How 15 Million BAM Intended for Migrant Care in BiH Was Spent

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Prompted by an OSCE report and information coming from the field, Saša Magazinović, SDP deputy in the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH, requested from Denis Zvizdić, Chairman of the Council of Ministers, an urgent response on how much money arrived in BiH as aid to mitigate the consequences of the migrant crisis.

- Who received that money, who implements the aid projects, in what amount and for what purpose are the funds being spent? Do BiH institutions even manage the situation on the ground and the information concerning these issues – these are Magazinović's questions addressed to Zvizdić's cabinet.

Magazinović states that “the OSCE report on the activities of key actors on the ground regarding migrants and refugees, presented in Sarajevo, states that, among other things, clearer communication among all relevant actors is needed”.

- Communication about the spending of millions that Bosnia and Herzegovina receives from the European Union for assistance with the migrant situation is not clear. This is an attempt to gently criticize domestic institutions which, with honorable exceptions, are completely disoriented and inefficient when it comes to managing this crisis situation – Magazinović points out, Patria reports.

He notes that according to official announcements from international organizations, it is evident that significant funds are arriving in BiH.

- An example is the European Commission, which allocated 7.5 million euros from June to August to address migrant movements. On the other hand, leaders of institutions in areas where the migrant crisis is most pronounced claim that this money either was not received or was not implemented. With full understanding of the fact that part of the funds and projects are implemented by international organizations, I believe that the state must have full insight into this, and for that reason I will insist on answers – Magazinović concludes.