the Joint Affairs Service of BIH Institutions to secure adequate storing premises for these needs.
The Central Election Committee of BIH required from the Joint Affairs Service of BH to secure premises in state ownership for the needs of storing election documents, in order to implement earlier conclusions of the Council of Ministers of BIH and make budget savings.
In time period from year 2003 to May 10, 2022, KM 1,980,000.00 was provided for these purposes.
USE AND DISTRIBUTION OF LAST YEAR’S CURRENT RESERVES
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted a piece of information on distribution and use of current reserve funds for I-XII 2021, which will be provided by the Ministry of Finance and Treasury to the BIH Parliamentarian Assembly.
According to the piece of information, out of planned KM 2,450,000.00 current reserves funds in 2021, total KM 1,217,735.20 was approved, of which KM 1,217,703 was used.
Almost half of those funds were allocated for support to Republika Srpska (KM 500,000) and the Municipality of Kostajnica, BIH, (KM 100,000) for rehabilitation from earthquake of December 2020 in the area of Sisačko-Moslavačka County.
CoM COOPERATION WITH NGO SECTOR
The session adopted the Ministry of Justice report on implementation of a Cooperation Agreement between the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and non-government organisations in Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2021.
The report indicates, among other things, that the Council of Ministers advisory body for cooperation with non-government organisations launched, in 2021, activities to draft a strategy for creation of enabling environment for development of civil society.
LAW IMPLEMENTATION ON ARMS AND MILITARY EQUIPMENT CONTROL FOR 2021
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Security-tabled report on implementation of the Law on Arms ad Military Equipment Control for 2021, which suggests that 757 resolutions were issued, approving movement of arms and military equipment.
It is an increase of 22.69% in relation to year 2020, when total 617 such resolutions were issued.
Out of total number of issued resolutions last year, 501 were for export and 256 were for import.
IMPLEMENTATION OF CoM CONCLUSIONS
Upon a proposal by the Secretary-General, a Review of realisation of Council of Ministers of BIH conclusions was considered for the QI 2022, and appropriate conclusions adopted for the aim of advancement of the conclusions implementation.
In time period from January 1, to March 31, 2022, five sessions of the Council of Ministers were held, three regular and two extraordinary, resulting in 64 conclusions adopted.
Out of total number of conclusions, realised were 55 or 86%, while 9 conclusions were not realised. The review included 12 institutions of the Council of Ministers of BIH.
CONSENT TO APOINTEMENT OF MILITARY ATTACHÉ
Upon a proposal by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a consent was granted for appointment of Erik R. Adams for a Defence Attaché of the United States of America in Bosnia and Herzegovina. (end)