Sjednice
Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Held Its 46th Extraordinary and 66th Regular Sessions
12/17/2024
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined univocally a Proposal Law on Broder Control and will send it to the Parliamentarian Assembly under urgent procedure, along with a Proposal Law on Protection of Personal Data also univocally defined to be sent to the Parliamentarian Assembly to be simplified procedure.
By endorsing the pieces of legislation, which are key priorities on the European road of Bosnia and Herzegovina and holding the “EI” mark, which proves certain alignment with the EU acquis, the Council of Ministers of BIH took over relevant steps for obtaining the date of opening of BIH negotiations with the EU.
The Ministry of Security-tabled Proposal Law on Border Control fulfils one of strategic aims from earlier adopted BIH Integral Border management Strategy.
Under provisions of the new law important border management issues are regulated and harmonised with current Eu acquis.
The Proposal Law regulates through its 11 chapters the following issues: border control and responsible bodies; crossing of state border; border crossings and permits; border checks and state border surveillance. The border demarcation line and border area chapter regulates rules concerning demarcation, marking and arranging border line and tis visibility, including ban of activities along the border line and arrangement of area along the state border. It also regulates issues of infringement of state border, border incidents, international border cooperation, transfer of arms, collection of personal data and track records in accordance with the Law on Protection of Personal Data.
The Proposal Law on Protection of Personal Data makes an alignment with the relevant 2016 EU Decree on protection of individuals in connection with personal data processing and free movement of the data, thus accepting internationally recognised standards.
The Proposal Law is a move ahead in respect ot the current solutions, especially in a part regulating protection of natural persons in connection with personal data processed by competent bodies for the purpose of investigation, detection of criminal acts, prosecution of perpetrators of criminal acts, execution of criminal sanctions, including protection from threats to public security and their prevention. The Law provisions improve rules of transfer of personal data to other countries or international organisations and define responsibilities of the Agency for protection of Personal Data in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Sarajevo-based Agency for Protection of Personal Data is an independent supervisory body for monitoring of the law implementation, for the aim of protection of basic rights and freedoms of natural persons, i.e. perseverance of their privacy in collection, procession and use of personal data, which is one among basic values of democratic society.
The adoption of the Law, proposed by the Ministry of Civil Affairs and drafted by the Council of Ministers Cross-Sector Work Group in November 2023, creates conditions for taking effect of a Cooperation Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Eurojust, EU Agency for judicial cooperation in criminal matters, signed in late October 2024.
BIH INSTITUTIONS’ DEVELOPMENT-INVESTMENT PROGRAMME ADOPTED
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of finance and treasury-tabled 2025-2027 Public Investments/Development-Investment Programme of Bosnia and Herzegovina Institutions, which holds data on 282 projects, worth total KM 2 billion and 429.58 million.
130 projects, worth KM 106.59 million are in the implementation phase, while 21 projects, worth KM 74,71 million were approved, while 131 projects in candidacy account for KM one billion and 248,28 million.
Investments to capital projects are worth one billion and 947,17 million and investments to institutional projects are Km 482,41 million.
The value of projects contributing to overall socio-economic development within the Development-Investment Programme is KM 732,23 million. The 2025-2027 Public Investments/Development-Investment Programme of BIH Institutions is a planning instrument which enables better use of budget resources and better approach to foreign sources of financing for multi-annual projects.
The Development-Investment Programme will be published at the official web site of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.
COUNCIL OF MINISTERS 2025-2027 MID-TERM WORK PROGRAMME ADOPTED
The Council of Ministers 2025-2027 Mid-Term Work Programme was adopted in the second round of vote, and its strategic aims are aligned with obligations stemming from the Stabilisation and Accession Agreement and are complementary to priorities of BIH integration to the European Union.
The tenth Mid-Term Work Programme, proposed by the Directorate for Economic Planning, ensures, among other things, plan foundation for high quality management of development, in accordance with competences of the Council of Ministers and BIH Institutions, with an optimal resources’ allocation to priority tasks.
The Programme presents aims of operations, by implementation of which institutions responsible to the Council of Ministers of BIH will contribute to realisation of strategic aims and priorities defined in the BIH Institutions Strategic Framework to 2023, specifically, transparent effective and responsible public sector, sustainable and smart economic growth, and creation of society of equal opportunities.
Accompanying annexes contain the Mid-Term Work Programme 2024-2026 Action Plan with 39 mid-term goals portfolio, together with estimation of total costs and sources of financing, as well as review of legislation and development-investment projects planned for implementation under defined mid-term aims.
The Council of Ministers Secretariat General and Directorate for Economic Planning will publish the Mid-Term Work Programme at their official web sites.
CUSTOMS FEE IMPORT OF FERTILISER: CoMBIH CONTINUES WITH RELIEVES FOR FARMERS
The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations-tabled Decision on opening of temporary tariff quotas for import of mineral fertilisers in 2025, thereby continuing support to farmers in Bosnia and Herzegovina, launched in 2022, due to global disturbances of supply and price growth.
The Decision provides for temporary, until the excerpt of quantities prescribed under the Decision, to Dec. 31st, 2024, at latest, a free of customs charge import of total 300k tonnes of mineral fertilisers classified in seven tariff marks, and it defines criteria for application of temporary quotas and their allocation.
The basic criterion for the free-of-customs import of mineral fertilisers is that it is for needs of agricultural producers as end users in Bosnia and Herzegovina, so the import of mineral fertilisers is registered agricultural producers in BIH.
The purpose of the decision is to provide ion time additional kinds and needed quantities of mineral fertilisers for farmers, which will enable implementation of adequate agrotechnical measures, primarily for crops and other cultivated species.
This is the fourth decision of the Council of Ministers of BIH to introduce relieves for farmers after 2022, 2023, and 2024, and enable free-of—customs charge import of mineral fertilisers.
ACEPTED COLLECTUVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT FOR EMPLOYEES IN BIH INSTITUTIONS
The session accepted a text Proposal Collective Bargaining Agreement for employees in Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Council of Ministers Chairwoman was authorised for its signing on behalf of the Council of Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A Report by the Ministry of Justice was previously adopted on negotiating process and striking the Collective Bargaining Agreement for employees in Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by earlier appointed Council of Ministers of BIH Negotiating Team of the and Trade Union Negotiating Team, namely Trade Union of civil Servants and Employees in Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Trade Union of Indirect Taxation Administration, and Trade Union of Police Bodies in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This is the first collective bargaining agreement for employees in Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which regulates mutual rights and obligations of the contracting parties in the area of operations and employment, salaries and reimbursements of civil servants, police officers and employees in Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, based on relevant laws and by-laws.
CONSTRUCTION OF “POKLEČANI” WINDMILL
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined a Proposal Finance Contract between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Investment Bank – “Poklečani” Windmill (FI No 94.541- SERAPIS No 2022-0241) with a Platform for its conclusion.
The project includes construction and putting into operation of “Poklečani” Windmill in the northern part of the Municipality of Posušje in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and connection of it to the existing state-owned electric network.
Development of 20 wind turbines is planed under the Project, od total installed power of 132 MW and expected annual production of electric energy of about 436.95 GWh.
The Finance Contract refers to EUR 103,050.000 loan with its repayment term of 25 years and five-year grace period. The funds are allocated to the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Project implementation agency is the Public Company Power Utility of HZHB, Jsc. Mostar, which will increase thereby production of electric power for approximately 20%, with a decrease of dependence on hydro-meteorological conditions and its market price.
Development of the “Poklečani” windmill will increase production of electric power from renewable sources and will contribute to total decrease of Co2 emissions, which corresponds with aims set by Bosnia and Herzegovina with implementation of the Western Balkan Geen Agenda.
The Proposal Contract with Platform for its conclusion will be sent to the BIH Presidency for further procedure, with a proposal for the Minister of Finance and Treasury as the signatory thereof.
ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR FINALISATION OF CONSTRUCTION OF PUTNIKOVIO BRDO – MEDAKOVO ROAD SECTION
The Council of Ministers of BIH endorsed an initiative by the Ministry of Finance and Treasury an appointed a negotiating team for conclusion of an Amendment to Loan Contract for Corridor V c Project – construction of Putnikovo Brdo – Medakovo Motorway Section between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Securing additional resources in amount of EUR 69,000,000 will enable a successful completion of construction of 8.5 km long Putnikovo Brdo – Medakovo motorway section according to international standards.
The funds will be allocated to the Federation of BIH, and the end user is the Public Company motorways of Federation of Bosnia and Hrzegoivna. The loan repayment term is 11 years with four-year grace period.
Bosnia and Herzegovina concluded earlier a finance contract with the European Bank for Construction and development, worth EUR 60million, after which the European Bank approved an investment grant for the project in amount of EUR 16.55 million.
Following completed negotiations, the Ministry of Finance and Treasury will send the Draft Contract with Platform for its Conclusion to the Council of Ministers of BIH.
MULTI-ANNUAL DEMINING COSTS CO-FINANCING MULTI-ANNAUL PRIOJECT APPROVED
The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina took a Decision to approve a multi-annual project of co-financing of demining costs in Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2025–2027 time span, worth KM 2 million.
The funds will be made available to the Ministry of Civil Affairs from the Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina Budget, namely, KM 650k in 2025 and in 2026 each, and KM 700k in 2027.
The Council of Ministers confirms thereby its dedication for acceleration of demining process in Bosnia and Herzegovina and gives its contribution to inclusion of potential donors in projects of elimination of mine-explosive and unexploded devices in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
HARMONISATION OF REGULATIONS ON BORDER VETERINARY INSEPCTION POST OPERATIONS WITH EU ACQUIS
The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations-tabled Rulebook on Amendment of Rulebook on Operations of the Border Veterinary Inspection Posts in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This will annul control border veterinary inspection posts on exit from Bosnia and Herzegovina of deliveries containing products of animal origin towards EU countries and the third countries and harmonises regulations of Bosnia and Herzegovina with valid relevant legislation in the European Union and controls implemented in the third countries.
Living animals will still be subject to border inspection posts’ controls for the sake of verifying animal well-being.
This Rulebook Amendment will free economic entities form paying veterinary-health fees for export controls and will accelerate movement of goods exported from BIH, and border inspection posts will have more time for higher quality inspection of deliveries imported to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
CONSENT TO RULEBOOK ON GROUND RULES IN BIH INSTITUTIONS COMPLEX
The Council of Ministers of BIH granted its consent to a Rulebook on Ground Rules within Complex of BIH Institutions, at Trg BIH1 1-3, in Sarajevo.
The Rulebook is taken by the General Affairs of BIH Institutions Manager, with consent of the two Deputies, after previously obtained consent of the Council of Ministers fo BIH and both Chambers of the Parliamentarian Assembly of BIH.
The Rulebook defines rules of conduct in the BIH Institutions building complex, which will be obligatory for all employees, as adherence to these improves working discipline, order and security.
It includes marking of entrance by official term, entrance, movement and exit to/from the buildings, employees’ obligations, use of electronic passes, premises and equipment, maintenance of the buildings’ technical adequateness, security, admission of parties and visitors, including official delegations, and it defines and improves procedures for journalists’ entering for their smooth operation.
After tis adoption, the Rulebook will be posted at web sites pf the General Affairs Service of BIH Institutions, Parliamentarian Assembly of BIH and Council of Ministers of BIH.
PIECE OF INFOAMTION ON ALLOCATION OF CURRENT RESERVE FUNDS
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted a piece of information on allocation and use of current reserve funds for I-IIIQ 2024, to be forwarded to the BIH Parliamentarian Assembly by the Ministry of Finance.
The piece of information suggests that out of KM 4,236,000 of current reserves, planned under 2024 Law on Budget of Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and International Obligations of BIH, approved was total KM 559,500.000 in I-IIIQ 2024, of which realised was KM 558,156.90.
Out of the above sum, KM 30,000.00 was approved by the Council of Ministers of BIH for a reception on the occasion of Kurban Bayram in the Parliamentarian Assembly of BIH building this June.
Under decisions by Collegium of both Parliamentarian Assembly Chambers, approved and realised was total KM 34,000.00, and by BIH presidency total Km 190,000.00.
Out of current reserve funds at disposal to the Council of Ministers Chairwoman and Chair Deputies, approved by Deputies Chair and realised was KM 296,000.00, while the Chairwoman took no decision on funds approval.
PROGRESS BY BIH WITHIN EFFECTIVE DEVELOPMENT COOEPREATION GLOBAL PARTERSHIP
The Council of Ministers took note of a piece of information on 2022 Progress Report for Bosnia and Herzegovina, realised within the 2023-2026 Effective Development Cooperation Global Partnership, submitted on Oct. 2, 2024.
The Report, published following 4 monitoring rounds by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), indicates that Bosnia and Herzegovina made considerable results in public finance management and coordination of international assistance in 2022.
It pointed at necessary future steps, including an increase of harmonisation of development partners’ interventions with BIH development priorities, increase of mid-term predictability of development assistance and improved use of public finance management system in implementation of the Official Development Aid (ODA) assistance.
The Ministry of Finance and Treasury should continue activities on improvement of conditions for more effective use of ODA assistance, in accordance with priorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and principles defined within the Effective Development Cooperation Global Partnership.
IMPLEMENTATIONOF EU DIRECTIVE ON REGUALTED PROFESSIONS
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted a piece of information on implementation of a Road Map for implementation of the EU Directive on Regulated Professions 2005/36EC and 2013/55EU, to be passed to responsible State, Entity, Cantonal and the Brčko District of BIH institutions by the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
The EU Directive defines, among others, basics of recognition by member countries of professional qualifications in other member countries, and which enable qualifications holders to pursue the same professions as in their country of origin.
Provisions of this EU Directive pertain to seven professions, as follows: doctor of medicine, doctor of dental medicine, nurse, midwife, pharmacist, veterinarian, surgeon, and architect, for which an automatic recognition was provided, since these are professions for which minimum training conditions are aligned with the European level.
Also the piece of information suggests that Western Balkan representatives signed, within the Berlin Process, an Agreement on recognition of high education qualifications, Agreement on recognition of professional qualifications of doctos of medicine, doctors of dental medicine and architects, in addition to an Agreement on recognition of professional qualifications of nurses, veterinarians, surgeons, pharmacists and midwifes, this all for the purpose of facilitating expert mobility within the region, strengthening regional cooperation, and inciting economic development, along with an increase of high educated experts competitiveness.
I-IX 2024 MIGRATIONS REPORT
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Security-tabled piece of information on migrations in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the first nine months of 2024.
According to the report, foreigners in Bosnia and Herzegovina were approved total 4,600 first temporary stays, while extended were 5,118 temporary stays, most of which for the reason of labour, with or without work permit, and for family reunion. In the reported period, approved were 307 permanent stays, mostly to citizens of Croatia, Montenegro and Austria.
The BIH Border Police discovered 9,600 individuals in illegal border crossing or in attempt of it; discovered were 3,817 individuals on entrance and 5,783 on exist from Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is an increase of 10.1%, relative to the same time last year. Most of discovered individuals were citizens of Syria, Turkey, Afghanistan, Morrocco, and Pakistan.
The Foreigners Affairs Service got reported 21,143 illegal migrants, which is less for 16%, compared to 2023, when 25,174 were reported.
According to IOM data, collected on 558 migrant sample, the average time of their stay in BIH was 34 days, minimum 6 and maximum 730 days.
A measure of expulsion was imposed for 2,662 foreigners detected in illegal stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 1,409 were subject to supervision measure, and 516 got a cancel of stay, while visas were annulled for 131 foreigners.
CUSTOMS TARRIF ADOPTED
The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations-tabled decision on defining Custom Tariff for 2025, adjusted to the EU Harmonised System and Combined Nomenclature.
The decision taking will enable more successful foreign trade business making between business entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and those from the CEFTA counites, i.e. European Union countries.
FUNDS SECURED FOR COMPLETION OF POPRIKUŠE – NEMILA ROAD SECTION
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined, at its 66th session, a Proposal Amended and Renewed Sept. 18, 2018 Contract to a Loan Contract (Corridor V c – part 3) between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
It is about a request for an additional borrowing with EBRD in amount of EUR 98 million, required for completion of the Poprikuše – Nemila road section on the Corridor V c, for which EUR 180 million had been earlier approved.
The proposed conditions of the new loan are identical with those under the previous loan, with 11-year repayment term and three-year grace period. The loan beneficiary is the Public Company Motorways of Federation of BIH. The Proposal Contract will be sent to the BIH Presidency for further decision-making procedure, with a proposal for the Minister of Finance and Treasury for the BIH signatory thereof.
SYMPLIFIED PRIOCEDURES FOR OFFICIAL TRIPS TO SAUDI ARABIA
The 6th session defined a Proposal Agreement between the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on mutual exemption from demand for short term visa for holders of diplomatic, special and service passports.
A simplification and acceleration of procedures of official trips for BIH citizens to the Saudi Arabia is a confirmation of commitment of the two states to intensify economic relations, and finally, facilitate economic promotion of Bosnia and Herzegovina in this relevant market.
The agreement will enable citizens of BIH, holders of service and diplomatic passports, to stay in Saudi Arabia up to 90 days within 180 period.
The Proposal Agreement with Platform for its conclusion will be sent to the BIH Presidency for further procedure, and the Foreign Minister will be proposed for the BIH signatory thereof.
SUPPORT TO HEALTH POLICY WITH HEALTH CENTRES IN BIH
The Council of Ministers of BIH endorsed the Ministry of Finance and Treasury Initiative and appointed a negotiating delegation for conclusion of a Loan Agreement (Second Programmatic Loan for Development Policy of Health Sectors) between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, worth total USD 75 million.
It supports a key part of overall health reform programme for the aim of reaching a long-term health financial sustainability in BIH and improvement of health services quality and health outcomes.
The funds will be allocated to the Federation of BIH (60%) and Republika Srpska (40%), and the exact amounts will be agreed on during negotiations, as final loan conditions.
The Ministry of Finance and Treasury will, upon negotiations, provide a the Draft Agreement and Platform for its conclusion.
STATE AWARD FOR SPORTS TO ISMAIL BARLOV
The Council of Ministers of BIH took unanimously a decision to present 2024 State Sports Award of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Ismail Barlov.
The State Sports Award, worth KM 10,000, was presented to 14-year Barlov, winner of gold medal at this year’s European Senior Para-Swimming Championship in Madera and silver medal in 50m breaststroke swimming at Para-Olympics in Paris, on September 4, 2024.
Besides, Barlov is a winner of numerous medals at regional competitions and the youngest sportsman from Bosnia and Herzegovina with reached standards for Olympic and Para-Olympic Games. He attends the 7th grade of the Fifth Elementary School; he started swimming trainings in 2018 in the Swimming Club for Disabled Persons “Spid”.
SUPPORT TO SPORTS: CASH AWARDS TO DESERVING AND TOP SPORTSPERSONS
The Council of Ministers of BIH took a Decision on the level of one-time cash awards for deserving sportspersons of Bosnia and Herzegovina and top sportspersons of international class for 2024, in total amount of KM 100,000, proposed by the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
The cash award for 12 deserving sportspersons in BIH in 2024 was defined to amount from KM 1,800 to KM 3,000, for those who fulfilled conditions for retirement. The award is presented for winning medals at Olympic/Para-Olympic Games/ Special Olympics and World Championship.
One-time cash award for top sportspersons of international class is presented for a fulfilled “A” norm or placement to Olympic/Para-Olympic Games/ Special Olympic/World Championship.
The award for 2024 was presented to 36 top sportspersons in BIH, and the level was defined based on achieved competition results and it ranges from KM 1,600 to KM 2,300.
BIH REPORT FOR UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW OF HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted Bosnia and Herzegovina Report for the Fourth Cycle of Universal Periodic Review of Human Rights Situation, drafted pursuant to the United Nations Human Rights Council Human Rights Committee Resolution 16/21 Annex 5, with corrections made at the session.
The Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees will provide the Report to the Geneva-based Human Rights Committee.
The Report review situation of human rights, including a progress in protection and promotion thereof in Bosnia and Herzegovina, made from the previous report.
The ministry for Human Rights and refugees coordinated drafting of the Report with representatives of responsible Entity and Brčko District of BIH institutions, with inclusion of civil society organisations.
BUDGET EXECUTION REPORT FOR FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 2024
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the I-IX 2024 Budget Execution Report of BIH Institutions and International Obligations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to be published at the Ministry of Finance and Treasury web site.
Total realised revenues and support for financing of Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina for nine months of 2024 were KM 991,563,382 or 78%, compared with planned revenues in the 2024 Budget. Total revenues were KM 990,456,803, while finances and receivables were KM 1,106,579.
Total expenditures and costs in the BIH Institutions Budget for the first three quarters of 2024 were KM 870,682,057 or 64% relative to 2024 Budget, without special purpose funds, i.e. 51% relative to the corrected Budget, which includes additional special purpose funds. The total expenditures and costs in the I Q 2024 were higher for 42.5 million or 5% relative to the same time last year due to increase of net salaries and reimbursements to employees in the BIH Institutions, and higher execution of current grants and transfers, as well as due to capital expenditures.
The 2024 Budget of BIH Institutions was adopted in July this year, so BIH Institutions were financed in the first half of the year based on the Ministry of Finance and Treasury quartal instructions on temporary financing.
All foreign debt due obligations were serviced timely in total amount of KM 1,018,568,225.40.
PREVENTION OF ALL FORMS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees-tabled a Proposal Realisation of Concrente Assignments Concerning Resolution on prevention of all forms of violence against women and harassment of women in Bosnia and Herzegovina, adopted at the 13th session of the Parliamentarian Assembly House of Representatives, on Nov. 20, 2023.
The conclusions suggest that 63 institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina took decisions on zero tolerance to harassment based on gender and sexual harassment and, and appointed advisors for prevention, thereby implementing appropriate measures for implementation of the resolution Article 5.
For the aim of implementation of remaining concrete assignments concerning the resolution, the ministry for Human Rights and Refugees is responsible to cooperate with competent Entity, Cantonal and Brčko District of BIH institutions, in order to develop a plan of measures for implementation of recommendations by GREVIO Committee and CoE Istanbul Convention Signatories’ Committee, monitor their implementation and report it to the Council of Ministers of BIH.
This confirms dedication for defining overall measures framework for protection and support to all women victims of violence, harassment and family violence, so that provisions of the CoE Convention on prevention and fight against violence against women and family violence would be fully implemented, in accordance with relevant competences.
SUPOPRT TO AIRPORS AND OTHER CIVIL AVIATION ENTITIES IN BIH
Today’s session tasked the Directorate for Civil Aviation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BHDCA) to provide, in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport and Communications, a Proposal Decision on Amendment Decision on level of fees paid by aircraft operator by passenger transported and tonne of cargo transported in departure from airports in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which would change the purpose of resources.
The conclusion stemmed from today adopted piece of information by the Ministry of Transport and Communications on effects of cessation oof application of the Decision on fee level paid by aircraft operator by passenger transported and tonne of cargo transported in departure from airports in Bosnia and Herzegovina to financing of operations of the Directorate for Civil Aviation and operation of international airports in January-July 2024.
The DCABH points out that cessation of application of the Decision on Fee Level did not affect an increase of number of passengers at international airports. The relevant loss of funds in 2024 Budget of BIH Institutions was estimated to amount to KM 1,469,005 for the first half of 2024, and it did not have considerable effect to BHDCA operations, while negative effects might be expected in future due to loss of the Agency’s revenues.
Regulating different purpose of funds would secure adequate support to airports and other civil aviation entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
WORK PROGRAMMES AND STATISTICAL PROGRAMME OF THE BIH STATISTICS AGENCY ADOPTED
The session adopted several Work Programmes of 44 Institutions of the Council of Ministers of BIH for 2025.
Adopted were Work Programmes of nine state-level Ministries and Permanent Bodies under the Council of Ministers of BIH (Secretariat General, Legislation Office, Directorate for European Integrations, and Directorate for Economic Planning).
Akso adopted were several Work Programmes for about 30 agencies, institutes, directorates, services and other administrative organisations under the Council of Ministers of BIH.
The Statistical Programme of Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2025-2028 and 2025 Work Plan of the Statistics Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina was previously adopted.
RATIFICATION OF COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH EUROJUST
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined a proposal Decision on ratification of an Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Eurieopan Union in cooperation of bodies from Bosnia and Herzegovina competent for judicial cooperation in criminal matters and European Union Agency for Cooperation in Criminal Judiciary (EUROJUST), tabled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
By urgent ratification of the Agreement, signed by the end of this October, Bosnia and Herzegovina confirms its dedication for strengthening judicial cooperation in fight against organised crime and cross-border violations in the process of the EU integrations and obtaining the date of start of BIH negotiations with the European Union.
The Proposal Decision on ratification will be sent to the BIH Presidency for further ratification procedure.
DIPLOMAS CHECK IN BUH INSIUTTIONS ONLY IN CASE OF JUSTIFIABLE SUSPICION
The session adopted a piece of information by the Ministry of Civil Affairs on realisation of an Initiative of the BIH Parliamentarian Assembly House of Representatives, tasking the Council of Ministers of BIH to take decision on check of diplomas of all employees in the state institutions in terms of control of diplomas validity, pursuant to legal regulations in education.
All Institutions of the Council of Ministers of BIH should, in concrete cases where there is a justifiable suspicion to diploma credibility, make all needed actions and checks, and, if suspicion confirmed, submit the case to competent institutions for felony processing.
Adopting such a conclusion is in line to an Opinion by the Agency for Personal Data Protection, which, referring to the Law on Personal Data Protection, challenges the validity of legal grounds for taking special decision on diploma checks of all employees in BIH institutions in terms of checking their validity. The Agency also called upon the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina 2023 verdict, pointing, among other things, that “diploma checks of all employees in public sector only because they work in public sector cannot be grounds for check, in absence of additional reasons, i.e. indices suggesting that it might be about suspicious diploma”.
REALISATION OF MULTI-ANNUAL ASYLUM CENTRE DEVELOPMENT
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted a piece of information on realisation of a multi-annual project “development of asylum seekers accommodation centre - the Ministry of Security asylum seekers centre”.
The project realisation started in 2009 at Deliajši site, and its total value was estimated at KM 5,022,305.00, with IPA project co-financing.
The Ministry of Security budget secured KM 2,088,560.00, of which KM 2,088,145.59 was spent, specifically, for land acquisition, facility development, and equipment procurement.
Total KM 1,694,470.33 from IPA resources was spent for facility construction and exterior arrangement.
The unused funds in amount of KM 414,41 will remain at disposal on the Single Treasury Account for needs for financing of BIH Institutions.
The development of the facility as a specialised institution for admission and accommodation of asylum seekers in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Asylum seekers centre) secured realisation of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s obligations, as of a EU candidate country, and adequate standards for acceptance and international protection, prescribed under the Directive 2013/33/EU by the European Parliament and Council of Europe.
This enabled material conditions of admission, protection of vulnerable categories and accommodation capacities sufficient of multi-annual number od asylum seekers un Bosnia and Herzegovina, in need for international protection, in accordance to the BIH Asylum Law.
PIECE OF INFORMATION ON TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION CENTRES
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Security-tabled piece of information on situation in temporary accommodation centres and on a possibility of engagement of private security agencies and arranging temporary accommodation centres.
The piece of information suggests that in the Unsko-Sanski Canton there two temporary accommodation centres operating, namely, Lipa Centre of 1,539 beds and Borići Centre of 580 beds capacity: in the first half of 2024 total 5,778 individuals passed though these accommodation centres.
The Foreigners’ Affairs Service estimated, based on the current availability of accommodation capacities in these two temporary accommodation centres in the Unsko-Sanski Canton and based on rapid decrease of migrant inflow, that there is no real need for expansion of the centres’ capacities.
The Council of Ministers tasked the Ministry of Security Foreigners’ Affairs Service to engage, if appropriate, private security agencies, which would in cooperation with competent Interior Ministries and with financial support by international partners, improve overall security in temporary accommodation centres in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
BIH IN INTERNATIONAL OLIVE CONCIL
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic relations-tabled a piece of information on membership in the International Olive council – OIC and 2015 International Agreement on Olive Oil and Table Olives.
This Madrid-based UN specialised organisation, formed in 1959, gathers countries-producers of olives and olive oil - among which a new affiliate, Bosnia and Herzegovina – and supports international cooperation directed to quality improvement and standardisation of the products throughout the world.
The BIH membership in the IOC allows support to olive and olive oil production in key aspects of olive growing industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has a great potential for development and production of high-quality olive oil.
Relevant statistics prove 50.960 olive trees able to grow olives were registered in BIH in 2015 and that number increased to more than 20.000 in 2021.
Even though it is a small size production in global terms, olive oil from Bosnia and Herzegovina has found its place among globally renewed high-quality oils, as proved by awards received in the past several years, i.e. gold and silver medal at an international competition in New York.
The olive oil quality is a result of combination of favourable clime and oil growing tradition, which makes it attractive at the international market.
ACITON PLAN ADOPTED FOR PREPARATION OF BIH MEMBERSHIP IN ENQUA
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted a Action Plan for promotion of quality assurance in Bosnia and Herzegovina, within preparations for reaching a fill membership in the European Association for Quality Assurance (ENQUA), with corrections made at the session.
The Council of Ministers took note of 2024-2025 priority activities for fulfilment of European quality assurance standards, as prerequisites for filling for a full membership with the ENQA and gave its support to the High Education Development Agency for reaching this strategic aim.
As a complete fulfilment of ESG standards witness to the quality Bosnia and Herzegovina high education system, competent Council of Ministers institutions and responsible education institutions and other parties in BIH included into these processes are urged to act in accordance with planned activities and implement the High Education Development Agency’s recommendations on lifting obstacles to both the quality assurance process and inclusion of the BIH high education into the European high education area.
DEVELOPMENT OF IDDEEA FACILITY TO 2026
The Council of Ministers took, in the second round of vote, a decision on amendments of the Decision approving the Identification Documents, Evidence and Data Exchange Agency Facility Development Project in Banjaluka, including ground floor planning, to be a part of 2011-2014 Multi-Annual Capital Investments.
The project implementation deadline is thus extended to 2026, and the total project value is KM 24.783,000, while funds realised to date amount to KM 3,324,444.
Total planned was KM 10,076,370.86 for the project implementation in 2024, transferred from unused budget resources from previous years, while budget funds planned for 2025 and 2026 amount to KM 4.500.00 and 6,882,185, respectively.
The rent costs of space for the Centre for storing, personalisation and transport of personal documents and IDDEA technical sector in Banjaluka reached KM 2.500.00 over the past 10 years, while employees in other organisation units were accommodated in the BIH Central Bank premises in this city, which were advertised for sale several times now.
The IDDEEA is in charge to report the facility development dynamics to the Council of Ministers of BIH annually, and to inform eventually on additional fund requirements for realisation of the complete project of development and putting into operation of Banja Luka-based facility.
PLANNED FUNDS FOR FINANCING OF INTERNATIONAL LAWAW OFICE FOR TRGOVISKA GORA
The Council of Ministers took a decision on defining special finances for funding a Paris-based international law office for the Trgovska Gora case for 2024.
Under the decision, secured were EUR 60,000 in the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations budget for 2024 for legal counselling in a cross-border procedure on environmental impact assessment, regarding a planned storing of radioactive waste of the Republic of Croatia.
Funds will be planned for these purposes in 2025 and 2026 in the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations budget. (end)
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