Sjednice
Council of Ministers of BIH Holds Its 57th Session
11/09/2022
The Council of Ministers adopted the 2023-2025 Framework Budget Document (FBD) of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which includes a mid-term framework of BIH Institutions budget and a preliminary 2023 draft budget of BIH Institutions.
The new FBD should have been adopted for the reason of harmonising it with a Law on Amendments of Law on Salaries and Reimbursements in BIH Institutions, adopted by the Parliamentarian Assembly of BIH.
The Framework Budget Document will be aligned with a Global Framework of Fiscal Balance and Policies of BIH for the same period of time, after the latter is adopted by the Fiscal Council of BIH.
This created conditions for the Ministry of Finance and Treasury to draft and provide to the Council of Ministers of BIH a Draft Law on 2023 Budget of Institutions of Bosnia and Hercegovina and International Obligations, and further pass it to the BIH Presidency, authorised for proposing thereof, and subsequently to the BIH Parliamentarian Assembly for its final adoption.
ADOPTED LAW ON BORDER CONTROL WITH EI MARK
The Council of Ministers defined a proposal Law on Border Control, with EI mark, as a confirmation of certain harmonisation level with the European Union acquis.
The development of the new law on border control is one among priorities from the 2019-2023 BIH Integrated Border Management Strategy.
The law regulates, among other things, the issues of border control and authorised bodies, crossing of state border, border crossings and border clearances, border checks and border surveillance, border line and arrangement of border area along the state border, breach of state border and border incident, international border cooperation, arms passing, and collection of personal data and evidence.
The Ministry of Security will provide the Proposal Law to the BIH Parliamentarian Assembly for further adoption procedure.
MORE THAN KM 2 MIL. APPROVED FOR REHABILITATION AFTER EARTHQUAKE IN HERZEGOVINA
The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Ministry of Security-proposed Decision on approval of current budget reserves KM 2,050,000.00, in line with an earlier the BIH Presidency conclusion, as to rehabilitation from aftermath of earthquake in Herzegovina this April.
KM 1 million was reserved for the Municipalities of Ljubinje and City of Stolac each, and KM 50k was reserved for family of Elmira Spaho, an earthquake victim from Stolac.
TO FACILITATE SYSTEMIC REHABILITATION FROM DAMAGE OF NATURAL AND OTHER DISASTERS
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Security-tabled piece of information on possibilities for insurance from natural disasters in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a view at creating conditions for a systemic facilitation of rehabilitation form natural and other disasters.
A proposal to the Governments of Republika Srpska and the Federation of BIH and Brčko District of BIH to define a proposal model of insurance from natural and other disasters, in cooperation with competent all-level authorities in BIH, together with financial institutions, insurance and reinsurance agencies, and this for all market segments, to include households, public institutions, companies, agricultural producers and others, and to prepare and make adjustments of required legal regulations.
The BIH Insurance Agency should provide an expert support to competent institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina as to defining an insurance model in case of natural disasters.
The Ministry of Security will pass the conclusion to the Governments of Entities, Brčko District of BIH, and to the BIH Insurance Agency.
Floods in 2014 were estimated to have caused damage reaching KM 3.98 bil., or 15% of GDP. The major part of damage was suffered by the private sector, SMEs and large enterprises, including damage to agriculture and residents.
ADOPTED REFORM PROGRAMME FOR COOPERATION WITH NATO
The Council of Ministers of BIH took several decisions, proposed by a Committee for Cooperation with NATO, concerning the adoption of a 2022 and 2021 Bosnia and Herzegovina Reform Programme.
This will enable continuous work of BIH Institutions on definition of priorities and realisation of obligations stemming from BIH participation in the “Partnership for Peace” Programme.
The Reform Programme was classified into five chapters and it encompasses political and economic, defence and military issues, including the issues of resources, security and private issues.
The session adopted an Activity Report of the Committee for Cooperation with NATO for January 7, 2021 - June 30, 2022.
EUR 25 MIL. LOAN FOR CONSTRUCTION OF VRANDUK-PONIRAK ROAD SECTION
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined a Proposal Loan Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and OPEC Fund for International Development for construction of Nemila – Donja Gračanica Motorway Section on Corridor V c (Zenica North).
It is an additional loan, worth EUR 25 million, to finance construction of 5.3 km long Vranduk-Ponirak Section, an integral part of the Nemila-Donja Gračanica Section.
The loan as allocated to the Federation of BIH, with 14-year term and four-year grace period.
The Proposal Agreement, with platform for its conclusion will be provided to the BIH Presidency, and BIH signatory will be the Minister of Finance and Treasury.
CONSTRUCTION OF TRAM LINE ILIDŽA – HRASNICA
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined a Proposal Loan Contract between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, worth EUR 25 million for the Ilidža – Harasnica tram line construction.
The purpose of the Project is to solve one among key challenges in public transport infrastructure development in Sarajevo by improvement of access to public transport, along with solving priority environmental protection issues, specifically to air quality.
The loan term is 15 years, including three-year grace period, and the loan was allocated to the Federation of BIH, Sarajevo Canton - Ministry of Transport.
The project is expected to be finalised by December 31, 2025.
The Proposal Contract will be provided to the BIH Presidency for further procedure, and the Minister of Finance and Treasury is to be the BIH signatory.
SUPORT TO CONTINUED CONSTRUCTION ON CORRIVOD V c: MOSTAR NORTH – MOSTAR SOUTH
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined and will pass to the BIH Presidency a Proposal Loan Contact (Corridor V c – Mostar North – Mostar South Project) between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, with a Platform for its conclusion, while the Minister of Finance and Treasury will be the BIH signatory thereof.
The EUR 220 million worth loan is for the construction of 15km long section of motorway on Corridor V c with two double lanes. The section starts with lump Mostar North and ends with a lump Mostar South. The section should have 5 tunnels and 10 viaducts at each direction.
The loan term is 15 years, including four years of grace period, with favourable EURIBOR interest rate. The loan was allocated to the Federation of BIH (Public Company Motorways of Federation of BIH – implementing agency). The project should be completed by the end of 2026.
CoM BIH AGREEMENT WITH FRENCH GOVERNMENT
The session defined a Proposal Basics for starting negotiations for conclusion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs-prosed Agreement between the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Government of the Republic of France on foundation and activities of the French Development Agency, Instituion Proparco, Expertise France in BIH.
The conclusion of the Agreement will enable the French Development Agency to extend assistance to BIH in consultancy services, various forms of training and technical assistance. Besides, they will promote private investments, finance economically profitable, socially attractive, ecologically sustainable and financially sound activities via loans, guarantees, and financial engineering.
The proposal platform will be provided to the BIH Presidency for adoption, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs will be the BIH signatory thereof.
ACTIVIITES INITIATED FOR BIH ACCEDING TO JOINT PROTOCOL
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined a Proposal Platform for Acceding to Joint Protocol on Application of Vienna and Paris Conventions, establishing connection between the two Conventions and ensures the right to indemnity for nuclear damage also in counties belonging to the Paris regime.
The accession to the Joint Protocol creates conditions for BIH citizens to have ensured right to compensation in case of a nuclear accident, the aftermath of which would affect BIH territory, although BIH belongs to the so-called Paris regime, not the so-called Vienna regime. The accession to this Protocol gains the importance in the context of the Republic of Slovenia’s nuclear plant “Krško”, the nearest such facility to BIH.
The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations will send the Proposal Platform to the BIH presidency for further procedure.
BIH ACEEDS INTERNATIONAL OLIVE COUNCIL
The Council of Ministers of BIH considered and will send to the BIH Presidency a Proposal Platform for Accession of Bosnia and Herzegovina to an International Olive Council, and proposed the Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations for the BIH signatory of the Accession Instrument.
Under the accession to the IOC, BIH will accept relevant standards, part of the European Union regulations, important not only for the EU accession process, but also for development of a sustainable and accountable olive production in BIH.
Besides the harmonisation of laws with the EU in the area, the IOC membership will incite lifting of trade barriers, and a more intensive technical cooperation in research and development projects in production of olive oil form olive pomace and table olives. Also, it is about promotion of product quality, international trade and its development, and prevention of forgery for the sake of consumer protection.
ENVIRONMETAL PROTECTION PROJECT SUPPORTED
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined a Proposal for conclusion of a Contract between the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina and International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies – Mediterranean Agronomic Institute in Bari, on implementation of a Project “Sustainable economic development and environmental protection in areas with natural constraints in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, worth EUR 2.4 million.
The anticipated project impact in connected with a sustainable economic development and environmental protection of areas of natural constrains in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in accordance with acquis communautaire. A proposal for conclusion of the Contract will be provided to the BIH Presidency, and the BIH signatory thereof will be the Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations.
BIH ACCEDS TO GENEVA PROTOCOL
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined a Proposal Platform for accession of Bosnia and Herzegovina to a Protocol on ban of wartime use of suffocating, poisonous or similar gases and bacteriological methods of warfare (Geneva Protocol), to be provided to the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina by the Ministry of Defence.
Thus BIH will join efforts by states-parties to the Protocol, which permanently banns the application of all kinds of chemical and biological warfare.
Accession of Bosnia and Herzegovina to this Protocol will be an integral part of BIH strategy for prevention of proliferation of mass destruction arms, in accordance with BIH Defence Policy aims, in the process of fulfilling of international obligations in the course of pre-accession negotiations for the EU membership.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of BIH will, upon a ratification thereof, provide an Accession Instrument of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Depository of the Geneva Protocol.
SUPPORT TO PLANNING OF LOCAL AGRICULTUIRAL AND RIURAL DEVELOPEMNT
The session defined a Proposal for conclusion of a Project Agreement between the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Food and Agriculture Organisation of United Nations, in connection with implementation of a Technical Cooperation Programme “Support to Planning of Local Agricultural and Rural Development”, worth USD 220,000.
The project is directed to an improvement of sustainable management of natural resources and betterment of economic benefit to rural communities, resulting from targeted interventions by the public sector and investments in rural development and agriculture.
The proposal for conclusion of the Project Agreement will be provided to the BIH Presidency, and the Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations will be the BIH signatory thereof.
CAPACITY BUILDING IN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS
A Proposal for conclusion of a Project Agreement on technical cooperation programme “Capacity Building of Private and Public Sectors in Priority Value Chains” between the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and UN FAO was defend upon a proposal for the Ministry of Foreign Tarde and Economic Relations.
It is about a project for the implementation of which secured was USD 153.000 for the improvement of technical production and product quality, decrease of production waste, increased commercialisation and opening of more possibilities for income generation for households in selected value chains.
The proposal for conclusion of the Project Agreement will be sent to the BIH Presidency, and the Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations will be the BIH signatory.
BORDER CLEARENCIES
The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Ministry of Civil Affairs-proposed Rulebook on price of border clearances, prepared by the Agency for Identification Documents, Evidence and Data Exchange of Bosnia and Hercegovina (IDDEA).
The Rulebook sets forth the fee level for issuance of bo9rder clearances for inhabitants of border areas of the Republic of Croatia, Montenegro and Republic of Serbia.
It is a uniform level of fee in amount of KM 60.00, same as from 2013, when the issuance of border clearances started for inhabitants of the border areas of the Republic of Croatia, and now it is extended to inhabitants of the border areas of Montenegro and the Republic of Serbia, in accordance with signed-to agreements n border traffic.
CATEGORISATION OF SUPREME SPORTSPERSON OF INTERNATIONAL RANKING
The Council of Ministers took the Ministry of Civil Affairs-proposed Decision in approval of funds from the Ministry of Civil Affairs of BIH budget.
This way, Tarik Omeragić was allocated KM 2,500 against categorisation of BIH supreme sportsperson of international ranking, and the ground for this is the achieved placement to the World Championship in speed skating in Seoul 2020 (South Korea).
STATE AID FOR SERVICES OF GENERAL ECONOMIC INTEREST
The Council of Ministers of BIH took a decision on a purpose and conditions for allocation of state aid in form of a compensation to economic entities assigned with services of general economic interest.
The decision, proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BIH, represents a further step towards harmonisation of BIH legislation in the area of state aid with relevant EU acquis, i.e. fulfilment of obligations assumed under the Stabilisation and Accession Agreement.
The decision elaborates in detail conditions under which a compensation may be awarded for performing tasks of general economic interest, simultaneously not interfering market competition and valid international obligations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
TEMPORARY ACCOMODATION CENRTES FOR MIGRANS
The Council of Ministers of BIH took three decisions amending a Decision on setting-up temporary accommodation centres for migrants, proposed by the Ministry of Security.
The ex-Hotel “Sedra”, ex-Factory “Bira” and ex-Factory “Mral” in Velika Kladuša cease to be used as temporary accommodation centres for migrants, because they were transferred to a temporary accommodation centre “Lipa”, which was opened this April.
AWARD ‘DENIS MRNAJVAC’ FOR PROMOTION OF TOLERANCE AND NON-VIOLENCE
The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees-proposed Decision on establishing ‘Denis Mrnjavac’ award for promotion of tolerance and non-violence.
The ‘Denis Mrnjavac’ award is a recognition to be annually presented to students for promotion of tolerance, and humane and non-violent behaviour. The award will be presented to one secondary school student each from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska and Brčko District of BIH, who contributed to human rights promotion, tolerance and mutual respect, and especially for combating against violence among youth.
The ‘Denis Mrnjavac’ award will be presented on form of a sculpture, special recognition in form a plague and special award for the awarded student’s school.
The decision on presenting the ‘Denis Mrnjavac’ award is to be taken by the Council of Ministers of BIH, upon proposal of the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees.
The Minister for Human Rights and refugees will set forth criteria to define a procedure, ways and criterias for award, within 60 days from the adoption of the decision.
ISSUANCE OF BORDER CELARANCES
The Council of Ministers of BIH took two decisions, proposed by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, in assigning the Agency for Identification Documents, Evidence and Data Exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina for procurement of forms, personalisation, establishment and operation of electronic evidence on issued border clearances to inhabitants of border areas of the Republic of Serbia and Montenegro.
The BIH Broder Police is authorised for reception of requests and issuance of border clearances to inhabitants of border areas of the Republic of Serbia and Montenegro via local organisation units.
This way, the Council of Ministers fulfils its obligations stemming from earlier signed relevant agreements with the Governments of the Republic of Serbia and of Montenegro.
BIH PROTECTION AND RESCUE COORDIANTION BODY FORMED
The Council of Ministers of BIH took a decision on setting-up BIH Coordination Body for Protection and Rescue of People and Material Goods from Natural and Other Disasters in BIH.
The Coordination Body is an expert operative body of the Council of Ministers of BIH, responsible for performing tasks set forth by the Framework Law on protection and rescue of people and material gods from natural and other disasters in BIH.
The Coordination Body of BIH will be comprised of representatives of all state Ministries, Republika Srpska Civil Protection Administration and Federal Civil Protection Administration, competent Ministries of the Federation of BIH and Republika Srpska, and Public Security Division of the Brčko District of BIH.
POLICE AGENCIES’ CADETS ADMISSION PLAN FOR 2022
The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Ministry of Security-proposed Decision on defining Plan for admission of cadets into police agencies at the BIH Institutions level in 2022.
The Decision sets the Plan of admission of cadets to the State Investigations and Protection Agency (SIPA), namely 10 cadets for a policeman rank, and 10 cadets for junior inspector rank, then 125 cadets to the BIH Border Police for policeman rank and 25 cadets for junior inspector rank, to the BIH Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies (DCPB) 50 cadets for policeman rank and five cadets for junior inspector rank.
Resources for reimbursements to cadets and funds for hiring process will be secured in police agencies’ budgets at the BIH level, while additional funds required for schooling of cadets will be provided by the Agency for Staff Training and Professional Up-Grading.
WORK GROUP FOR RISK ASSESSMENT FROM PROLIFERATTION FINANCING
The Council of Ministers of BIH took a Decision to establish a Work Group for risk assessment from mass destruction arms spreading in Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2023-2027, and 2023-2027 Action Plan for countering spreading of mass destruction arms in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Work Group will include representatives from competent BIH level Ministries and agencies, BIH Prosecutor’s Office, BIH High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council, Central Bank and BIH Indirect Taxation Administration, in addition to Entity Ministries of Interior, the Brčko District of BIH Police Department, and banking agencies of Republika Srpska and the Federation of BIH.
The Work Group should draft 2023-2027 Risk Assessment from Proliferation Financing in BIH and the accompanying Action Plan, within 6 month form taking of the Decision, and provide it to the Council of Ministers of BIH.
DECISION HARMONISATION WITH EU ACQUIS
The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations-proposed Decision on certain protective measures in relation to products of animal origin imported from the People’s Republic of China, due to harmonisation with the European Union legislation.
Under the Decision, certain laws of the European Union is to be transposed to the BIH legislation concerning a ban of import of animal origin products in BIH from the PR China, intended for human nutrition or use for animal food, including setting forth conditions for deviations form the Decision.
BIH STRATEGY FOR PEVENTION AND FIGHT AFGAINST TERRORISM BY 2026 ADOPTED
The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Ministry of Security-proposed decision to adopt Bosnia and Herzegovina 2021-2026 Strategy for Prevention and Countering Terrorism, drafted by an earlier formed work group.
It is an important strategic document, that confirms the commitment of all-level BIH institutions for prevention and fight against terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation, which lead to terrorism, in accordance with international obligations of the state, member of United Nations, Council of Europe, Organisation for European Security and Cooperation, Antiterrorist Coalition, and a prospective EU candidate.
The Strategy defines aims, principles and measures which Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to take, as well as a time span for realisation thereof in the terms f prevention and fight against terrorism.
The Strategy aims to set-up an all-level effective, coherent and sustainable mechanism for prevention and fight against terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation, which lead to terrorism, and which should make our society resistant to these challenges.
A work group that drafted the Strategy will prepare an Implementation Action Plan and provide it to the Council of Ministers of BIH for adoption.
The Strategy implementation will take place at all levels of authority in accordance with constitutional and legal authorisations of BIH, Federation, Republika Srpska and Brčko District institutions, under action plans that will follow the Strategy aims and measures, including through setting-up surveillance and evaluation models.
The Ministry of Security of BIH will form a Coordination Body to follow the Strategy implementation.
Also Governments of the Federation of BIH, Republika Srpska and Brčko District of BIH will develop their own action plans for the Strategy implementation, within 90 days from the Strategy adoption.
WORK GROUP FORMED FOR MLFT RISK ASSESSMENT IN BIH AS TO VIRTUEL ASSETS
The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Ministry of Security-proposed Decision to form a Work Group for risk assessment from money laundering and financing of terrorism in Bosnia and Herzegovina, connected with virtual assets, in accordance with the Council of Europe relevant methodology.
The Work Group, comprised of representatives from responsible institutions of BIH, Federation of BIH, Republika Srpska and Brčko District, will draft a document “Risk Assessment from money laundering and financing of terrorism in Bosnia and Herzegovina in connection with virtual assets”, in line with relevant methodology of the Council of Europe, and will provide it to the Council of Ministers of BIH.
BIH PART IN REPLENISHING OF IFAD FUNDS
The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Ministry of Finance and Treasury-proposed decision to approve EUR 50,000 for payment of contribution under the twelfth fund replenishment 2022-2024 of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD, in accordance to obligations stemming from the BIH membership in the Fund.
IFAD approved funds to Bosnia and Herzegovina, after year 1995, for financing of six projects of total value of USD 97.23 million under very favourable conditions.
This is the sixth financial replenishment of Fund where Bosnia and Herzegovina participates, starting from year 2006.
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL COOPERATION WITH CROATIA
A Decision on appointment of a Joint Committee for scientific and technological research between the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Government of the Republic of Croatia was taken, thus strengthening relevant bilateral cooperation.
On BIH side, the Joint Committee members are representatives of the Ministries of Civil Affairs and Foreign Affairs, Ministry for Scientific-Technological Development, High Education and IT Society of Republika Srpska and Federal Ministry of Education and Science.
Together with members appointed by the Government of the Republic of Croatia, they will take care of implementation of a Contract between the Council of Ministers of BIH and Government of the Republic of Croatia on scientific and technological cooperation.
FUNDS APPROVED TO GENRAL AFFAIRS SERVICE
The Council of Ministers of BIH took a Decision to approve current reserve funds from the 2022 BIH Institutions Budget in amount of KM 7850,000 to the General Affairs Service of the BIH Institutions.
The resources are intended for procurement of electric power, fuel oil, and for other services for facilities in which BIH Institutions are accommodated, and due to an increase of energy prices and overhead costs, caused by global crisis.
CHANGE OF ADMINISTRATIVE FEE TARIFFS FOR VISA ISSUANCE
The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Ministry of Foreign Affairs-proposed decision on a change of administrative taxes tariff for visas issued by BIH diplomatic-consular offices.
For issuance of a visa for short stay (visa S) or airport transit visa (visa A) the cost is EIR 60, while for a longer stay (visa D9 the price is EUR 95.
The increase of fee for visa issuance f0or foreigners entering BIH was caused by an increase of all costs, and price levels confirmed in 2020 had not been changed for 20 years.
LABOUR MARKET GUIDELINES AND ACTIVE EMPLOYMENT MEASURES PLAN
The Council of Ministers of BIH took a Decision to adopt a Labour Market Guidelines and Active Employment Measures Plan in Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2022.
The document represents guidelines of labour market policies and active employment measures, planned by employment-responsible State and Entity institutions in 2022.
The starting point of the document development were priority aims form the Agency for Labour and Employment of BIH work programmes, Federal Employment Bureau, Republika Srpska Employment Bureau and the Brčko District of BIH Employment Bureau for 2022, accepted by responsible Ministries and institutions.
The BIH employment-responsible institutions are committed, in the planned activities for 2022, for basic guidelines of labour policy that include activities on Covid-29 pandemics rehabilitation of labour market in BIH, speedy and effective completion of operations for fulfilment of rights of unemployed persons, and timely payment of material rights, including promotion of programmes/measures of active employment policy, for the aim of an effective integration of the unemployed in the labour market, in addition to measures-taking for improvement of labour market trends.
MORE TRANSPARENT ALLOCATION OF CASH AWARDS
The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Ministry of Finance and Treasury-proposed Decision on amendments and supplements to the Decision on framework criteria for awarding cash benefits to employees in Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, for the reason of transparency increase.
According to the Decision, drafted by the Committee for Salaries and Reimbursements in the BIH Institutions, an aggregate review of cash awards to employees in each BIH Institution for a specific month will be posted at an ad board and on official internet site of the relevant institution.
The notes should contain name and surname of the awarded and amount of awarded, name of organisation unit and grounds for awarding.
The data will be published in case of military personnel, police officers, and employees with the Intelligence Security Agency assigned to peace or other missions abroad.
READINESS FOR PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECION
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted a Proposal 2021-2025 Bosnia and Herzegovina Framework Guidelines for Implementation of Leading Business-Making and Human Rights Principles, to be posted at the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees web site.
By the adoption of the Framework Principles, Bosnia and Herzegovina confirms its readiness to promote human rights protection in business-making.
The Framework Guidelines are founded at three pillars which underline obligation of authorised bodies to protect human rights, responsibilities of the business sector to respect human rights, while the third pillar refers to an access to legal remedy.
PREPARATION OF BIH DISASTER RISK MITIGATION
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted a piece of information by the Ministry of Security on implementation of a 2015-2030 Disaster Risk Mitigation Sendai Framework Aim “E”.
The 2015-2030 Sendai Disaster Risk Mitigation Framework is a global character document, adopted by 187 countries and endorsed by the UN General Assembly.
The Framework plans activities through four priorities and several global aims, among which there is an aim to considerably increase number of counties having state and local-level disaster risk mitigation strategies.
The Ministry of Security will, in cooperation with responsible institutions of BIH, international organisations, NGO sector and civil society organisations, coordinate activities on preparation of disaster risk mitigation in Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2021-2025 time period.
Institutions and agencies in BIH should extend a full support to the Ministry of Security in development of the Strategy.
TO DEVELOP EU LEADER PROGRAMME IN BIH
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted a piece of information by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations on development of the EU Leader Programme and Local Action Groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Entity and Brčko District of BIH responsible institutions are recommended to create, relaying on their available budget funds and through an agriculture and rural development incentive system, continuous financial support for operations of local work groups.
The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations will, in cooperation with responsible Entity and Brčko District institutions, continue to coordinate activities in view of further development of local action groups and introduction of the EU Leader Programme to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European integrations process.
The EU Leader Programme is an innovative approach to creation of rural development policies in the EU, which encourages association of rural population and public, private and NGO sector partners and their inclusion into projects development and implementation, directed at local communities’ issue-solving.
ADOPTED REPORT ON MIGRATIONS SITUATION FOR FIRST HALF OF 2022
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted a piece of information on migrations in Bosnia and Herzegovina for January-June 2022, which will be provided to the BIH Presidency and BIH Parliamentarian Assembly by the Ministry of Security.
The Foreigners’ Affairs Service reported 8,192 illegal migrants in the first half of this year, which is for 8% more than last year. Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan together are more than half of total reported illegal migrants.
Out of the total number of the reported illegal migrants, 7.390 expressed their intention to file for asylum in BIH, and only 90 individuals have filed for it.
In January-June time period, the BIH Border Police reported 2.760 individuals illegally crossing or attempting to cross the BIH border, which is almost twice less than in the same time period 2021.
The main routes that run through Serbia and through Albania remain the most often routes for illegal entering to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Therefore, in the first six months of 2022, 2,125 individuals were detected in illegal entering to BIH from the territory of Serbia and Montenegro, out of which, 1,592 individuals were diverted, according to the Law on Border Control. Simultaneously 635 individuals were detected at their exit from BIH.
The major part of detected individuals are citizens of Afghanistan, Turkey, Burundi, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The session adopted several monthly migration situation reports.
CoMBIH ACTION PLAN ADOPTD FOR ‘PARTERSHIP FOR OPEN GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE’ IMPLEMENTATION
The Ministry of Justice-proposed Action Plan of the Council of Minister of BIH for implementation of 2021-2023 “Partnership for Open Government Initiative” was adopted.
This is the second action plan adopted by the Council of Ministers of BIH after Bosnia and Herzegovina acceded to the Partnership for Open Government. The first, 2019-2012 action plan was implemented, and today adopted plan is a follow-up of institutions effort to operate mote transparently, responsibly and effectively.
The Action Plan holds 10 measures and 30 activities, to be implemented by designated institutions by August 31, 2023, for the aim of increasing transparency and openness of government bodies, inclusion and empowering of citizens and civil society, fight against corruption and use of new technologies for improvement of service quality provided by public administration to citizens.
The main priority areas for the next two years at focus of the Action Plan are: open data; public procurement; anti-corruption activities; budget transparency; importance of propriety regulation; and free access to information.
Al measures and activities of the Action Plan were formulated by a dialogue and in cooperation with civil society organisations.
ACTION PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMUNICATION STRATEGY ON EU ACCESSION
The Session adopted an Action Plan of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina for implementation of a 2022 Communication Strategy for public awareness on the European Union accession process of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a piece of information by the Directorate for European Integrations on the preparation thereof.
The Action Plan defines activities for a higher quality and effective public communications as to the European integrations process.
Eight institutions are included in the implementation of activities in six areas: publishing; on-line communications; research; competitions; events; and promotion material.
Along with the Directorate for European integrations, the implementation of the Action Plan will include the Ministries of Civil Affairs, Justice, Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, Public Procurement Agency, Directorate for Economic Planning, BIH Institute for Intellectual property, and Indirect Taxation Administration.
DIRECT FOREIGN INVESTMENTS ANALYSIS
The Council of Ministers of BIH took note of an Analysis of Direct Foreign Investments to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2020 and 2921 and comparative analysis of BIH with counties of the region from international institutions’ reports, which confirms a slight increase of direct foreign investments to BIH despite aggravating circumstances caused by Covid-19 pandemics and originally unfavourable prognoses.
The Foreign Investment Promotion Agency of BIH (FIPA) will publish the analyses at its web site.
The session took note of the FIPA piece of information on foreign direct investments in BIH and reports of international organisations that include recommended activities.
According to the Central Bank of BIH data used in the analysis, foreign direct investments in 2020 amounted to KM 678.2 million, and were higher for KM 81.5 million in respect to 2019, when they reached the lowest level in five years.
The revision subject preliminary Central Bank data show that foreign direct investments to BIH in the first half of 2021 amounted to KM 766.2 million, more for 66.2% in respect to the same period of time year before.
BIH INSTITUTIONS STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK TO 2030
The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Direction for Economic Planning-proposed Strategic Framework of Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina by 2030, with a focus at aims directed to a transparent, effective and responsible public sector and creation of an equal opportunities society.
It is for a promotion of sustainable development aims by way of developing strategic aims of the Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will represent a portfolio of guiding goals for development of a Mid-Term Work Programme of the Council of Ministers, as well as mid-term and long-term plan documents of the BIH Institutions, harmonised with valid mid-term and long-term planning process regulations.
CONSENT FOR SIGNING OF LETTER OF INTENT
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted a piece of information by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the level of contributions of Bosnia and Herzegovina within the adopted IDA 20 Resolution - twentieth replenishment, and gave its consent to payment of KM 56,564.00.
The Council of Ministers of BIH gave tis consent to Governor of BIH with the World Bank Group Bisera Turković to sing a letter of intent and send it to the WB Group Secretary-General.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE ANALYSIS IN FIRST HALF OF 2022
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations-proposed Analysis of Foreign Trade Exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina for I-VI 2022.
The document suggests that the total goods exchange in the first half of 2022 amounted to KM 22.79 billion. The value of the goods exported was KM 9.09 billion, and the value of the imported ones was KM 13.7 billion, which resulted in a foreign trade deficit of KM 4.61 billion.
The main features of the goods exchange for January-June 2022, in respect to the same period of time 2021, were the growth of total foreign exchange of BIH (41.5%), import increase (42.5%), export increase (39.9%), and growth of foreign trade deficit (47.8%), while coverage of import by export was decreased for 1.3% and it is 66.3%.
The European Union is still our main foreign trade partner and it participated in total volume of goods exchange with 63.1%, while CEFTA2006 countries-signatories participate with 14.9% and other counties with 22%.
The export to the EU counties was KM 6.71 billion, or more for 39 % than a year before, while the import was KM 7.66 billion, or 31.7% more than in the first half of 2021.
Among main trade partners, the highest coverage of import by export was made in trade with Austria (163%), Slovenia (127%), Croatia (106%), Germany (95%), Serbia (83%), and Italy (66%).
In the first half of 2022, Bosnia and Herzegovina exported mostly to Croatia (KM 1.34 bil.), Germany (KM 1.34 bil.), Germany (KM 1.34 bil.), Serbia (KM 1.25 bil.), Italy (KM 1.07% bil.), Austria (KM 821 mil.), and Slovenia (KM 709 mil.), and imported most from Italy (KM 1.62 bil.), Serbia (KM 1.5 bil.), Germany (KM 1.41 bil.), Croatia (KM 1.27 biol.), China (KM 1.06 bil.), and Turkey (KM 845 mil.)
SEMI-ANNUAL BUDGET EXECUTION REPORT ADOPTED
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted a Budget Execution Report of Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and International Obligations of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the first half of 2022, to be passed to the BIH Presidency and Parliamentarian Assembly of BIH by the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.
The Report will be published on web sites of the Council of Ministers of BIH and Ministry of Finance and Treasury of BIH.
Financing of the Institutions in time period January-June 2022 was based on temporary financing decisions, since the Law on Budget of BIH Institutions and International Obligations of BIH for 2022, was adopted on June 30, 2022.
Total revenues, financing and receivables at disposal to BIH Institutions in January-June 2022 amounted to KM 500,045,278, of which the indirect tax revenues from the Single Treasury Account of the Indirect Taxation Administration directed for institutions financing were KM 383,953,512.
The total realised expenditures and costs in the reported period of time from the BIH Institutions Budget were KM 433.396.31 and were realised in the extent less for about KM 20.9 million, or 5% in relation to the same period of time last year, due to lesser realisation of capital expenditures for multi-annual projects and other intended projects for which funds were transferred from earlier years.
As to expenditures of the BIH Institutions, savings on salaries and supplies were continued in year 2022 in order to persevere macroeconomic stability of the country, so gross salaries and reimbursements to employees remained at the same level as in 2012, except for reimbursements for work-time meal, which was increased from KM 6 to KM 8.
In the first half of 2022, due obligations based on the state foreign were serviced timely in total amount of KM 344.65 million, out of which KM 290.04 million (84.15%) for principal prepayment and KM 54.61 million (15.85%) to interest and other costs payment.
USE OF CURRENT RESERVES
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted a piece of information by the Ministry of Finance and Treasury on distribution and use of current reserve funds for I-VI 2022, to be provided to the Parliamentarian Assembly of BIH for further procedure.
According to the document, out of planned KM 1,225,000.00 of current reserves, in the first half of 2022 approved were KM 1.072.500,00, of which realised were KM 1.060,179.00.
Out of planned KM 1.225.000,00 current reserve funds approved, in the first half of the year approved were total KM 607.735.00. Out of that sum, the major part of funds were approved for assistance to the Republic of Croatia for rehabilitation from an earthquake (KM 500k), while KM 100k were approved to the Municipality of Kostajnica.
ECONOMIC GROWTH AN INFLATION RATE IN BIH
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Directorate for Economic Planning-tabled piece of information on macroeconomic trends for January-June 2022.
Data from the BIH Statistics Agency suggest that the last year’s growth trend of economic activities was continued in the QI 2022, when economic growth rate was 5.5%, which is within the regional average.
In the first half of year, BIH registered an increase of physical volume of industrial production for 4.6%, along with increase of export of goods for about KM 3.5 billion in QI, which is for more than 40% compated to the same period of time last year. However, in the analysis of foreign trade goods exchange with the world, a consideration should be taken of a significant price growth.
In May 2022, the number of employees was higher for 2.8% in relation to the same month last year and it was 844.8 thousand, with the most notable increase in trade and industry.
The beginning of 2022 was definitely marked by an increased inflatory pressures, namely a strong growth of prices, primarily of energy and food in BIH, as in the world. The inflation measured by consumer price index in BIH was 15.8%, compared to June 2021, while at semi-annual level the most notable price increase was in the areas of food, beverages, and transport. On the other side, the only price decrease was in sectors of cloth and footwear, i.e. lower for 6% in the first half of this year, which slowed dawn only partially the increase of total inflation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
TOTAL PUBLIC DEBT DECREASED
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Finance and Treasury-tabled piece of information on the level of public indebtedness of Bosnia and Herzegovina as at June 30, 2022, which suggests that the total public debt is less for KM 47.27 million , in repsect to December 31, 2021,
The BIH public debt as at June 30, 2022 was KM 12 billion and 808.81 million, of which the foreign debt was KM 9 billion and 741.49 million, and internal debt was KM three billion and 67.32 million.
In the overall debt, the Federation of BIH participates with 51.81%, Republika Srpska with 47.31%, Brčko District of BIH with 0.49%, and BIH Institutions with 0.38%.
The participation of the BIH public debt in GDP is 32,35%.
As the foreign debt, the mayor BIH creditors are the World Bank - IDA and IBRD – with 28.03% of debt, European Investment Bank with 21.90%, International Monetary Fund with 9.56%, Eurobonds RS with 9.40%, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development with 7.82%, Paris Club with 5.08%, which represents 81.79% of total foreign debt.
The BIH foreign debt servicing in the first half of 2022 was KM 392.59 million, of which KM 299.73 million or 76.35% for principal and KM 92.86 million or 23.65% for interest.
CoMBIH CONCLUSIONS REALISATION 87.5% IN FIRST HALF OD 2022
The Session considered a Review Realisation of the BIH Council of Ministers conclusions, taken in time period from January 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022.
The review covered 22 institutions of the Council of Ministers of BIH, which realised 134 or 87% of total 154 conclusions adopted, while 20 conclusions remained unrealised.
The review of conclusions realisation, prepared by the Secretariat-General of the Council of Ministers of BIH, was followed by appropriate conclusions with a view of acceleration of conclusions realisation and thus securing improved efficacy of the Council of Ministers operations.
DEI RESEARCH: 77.4% CITIZENS FOR ENTRY TO EU
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Directorate for European Integrations-tabled piece of information on results of public opinion research “Citizens’ positions on EU Membership and EU Integrations Process”, conducted in August 2022 at 1.200 respondents sample at the whole BIH level.
This August research results showed that 74% respondents support entry of BIH to the European Union, which is for 32% less than last year. The entry to the EU was supported by 90% respondents of in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 54.5% in Republika Srpska, and 73.8 respondents in the Brčko District of BIH.
The respondents supporting the entry of BIH to the EU indicated as the main reason-s a guarantee of permanent peace and political stability 834%), freedom of movement of people, goods and capital (32%), and compliance to law and regulations (22.8%) of the respondents.
The respondents not supporting the BIH entry to the EU indicate as the main reasons a fear form increased living costs and taxes (50.4%9, lost of cultural diversity (19.8%), too high centralisation (10%), and increased bureaucracy (6.5%).
ACCESSION RTO EU PROGRAME FOR EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL INNOVATIONS
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Civil Affairs-tabled piece of information in activities concerning accession of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the EU Employment and Social Innovations Programme (EaSI 2021-2027).
The Ministry of Civil Affairs should sent a Letter of Intent for accession of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the EU Employment and Social Innovation Programme to the European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion.
The Employment and Social Innovations Programme s a financial instrument managed directly by the European Commission, for the aim of support to high level of high quality and sustainable employment, social policy, fight against social exclusion and poverty, improvement of work conditions and labour mobility throughout the European Union.
The European Commission-implemented 2021-2027 EaSI has about EUR 762 million budget.
CONSENT TO VITE BY CITIZENS OF SLOVENIA AT REFERENDUM
The Council of Ministers of BIH granted its consent for vote by citizens of the Republic of Slovenia on November 27. 2022 in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina regarding a referendum on a Law on Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Long-Term Care and Law on Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Radio-TV Slovenia.
The pooling will be organised in premises of the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Sarajevo, from 9.00 do 17.00 hrs.
BASE LEVEL FOR CALCULATION OF SALARIES IN DIPLOMATIC-CONSULAR OFFICE OF BIH
The Council of Ministers of BIH took a decision, in the second round of vote, on defining the basics for salaries in diplomatic-consular offices of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2022, upon a proposal by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The proposal basics for accounting of salaries in the BIH diplomatic-consular offices was calculated based on the last published UN index on living costs, including housing costs as at December 2021. A starting point for calculation was a basic salary for New York in amount of KM 1,670.00, replacing the previous KM 1.650.00, and basic salaries were accounted accordingly.
Under the proposal, a decrease of basic salary will take place in 25 diplomatic-consular offices, while it will increase in 31 diplomatic-consular offices, relative to basic salaries in 2020.
The 2022 Budget provided for opening of 10 new diplomatic-consular offices of BIH. (end)