Sjednice
Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Holds Its 61st Session
10/17/2024
SUPPORT TO MUNICIPALITIES HIT BY CATASTROPHIC FLOODS
The Council of Ministers of BIH took a Decision on approving funds from the BIH Institutions 2024 Budget current reserves, under which municipalities hit by catastrophic floods get approved assistance in total amount of KM one million.
According to the Decision, KM 200k is to be allocated to Municipalities of Jablanica, Konjic, Kiseljak, Krešefor, and Fojnica.
The decision takes effect as of the day of adoption and will be published in the “Official Gazette of BIH”.
The Council of Ministers of BIH considered a piece of information on a grant for assistance to flooded areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina from the Republic of Croatia.
The Ministry of Security of BIH should cooperate with responsible Entity and Cantonal bodies and local communities, to prepare urgently a piece of information on the state of affairs and needs of residents of the flooded aeras, and on the situation with infrastructure in the flooded areas of these Municipalities, and report the Council of Ministers accordingly, not longer than ten days, so that the Council of Ministers might take a decision on distribution of the funds granted by the Republic of Croatia, and other resources.
The Republic of Croatia has transferred EUR 10 million to the Ministry of Finance and Treasury account.
In drafting the piece of information, the Ministry of Security will take regard of priority needs of vulnerable residents of local communities, and will propose a mechanism of urgent and transparent use of funds, to secure effective and just assistance in rehabilitation from floods.
Mentioned data are requested for the reason of drafting a Decision on funds distribution and for application to the European Union Solidarity Fund.
TO ACCELRATE SUBMISSION OF PRPOSALS 2025 WORK PROGAMME AND 2024 WORK PROGRAMME IMPLEMETNATION REPORTS
The Council of Ministers of BH is concerned for Institutions of the Council of Ministers of BIH failed to submit their relevant 2025 Work Programmes by deadline set (Oct. 10, 2024) and provided insufficient 2024 Council of Ministers Work Programme Implementation Report, so it alerts all Council of Ministers Institutions to adhere to all deadlines defined under relevant by-laws, and urges to all managing staff of CoM Institutions to pay close attention in checking their institutions’ work programme, which certainly reflect to non-implementation of the Council of Ministers of BIH Work Programme.
Ministries and other CoM Institutions failing to do so, are responsible to submit their relevant 2025 Proposals Work Programme to the CoM Secretariat-General for further procedure.
Ministries and other CoM Institutions should also accelerate implementation of all needed activities for the aim of proposing to the Council of Ministers of BIH laws, by-laws, international treaties and other acts, planned under the 2024 Council of Ministers’ Work Programme.
TEAM FORMED FOR PREARRANGMEENT OF WB6 – EU LEADERS SUMMIT IN BIH
The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Office of Chairwoman-proposed Decision to form a team for prearrangement and organisation of the Western Balkan Leaders and European Union Summit in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to be held early December this year.
According to the Decision, the Summit Prearrangement Team includes representatives of offices and bodies of executive authorities having an active part in the EU Westen Balkans Growth Plan and Berlin Process, in addition to representatives of sector Ministries and Directorates, Council of Ministers Secretariat-General, Section for Protocol Issues, as well as bodies in charge for security and coordination, linked with the organisation of this high-level event. The Team Chair will be Niko Duvnjak, Head of the Office of Chairwoman.
The task of the team is a preparation and organisation of technical, logistic, protocol, and security activities and all other assignments required for holding of the Western Balkans Leaders-EU Summit, in addition to preparation and estimation of relevant financial obligations of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The manner and frame of activities, decision-making, rights and obligations, and all ither issues relevant for the Team activities will be regulated under a Book of Rules, to be adopted by the team at its first meeting. The team should submit its activity report to the Council of Ministers three months upon the Summit takes place, at latest.
The Western Balkans leaders-EU Summit takes place in counties of the region for consideration of implementation activities within the EU Western Balkans Growth Plan, and other topics in connection to the regional and EU markets. Such events have been held in Albania and Montenegro, and the next one is planned to take place in Bosnia and Herzegovina, early this December.
COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OF BIH ON ZORAN GALIĆ STATUS
The Council of Ministers of BIH tasked the Ministry of Security to cooperate with the Ministry of Justice and Legislation Office, to provide a proposal solution for release of Zoran Galić from the post of Deputy Director of SIPA, by the next Council of Ministers session, at latest.
EU-BIH DIALOGUE ON PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REFORM
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Directorate for European Integrations-tabled piece of information on the 7th meeting of the European Union – Bosnia and Herzegovina Public Administration Reform Task Force, held on April 16, 204 in a hybrid form and via videoconference.
The meeting was held in two sessions; the first one was a high-level political dialogue on public administration reform, and the second one was at the technical level. The political section of discussion with the European Commission representatives was about a functional administration, public finance management, development of professional public service and harmonisation of relevant legislation at different authority levels. As to the technical part of the meeting, a discussion was on implementation of the Public Administration Reform Strategy and its belonging Action Plan, including responsibilities and management of human resources with public administration. The European Commission was provided a Draft BIH Integration to EU Plan.
The European Commission expects BIH authorities to focus on revision of the existing Action Plan and sustainability thereof; it expressed its readiness to support further public administration reform in BIH.
APPROVED ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR REPLENISHEMENT OF IFAD FUNDS
The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina took the Ministry of Finance and Treasury-tabled Decision on approval of funds for additional pay-in of contribution to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Thirteen Funds Replenishment (2025-2027).
The additional funds in amount of EUR 180,000 will be paid in the course of 2024, pursuant to obligations stemming from Bosnia and Herzegovina’s IFAD membership.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has participated in seven IFAD replenishments, starting from 2006; IFAD approved, after 1995, funds to Bosnia and Herzegovina for financing eight projects, worth total USD 97.23 million, under very favourable conditions.
MULTI-ANNUAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT APPROVED FOR ACCOMMODATION OF OSA
The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina took a Decision to approve a multi-annual project “Facility Development – Seat of Intelligence-Security Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (OSA BIH)” in total amount of KM 30 million.
The funds will be transferred successively in 2025–2029-time frame.
This is for a permanent OSA BIH accommodation, according to international standards and those prescribed under the Law on Classified Data Protection.
TOTAL 82% CONCLUSIONS IMPLEMENTED IN HALF 2024
The Council of Ministers considered the CoM Secretariat-General-tabled Review of the Council of Ministers Conclusions Implementation in Jan.1 - June 30, 2024 time span, when total 28 regular and 19 extraordinary sessions were held.
The Review covered 36 Institutions under the Council of Ministers of BIH, which realised 82% conclusions, i.e. 278 out od total adopted 341, while 63 conclusions remained unimplemented.
Also, a review was made of implementation of the general conclusions, obligatory for all Institutions of the Council of Ministers of BIH, on which 57i institutions reflected.
Ministries and other Institutions of the Council of Ministers of BIH failing to realise the conclusions fully, are responsible to implement them fully without delay and to accelerate implementation of those requiring more time or cooperation with other institutions.
Also, Ministries and other Council of Ministers institutions should pay more attention to conclusions implementation, which contributes to a higher effectiveness of the Council of Ministers of BIH.
IMPLEMETNATION OF PRIORITIES IN INTEGRATION OF ENTEPRENEURIAL LEARNING AND COMPETENCE IN BIH EDUCATION SYSTEMS
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted a piece of Information on implementation of “Priorities in Integration of Entrepreneurial Learning and Entrepreneurial Key Competence into Bosnia and Herzegovina Education System (2021-2030)”, and tasked the Ministry of Civil Affairs to pass the piece of information to responsible Entity and Cantonal Ministries of Education and Education Division of the Brčko District of BIH Government.
The document titled “Priorities in Integration of Entrepreneurial Learning and Entrepreneurial Key Competence in Bosnia and Herzegovina Education System (2021-2030)”, adopted by the Council of Ministers of BIH in 2020, was based on the newest achievements in the area, with a special focus to the European frame for Entrepreneurial Competence (Entrecomp), offering a comprehensive description of knowledge, skills and attitudes required for development of entrepreneurial, financial, cultural, and social values for others; it was created by the European Commission.
Priorities were developed based on planning, reviews and analysis of the current situation, presented as short term (2021-2023), mid-term (2024-2026) and long term (2027-2030). Each priority was attached defined activities, institutions responsible for activity implementation organisation or coordination, output indicators and time frame.
The piece of information on implementation of the document was made against an agreement by institutions responsible for its implementation. Requested responses were not provided by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Republika Srpska, Ministry of Education, Science, Youth, Culture and Sports of Srednjebosanski Canton, Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Tuzla Canton, and Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports of the Zapadnohercegovački Canton.
CHANGED BEGINNING TIME OF MID-TERM PLANNING DECISION APPLICATION
The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Ministry of Finance and Treasury-proposed Decision on amendment of a Decision on process of mid-term planning, monitoring and reporting in Bosnia and Herzegovina Institutions, under which the beginning of the decision applications is shifted to January 1, 2025.
The aim of the Decision amendment is to complete the mid-term planning process (2025-2027) under previously valid methodology, and the next mid-term process should be implemented as per provisions of a new decision, which took effect on July 13, 2014.
IMPLEMENTATION OF “DEFENCE REVIEW” AND “DEVELOPMENT AND MODERNISATION PLAN OF BIH ARMED FORCES”
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Defence of BIH-tabled piece of information on realisation of an Implementation Plan of “Defence Review” and “2017-2027 Development and Modernisation Plan of BIH Armed Forces” Action Plan.
The “Defence Review” implementation plan foresees two phases – preparation and implementation.
The piece of information indicates that that within the “Defence Review” first phase, a Book of Personal Formation of the Armed Forces of BIH Joint Headquarters, Command and Units was developed, in addition to a Book of Material Formation of the of Armed Forces of BIH Joint Headquarters. It also defined the number of active military and civil personnel for the needs of the Ministry of Defence of BIH, and an elaborate of schooling of pilots and aviation staff in country and abroad. On-going is development of a Rulebook on Internal Structure of the Ministry of Defence, in addition to a plan of development of perspective sites in accordance with new organisation and deployment of the Armed Forces of BIH.
The up-coming key activities under the “Defence Plan” implementation refer to implementation of a new personnel and material formation of the BIH Armed Forces; preparation and infrastructure furnishing of prospective sites for deployment of BIH Armed forces commands and units; removal of material-technical resources and preparation of sites declared non-perspective for handing over to civil bodies; and development and implementation of BIH Armed Forces reserve forces concept.
The piece of information points at 5 per cent level of implementation of the “Armed Fores of BIH Development and Modernisation Plan”, which has been mainly achieved through support from partner countries.
Through NATO Initiative for development of defence capacities of the Armed Forces of BIH, capabilities of the BIH Armed forces are intended to be improved, focused at a declared battalion light infantry group.
The Ministry of Defence should continue activities on realisation of the “Defence Review” Implementation Plan and “Armed Forces Development and Mondernisation Plan” Action Plan, according to defined dynamics.
ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND BASIC FREEDOMS IMPROVEMENT OF LGBTI PERSONS
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees -tabled Report on implementation of an Action Plan for improvement of human rights and basic freedoms of LGBTI persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina (reported period May 2022-December 2023).
The Report presents basic data as to activities relevant for achievement of general and strategic aims of the Action Plan, conclusive with end 2023. A progress may be evidenced in implementation of the Action Plan, since a considerable number of relevant activities were implemented, which contribute to meeting legal, institutional and social prerequisites for high equality of genders and LGBTI persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Since the adoption of the Action Plan, Bosnia and Herzegovina marks a light but steady progress in the “European rainbow index”, published annually by ILGA-Europe, an International Gay and Lesbian Association. The BIH index was 37.8 % in 2022, and in 2024 it was more than 40.25%, which places Bosnia and Herzegovina in the middle of chart of European countries and above some European Union countries (Italy, Czech, Slovakia, Hungary, Liechtenstein) and of the region (Serbia, North Macedonia and Albania).
Minister for Human Rights and Refugees Selvid Hurtić joined a Joint Ministerial Declaration in May 2023, on the Government of Iceland-organised International Day of Against Homophobia. Lesbophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia and Intersexphobia (IDAHOT). The adopted document offers a considerable impulse to implementation of the Action Plan-defined activities. A set of rules concerning broadcasting, adopted by the Communications Regulatory Agency of BIH Council took effect in June 2023, which, among other things, include a code in programme contents and code in commercial communications, bans discrimination, including sexual orientation as grounds, in media service provision and in commercial communications.
Improved was cooperation of responsible bodies in the aera of freedom of gathering and three successful and no-incident “pride walks” were held in Sarajevo. Also, all Cantonal Prosecutor’s Offices in the Federation of BIH appointed contact prosecutors for taking in reports on incidents and hate acts committed, while contact policemen were appointed for work with the LGBTI community in the Tuzla and Sarajevo Cantons, and in the Brčko District.
The Report concludes that despite efforts made by government and non-government sector in implementation of the Action Plan, as well as despite obvious progress in certain aspects of life of LGBTI persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina, their position and rights were not harmonised with European standards, especially concerning legal recognition of gender, family legislation and access to health service for transgender persons. There is a huge space for betterment in terms of awareness, vulnerability and perception of LGBTI issues with holders of public offices, employees in civil service and broader public. Progressing in these areas represents a priority task of the Action Plan implementation in time ahead.
The adoption of the Action Plan for improvement of human rights and basic freedoms of LGBTI persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina represents a step towards realisation of one among 14 priorities from the European Commission opinion on membership of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European Union. The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Action Plan in February 2024, and tis implementation time span was prolonged to the end 2025.
INCREASE OF INDIRECT FOREGIN INVESTMENTS TO BIH
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency-tabled “Analysis of direct foreign investment in Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2022 and 2023 with comparative analysis of Bosnia and Herzegovina and counties of the region in international agencies’ reports”.
An increase of foreign direct investment in 2021 and 2022 was reported, and preliminary data suggest that the trend was continued in 2023.
According to the latest Central Bank revised data, foreign direct investments in BIH in 2021 were EUR 577.8 million, and their registered growth was 37.2%.
At the same time, foreign direct investments in 2022 continued to grow to EUR 736.4 and were higher for 27.5% relative to year before.
Having regard of a positive indicator of considerable increase of foreign direct investments, reaching more than KM one billion in 2021 and 2022, their growth is expected in 2023, as proved by preliminary data.
The Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA) will publish the Analysis at its web site.
ANALYSIS OF FOREIGN TRADE EXCHANGE IN FIRST HALF OF 2024
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted I-VI 2024 Bosnia and Herzegovina Foreign Trade Exchange Analysis and tasked the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations to start providing such analysis on quarterly basis.
The Analysis indicated that total goods exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the first half of 2024 was KM 22.1 billion, with the value of exported goods of KM 7.96 billion, and value of imported goods KM 14.5 billion, which produced a foreign trade deficit of KM 6.09 billion.
The main features of I-VI 204 foreign exchange, compared with the same time 2023 were a fall of total foreign trade exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina (1.31%), increase of import (3.14%), fall of export (8.29%), and growth of foreign trade deficit (23.25%). The coverage of import by export was decreased for 7.07% and it is 56.68%.
In the first half of this year, Bosnia and Herzegovina exported most in Croatia (KM 1.28 billion), Germany (Km 1.27 billion), Serbia (KM 826.77 million), Austria (KM 787.44 million), Slovenia (KM 681.53 million), and Italy (KM 653.55 million).
The goods were imported mostly from Italy (KM 1.91 million), Germany (KM 1.69 billion), Serbia (KM 1.37 billion), China (KM 1.29 billion), Croatia (KM 920.99 million), and from Turkey (KM 841.62 million).
ANALYSIS OF BIH MILK AND DAIRY PRODUCTS MARKET IN 2023
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations-tabled Analysis of Milk and Dairy Products Market in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2023.
The Analysis of situation in the milk and dairy products market in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2023 shows the situation and trends in production and foreign exchange, including effects of customs exemptions allowed by domestic trade additional liberalisation, following an application of Additional Protocol in Trade with EU. It contains data on production, buy off and procession of milk and dairy products, including relevant foreign exchange, in addition to data on the use of quotas for export of milk and dairy products.
The most important Bosnia and Herzegovina foreign exchange partners in milk and dairy products of are EU and CEFTA countries; average 79% products are marketed in the CEFTA and about 20% in EU markets. As to import, the EU is the first, from where average 87% milk and dairy products are imported, and about 13% come from CEFTA countries.
The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations should report annually to the Council of Ministers of BIH on situation of milk and dairy products market in BIH.
ENDORSED SETTLEMENT WITH GAVI
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted a piece of information from the BIH Chief Attorney’s Office on Acceptance of the Annex B: Novavax Rebate Options (option 2) and SFP Programme Rabate, provided to Bosnia and Herzegovina by GAVI (Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation) for the purpose of return of unused money of Bosnia and Herzegovina as to a Contract on Obligations Assuming (Arrangement on Obligatory Buying of Vaccines for Covid-19) from Sept. 18, 2020.
The Chief Attorney’s Office is in charge to report realisation of the conclusion to the Council of Ministers of BIH.
ECONOMIC COOPERATION WITH CUBA
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined a Notion for Conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding on Economic Cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Cuba, developed by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, for the aim of creation of conditions for institutional economic cooperation. The conclusion of the MoU is for promotion, expansion and diversification of mutually beneficial economic cooperation, without creation of additional obligations for the two states, which, due to geographic distance and other reasons, direct their economic activities to other markets.
The Proposal Memorandum will be provided to the BIH Presidency for further procedure, and the Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations will be the BIH signatory thereof.
STAFF MATTERS
The Council of Ministers of BIH adopted a piece of information on mandate expiry of appointed persons, namely, Director and two Deputy Directors with the Agency for Development of High Education Development and Quality Insurance of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and tasked the Ministry of Civil Affairs to publish a job vacancy ad, in accordance with the Law on Ministerial Appointments, Appointments of Council of Ministers of BIH and Other Appointments of Bosnia and Herzegovina, for selection and appointment of the Agency Director and two Deputy Directors and implement the job vacancy procedure, pursuant to the Law.
The Council of Ministers adopted a piece of information on mandate expiry to Deputy Manager of the Agency for Labour and Employment of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Ministry of Civil Affairs should publish a job vacancy ad for selection and appointment of Deputy Manager of the Agency for Labour and Employment of Bosnia and Herzegovina. (end)
Ling to photo:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/vijeceministara/albums/72177720321294698/