Sjednice
Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Holds its 18th Session
10/22/2020
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted an Action Plan of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Institutions for implementation of a BIH 2020-2023 Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy Action Plan, proposed by het Ministry of Security.
Action Plans were adopted by Entity and the Brčko District of BIH Governments, each from its respective competence.
The set of measures consists of, among other things, activities to be implemented by responsible institutions within time-frame set for the purpose of furthering of coordination of anti-trafficking, improved relevant statistic data collection and analysis , alignment of the BIJ Criminal Code with Council of Europe and EU recommendations, and and improved protection of human trafficking victims and their rights, which are an integral part of prevention measures. He Action plan defines measures for fostering partnerships and improvement of cooperation with civil society, academy and business community.
MIGRATION SITUATION IN BIH REPORT FOR JULY 2020 ADOPTED
The Council of Ministers adopted the Ministry of Security report on migration situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina for July when 2.361 illegal migrant was reported, which is for 52% more than in June this year, and less for 43% in respect to the same month 2019. The report will be sent to the BIH Presidency.
The citizens of Bangladesh are (940) the most numerous ones among the illegal migrants reported in July 2020 to the Foreigners’ Affairs Service, and their number increased for 269% in respect to the previous month. There are followed by illegal migrants from Afghanistan (544), Morocco (116), and Iran (91).
The misuse of the asylum system was continued in July, as out of 2,307 individuals who stated their intention to seek asylum, only 10 or 0.4% of them filled for asylum, when 15,193 illegal migrants were reported.
The manor number of illegal migrants are the citizens of Afghanistan (2,299 05 25%), Pakistan (2,175 or 24.4%), Bangladesh (1.340 or 14%), Morocco (1,107 or 12.3%) and Iran (455 or 5.1%).
The existing security and humanitarian challenges faced by BIH in this migrant crisis are made additionally complex in the time of Covid-19 pandemics, due to risk of transmission of virus among the migrants.
UP TO 50 SCHOLARSHIPS ANNUALLY FOR BIH STUDENTS IN HUNGARY
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined a Notion for conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary on cooperation under the 2020-2022 Stipendium Hungaricum Programme, within which the friendly bilateral relations are strengthened and cooperation in high education promoted. The Memorandum will enable BIH students to get scholarships and study in Hungary, 50 scholarship annually, of which 40 for basic and post-bachelor programmes in agriculture and natural science, and economy and technical science. Five scholarships were planned for doctorial studies in any area, and the same number was planned for integrated master studies in medicine.
The Memorandum enables Hungarian students to continue their studies in BIH under conditions set within CEEPUS Programme.
The Proposal Memorandum will be provided to the BIH Presidency for further procedure, and the Minister of Civil Affairs of BIH was proposed for the BIH signatory.
WASTE WATER PURIFICATION AND REHABILITATION FROM FLOOD DAMAGE BY END 2022
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined a Proposal Amendment 2 to a Grant Agreement within SIDA Investment Grant NIH Munic WatSan, concluded between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Investment Bank in 2013, as amended in 2018.
The deadline extension enables the completion of activities by December 31, 2022, and grant funds withdrawal by September 30, 2022.
It is about EUR 6.04 million grant to be used as an investment grant for funding water purification facilities and for measures of rehabilitation from damage caused by floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina municipalities.
The Proposal Amendment with Platform for its conclusion wile b provided to the BIH Presidency, and the Minister of Finance and Treasury was proposed for the BIH signatory.
RATIFICATION OF TWO CONTRACTS AND AN AGREEMNT
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined severally proposal decisions on ratification of two contracts and an agreement, upon a proposal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and will send it to the BIH Presidency.
It is about the ratification of a Loan Contract (GRCF 2 W2 – Energy Efficacy in Sarajevo .Pubic Buildings Project) between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and Loan Contract (GRCF W2 – Energy Efficacy in Sarajevo Public Buildings Project), between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which refers to an Investment Grant under the Western Balkans Energy Efficacy Regional Programme (REEP), and a Grant Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Investment Bank, Joint European Fund for Western Balkans/WB-IG-02-BIH-TRA-06 for “Mediterranean Corridor CVC: Bosnia and Herzegovina – road connection with Croatia, sub-section I Tarčin-Ivan”.
GRANTS TO SUPORT FAIRS
The Council of Ministers of BIH took a Decision on Criteria for deployment of current grants approved to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BH for support to fair and other events in the country, for the purpose of economic promotion and development in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Ministry planned budget sum for 2020 is KM 300,000,00, which will be distributed by a public cal to organisers of fairs and other events in the country held in the course of this year, or the preparation and planning of which took place this year, in accordance with defined criteria and with due regard of the situation caused by Covid-19.
TO ALIGN ENTREPRENEURIAL KEY EDUCATION COMPETENCES WITH EU
The Council of Ministers if BIH took the Ministry of Civil Affairs-proposed Decision to adopt “Priorities of entrepreneurial learning and entrepreneurial key competences integration in education systems in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2021-2030)”.
The decision aligns BIH relevant priorities with those of the European Union countries, and enables an access to the European Commission funds for the implementation thereof.
The documents gives a review of relevant EU policies as a baseline for modernisation of curricula in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in addition to a review of all relevant past activities, as well as a list of short, mid to long-term priorities.
Every priority indicated in the list was accompanies by list of activities for its implementation. The priorities are intended for competent education authorities and other partners in the BIH education sector.
The development of entrepreneurial skills is one of the most important elements in the referent framework of key competences for life-long learning, and it contributes to development of an individual and his independence, creativity and critical thinking, and it inspires for a proactive work, which eventually brings about improved business competence at labour market and possibilities for starting-up own business.
The key competences are defined as the life-long ones, and the priorities follow all levels of formal education (primary, secondary and high), including adults education.
NO FEE FOR TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP TO EQUIPMENT FOR ANALOGUE RADIOCONNECTION SYSTEM
The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Ministry of Security-proposed decision on ownership transfer of the BIH Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies basic resources.
It is the equipment for analogue system of radio connection, the ownership of which will be transferred to the Municipality of Petrovo, Ministry of Interior of Zapadnohercegovovački Canton, “Zavidovići” Radio Club , and Gračanica Civil Protection Service, upon their demand. The equipment consists of analogue repeater, mobile and hand radio stations, and charger bases for hand radio stations.
The BIH Direction for Coordination of Police Bodies does not use the equipment anymore, as it became using digital radio-connection system DMR.
PUBLIC INDEBTEDNESS REPORT ADOPTED
The Council of Ministers adopted a piece of information by the Ministry of Finance and Treasury on public indebtedness of Bosnia and Herzegovina as at June 30, 20202, when the public indebtedness in BIH was KM 12 billion and 175.22 million, of which the foreign debt was KM 8 billion and 664.75 million (71.17%), while the internal debt was KM three billion and 510.47 million (28.83%) of total public indebtedness.
The share of public debt to GDP is 35%.
In the total public debt, the Federation of BIH participates with 50.75%, Republika Srpska with 48.24%. BIH Institutions with 0.47%, and the Brčko District of BIH with 0.54%
As to the foreign debt structure, the major part of it is towards the World Bank - IDA and IBRD with 31.64%, European Investment Bank with 23.11%, International Monetary Fund with 10.87%, Paris Club with 6.67%, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development with 5.94%, and Eurobonds RS with 3.79%, which all accounts for 82% of total foreign debt.
The foreign debt servicing in the first half of 2020 was KM 375.86 million, of which KM 297.97 million for principal repayment, and KM 77.89 million to interest payment.
TO IMPLEMENT ROAD MAP RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO EU DIRECTIVE ON REGUALTED PROFESSIONS
All relevant institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina are urged to intensify their activities on implementation of recommendations from the Road Map for implementation of the EU Directive on regulated professions 2005/36EC and 2013/55EU, by which BIH fulfils one fo its obligations on the road to the EU membership.
Previously, a piece of information of the Ministry of Civil Affairs was adopted, with some corrections made at the session, on implementation of the Road Map for implementation of the EU Directive on regulated professions, which gave a breakdown of the activities started.
The Road Map implementation will make possible for BIH to increase mobility ad employment and will create conditions for a faster and simpler access in the qualifications recognition process. These directives refer to seven professions, namely, medical doctors, dentists, nurses, nursery staff, pharmacists, veterinarians and architects.
TO INCREASE COMPETITIVENESS ON LABOUR MARKET AND DEMAND FOR LABOUR
The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Ministry of civil Affairs-proposed decision on adoption of a guideline plan of labour market policy and active employment measures in Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2020, with certain corrections made at the session.
The Plan proposed guide4lines of labour market policy and active employment measures for 2020, set by employment-responsible institutions , with an aim at improving quality and increase competitiveness at labour supply side, and increasing spurring demands for labour.
The activities planned for this year are directed at strengthening of mediation role of employment institutes and services in BIH, continuation of lamour market reform implementation and increased effectiveness of labour market, which implies focusing at active policy and service measures directed to cutting unemployment period of time, and continuous increase of competitiveness and employing individuals registered as unemployed.
The plan was developed by the BIH Agency for work and Employment, Federal Employment Bureau, Employment Bureau of Republika Srpska, and the Brčko District Employment Bureau.
AML/FT SYSTEM DEFICIENCY REMOVAL ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
The session adopted a report on implementation of an action Plan for removal of deficiencies in the anti-money laundering/financing terrorism system (2018-2022) for time period from August 28, 2018 to September 1, 2019.
The Ministry of Security will prepare and send to the Council of Ministers for adoption an appropriate decision, pursuant to FATF methodology, which sets forth the up-dating of the money laundering and financing terrorism risk assessment each two years. The Ministry will also prepare a proposal decision to deal with the coordination and prevention mechanism of money laundering and financing terrorism in BIH, as a temporary solution until appropriate laws take effect.
According to the report, 27 out of 63 planned activities were realised fully or partially, the realisation of 20 activities is ongoing, and 16 of them were not realised.
REPORT ADOPTED ON PREVENTION AND COMBATING TERRORISM STRATEGY ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION FOR LAST YEAR
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Security-proposed report on implementation of Action Plan for implementation of BIH Strategy for Prevention and Fight against Terrorism in 2019.
The Supervisory body for the Strategy and its belonging action plans implementation for 2014-2020 should provide to the Council of Ministers of BIH a final report on a degree of the Strategy implementation, by December 31, 2020, at latest.
The Ministry of Security will take all needed activities to set-up a work group for development of 2021-2026 Strategy for prevention and fight against terrorism.
The 2019 report gives a tabular breakdown of the degree of implemented activities, provided by responsible institutions in BIH included into the Action Plan implementation.
REPORT ON INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR AGRICULTURAL SECTOR
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations-tabled report on international assistance to the sector of agriculture, food and rural development in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2019, which was made based on compiled data, monitoring and data exchange with donors and beneficiaries of the international assistance.
The report includes data enabling a better insight into activities of the BIH Institutions and international donors, and it serves to identify requirements for realisation of the planned sector aims. Also, it should facilitate donor plan development and define priorities for support and investments in the sector of agriculture, food and rural development, in line with the strategic priorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
288 MEASURES IMPLEMENTED
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Directorate for European Integrations-drafted final report on implementation of an Action Plan for realisation of the European Commission Analytic Report priorities, and will provide it to the BIH Parliamentarian Assembly.
According to the report, out of planned 591 measures, 288 or 42% were implemented, while 403 or 58% measures remained unimplemented
The most of measures implemented, them 168 or 54% out of planned 311 pertain to IT solutions, international agreements, MoUs, and operative activities.
CONSENT TO VOTE BY ROMANIAN CITIZENS IN BIH
The Council of Ministers of BIH granted its consent for vote of Romanian citizens in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the occasion of parliamentarian elections in Romania, upon a proposal of the Ministry of foreign Affairs. The balloting place will be opened on December 5th and 6th 2020 in the Romanian Embassy in Sarajevo.
REALISATION OF BIH PRESIDENCY CONCLUSIONS
The Council of Ministers considered three conclusions from the 16th session of the presidency of BIH, and the implementation of which was delegated to competent Ministries.
The realisation of conclusions referring to activities to curb-up Covid-19 pandemics was assigned to the Ministry of Civil Affairs (coordination of epidemiologic measures throughout the state and intensification of cooperation with international organisations). Simultaneously, the Ministry of Security was tasked to intensify activities of the Coordination Body of BIH for Protection and Rescue and to ensure its actions are in line with the Law on Protection and Rescue of People Livelihoods from Natural and Other Disasters in BIH.
The ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the Office of Chairman will make an analysis of interests and benefits for BIH in case it is officially invited into “Mini Schengen”, for the purpose of realisation of the conclusions from the BIH Presidency Session.
VEHABOVIĆ RELEASED FROM DUTY ON HIS OWN REQUEST
The Council of Ministers of BIH released Kenan Vehabović from his position of Manager of the BIH Public Procurement Agency, upon his personal request, after he got appropriate consent from the Agency for Civil Service.
Tarik Jahić was appointed Acting Manager until the end of relevant job vacancy procedure, three months from the ad publication in the “Official Gazette of BIH”, at latest.
The Agency for Civil Service was tasked to open job vacancy ad for the position of manager of the BIH Public Procurement Agency.
BIH METROLOGY COUNCIL APPOINTED ITS MEMBERS
The Council of Ministers of BIH took a decision to appoint members of the Metrology Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina, comprised of 15 members, relevant experts.
It is an expert advisory body within the Institute, according to the Law on Metrology of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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