Competent institutions assigned tasks to fulfill BiH's obligations for drawing funds from the Growth Plan

(Patria) - The Council of Ministers of BiH, at today's session in Sarajevo, assigned appropriate tasks to competent institutions for fulfilling Bosnia and Herzegovina's obligations to draw funds from the Growth Plan.

The Directorate for Economic Planning of BiH is obliged to submit the Draft Decision on establishing the institutional framework to the Council of Ministers of BiH by the next session, while the Ministry of Finance and Treasury is tasked with submitting individual draft agreements, specifically on the loan and on the instrument, for consideration and further procedure.

European Commission Grant

The Council of Ministers of BiH adopted the Draft Grant Agreement (Corridor Vc Project Mostar North - Mostar South) between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) concerning an investment grant from the European Fund for the Western Balkans.

An investment grant in the amount of 140,372,000 euros for financing the Mostar North - Mostar South project on Corridor Vc was approved by the European Commission (EC) through the European Fund for the Western Balkans, and the grant will be managed by the EBRD.

The purpose of the project is to assist Bosnia and Herzegovina in constructing approximately 15 km of highway on Corridor Vc with two dual carriageways. The section starts at the Mostar North interchange and ends at the Mostar South interchange.

The section is expected to have five tunnels and 10 viaducts on each carriageway.

The grant co-finances the Corridor Vc - Mostar North - Mostar South project along with the previously concluded Loan Agreement between BiH and the EBRD, worth 220 million euros.

The Draft Agreement, along with the Basis for its conclusion, will be submitted to the Presidency of BiH for further decision-making procedure, and the Minister of Finance and Treasury has been proposed as the BiH signatory.

Social Security

The Council of Ministers of BiH also adopted and will submit to the Presidency of BiH for further procedure the Draft Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Australia on Social Security and the Draft Administrative Agreement for its implementation, with the Minister of Civil Affairs proposed as the BiH signatory.

Previously, the session adopted the Report on the conducted negotiations between the delegations of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Australia on social security.

The regulation of social security rights at the bilateral level will ensure material and social security for a significant number of BiH citizens in Australia.

The initiative to contractually regulate relations in the field of social security, particularly concerning pension and disability insurance, was launched from our country, as one of the most important for the BiH diaspora living and working in Australia.

Cooperation between BiH and UAE

The Council of Ministers of BiH has tasked the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations to submit to the Presidency of BiH for further procedure the Draft Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the promotion and protection of investments, with the Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations proposed as the BiH signatory.

Previously, a Supplement to the negotiation report for the conclusion of this agreement was adopted, which, in addition to the previously mutually agreed signing in English, will now also be signed in Arabic and the official languages and scripts of BiH.

"Denis Mrnjavac" Award

The Council of Ministers of BiH, upon the proposal of the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees, adopted Decisions on awarding the "Denis Mrnjavac" Award for the promotion of tolerance and non-violence for 2025.

For 2025, the award was given to high school students from the Federation of BiH (Enes Balija), Republika Srpska (Pavle Palikuća), and Brčko District of BiH (Nikolina Kikić), who contributed to the promotion of human rights, tolerance, and mutual respect among young people.

The awarded students will receive a sculpture and a special recognition in the form of a plaque, as well as individual monetary awards in the amount of 1,500 KM.

At the same time, the schools of the awarded students, JU "Secondary Medical School Jezero" Sarajevo, JU "Technical School" Trebinje, and JU "Agricultural and Medical School" Brčko District of BiH, received special recognition in the form of a plaque.

The previously established "Denis Mrnjavac" award commemorates all victims of peer violence and acts preventively to prevent violence by promoting tolerance and respect for human rights and freedoms.

Establishment of the Italian Cultural Institute

At the session, the Draft Basis for the conclusion of the Agreement between the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Government of the Republic of Italy on the establishment and functioning of the Italian Cultural Institute in Sarajevo was adopted, proposed by the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

The establishment of the Italian Cultural Institute in Sarajevo will strengthen cooperation between BiH and Italy in the fields of culture, art, research, and education and enable the implementation of numerous activities, including the promotion and nurturing of Italian culture and language in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

At the same time, this ensures the implementation of the previously concluded bilateral Agreement on Cooperation in Education, Culture, and Sports between the Council of Ministers of BiH and the Government of the Republic of Italy.

The Draft Basis for the conclusion of this agreement will be submitted to the Presidency of BiH for further procedure, with the proposal that the Minister of Civil Affairs be appointed as the BiH signatory.

Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom, and Security

The Council of Ministers of BiH adopted the Information from the Directorate for European Integration on the holding of the ninth meeting of the Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom, and Security between the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will be held on February 24 and 25, 2026, in Sarajevo.

The Directorate for European Integration of the Council of Ministers of BiH is obliged, in cooperation with the competent institutions in BiH, to carry out all necessary actions for holding the eighth meeting of the Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom, and Security between the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The head of the delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bakir Dautbašić from the Ministry of Security, will be available to the media for inquiries regarding this meeting.

The Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom, and Security discusses, among other things, issues related to judicial reform and work on war crimes cases, law enforcement and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, fundamental rights, freedom of expression, as well as the fight against corruption, organized crime, terrorism, and violent extremism.

Strategy in the Field of Migration and Asylum

The Council of Ministers of BiH, upon the proposal of the Ministry of Security, adopted in the second round of voting the Decision on the establishment of a Working Group for the development of the Strategy in the field of migration and asylum and the Action Plan for the period 2026-2030.

Members of the Working Group also include representatives from the State Investigation and Protection Agency, the Border Police of BiH, the Service for Foreigners' Affairs, and the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs - Federal Police Administration on behalf of the Government of the Federation of BiH, while the governments of RS and Brčko District, despite multiple reminders, have not nominated their representatives.

The Working Group is obliged to prepare a draft strategy in the field of migration and asylum and an action plan for the period 2026-2030 within six months from the date of this decision. After that, the Ministry of Security will submit the draft strategy and action plan to the Council of Ministers of BiH for adoption.

Ensuring effective coordination of border management and migration management capacities at all levels, as well as ensuring the functioning of the asylum system, is one of the 14 key priorities from the European Commission's Opinion on Bosnia and Herzegovina's application for membership in the European Union.

Preparations for Screening

The Council of Ministers of BiH has tasked the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina – regulation drafters – to submit translations into English of all regulations they have harmonized with the EU acquis to the Directorate for European Integration as soon as possible for quality control of the translations.

All institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina – regulation drafters are obliged to use the "Manual for Translating Legal Regulations in Bosnia and Herzegovina into English" when translating legal regulations.

These conclusions stem from the Information from the Directorate for European Integration on the translation of documents and regulations in the European integration process, which was adopted at today's session.

Activities are accelerating as part of Bosnia and Herzegovina's preparations for the analytical review of the alignment of domestic legislation with European Union legislation (screening).

Regulation

The Council of Ministers of BiH, in the second round of voting, adopted the Rulebook on Amendments to the Rulebook on Salaries, Allowances, and Compensations of Personnel in Diplomatic-Consular Missions of Bosnia and Herzegovina (DCM BiH), proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

By adopting the rulebook, employees in diplomatic-consular missions of BiH in 19 countries will be additionally compensated based on special living and working conditions and the remoteness of DCM BiH, ranging from 20 to 40 percent of the base salary calculation.

Due to the fact that certain countries have difficult working conditions, due to climatic or security challenges or geographical distance, Bosnia and Herzegovina is following international diplomatic practice and systematically recognizing the need to motivate civil servants in further processes of professionalization and ensuring personnel stability in the foreign affairs system.

Foreign Nationals Entering BiH

The Council of Ministers of BiH, upon the proposal of the Ministry of Security, adopted in the second round of voting the Decision on the minimum amount of funds required for the maintenance of a foreign national during their intended stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2026.

The minimum amount of funds that a foreign national must have upon entering Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2026 is 150 KM or its equivalent in foreign convertible currency for each day of intended stay in BiH. The amount is unchanged compared to the previous year.

Multi-year Project

The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted the Report on the implementation of the multi-year capital project of the Service for Joint Affairs of Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina: "Design of the building and renovation and reconstruction of the roof" in the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina building.

The unrealized funds of this multi-year capital project of the Service for Joint Affairs of BiH institutions in the amount of 189,243.18 KM will remain in the Single Account of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury of BiH and will be used to finance the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

For the realization of this project in the period from 2015 to 2025, in accordance with the contract, 2,065,756.82 KM was spent.

Rights of LGBTI Persons

The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted the Second Report on the implementation of the Action Plan for the promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms of LGBTI persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina, prepared by the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees for the reporting period January - December 2024.

In this way, the Council of Ministers of BiH was informed about the activities and results achieved by the end of 2024 in the strategic areas of the Action Plan, particularly regarding the implementation of established policy, law enforcement, and activities.

According to the report, nine out of 17 planned measures of the Action Plan are being implemented, and in addition to the Bosnian-Herzegovinian Pride Parade held on June 22, 2024, in Sarajevo, relevant campaigns, training, and workshops have been launched to raise awareness about discrimination against LGBTI persons, combat prejudices and stereotypes about LGBTI persons in the public administration, education, sports, and healthcare sectors, where the report "Access of LGBTI Persons to Healthcare in Bosnia and Herzegovina" was completed.

The Minister of Human Rights and Refugees, Svevlid Hurtić, on the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOT), signed the declaration titled "The Future of Freedom and Equality in Europe" on behalf of Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with ministers from 32 European countries.

The earlier adoption of the Action Plan for the promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms of LGBTI persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina represents a step forward in the realization of one of the 14 priorities from the European Commission's Opinion for BiH's EU membership.

Implementation of the CRM Action Plan

The Council of Ministers of BiH, upon the proposal of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, adopted the Report of the Coordination Team for the Establishment of the Common Regional Market (CRM) in the Western Balkans on the implementation of measures from the Action Plan for the Common Regional Market for the reporting period October 2024 - October 2025, with an amendment at the session.

During the first reporting period, activities within the Regional Free Trade Area, investment, industry, innovation, and digital economy showed continuous progress in strengthening regional integration, removing trade barriers, and harmonizing regulatory frameworks with the European Union acquis.

CRM 2025-2028 has further expanded its focus to the digital economy, green and sustainable transition, innovation, investment, and competitiveness, including the free movement of goods, services, and people.

The results achieved in the areas of free movement of goods and services, customs cooperation, digital transformation, and human capital development confirm Bosnia and Herzegovina's commitment to regional integration and the European path.

The key to success in the coming period lies in strengthening administrative and technical capacities, improving institutional coordination, and establishing an effective system for monitoring results.

Ombudsman's Recommendation

The Council of Ministers of BiH was informed of the recommendation of the Institution of the Ombudsman for Human Rights of Bosnia and Herzegovina regarding the complaint of Sabina Sarić concerning the amendment of the Decision on the conditions and procedure for exercising the right to exemption from payment of import and export duties for persons with disabilities.

The recommendation was sent to the Indirect Taxation Authority of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ITA BiH) and its Management Board to ensure an adequate amount for which persons with disabilities can purchase a suitable car on the market, as well as to amend the terminology in the part of this decision that is offensive to persons with disabilities.

We remind you that the amendment of the decision regarding the increase of the monetary amount within which persons with disabilities can import a passenger car with exemption from import duties from the current 30,000 KM to 45,000 KM is in the procedure of the Management Board of ITA BiH.

Audit Reports and Conclusions

The Council of Ministers of BiH was informed of the Annual Audit Report on Main Findings and Recommendations for 2024 and the Report on the Financial Audit of the Budget Execution Report of Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2024, and appropriate conclusions were made, with the aim of undertaking all recommended measures from the audit reports.

Conclusions of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted at the 33rd session held on November 27, 2025, for which the Ministry of Finance and Treasury is responsible, were also considered.

At the same time, for the conclusions from the 35th session, held on January 22, 2026, regarding the discussion of the Annual Audit Report on Main Findings and Recommendations for 2024, the Ministry of Justice of BiH and the Office of the Public Administration Reform Coordinator are responsible.

Citizenship of BiH

The Council of Ministers of BiH adopted the Decision on acquiring BiH citizenship for German citizen Ahmed Džemić in the field of sports, based on the recommendation of the Swimming Federation of BiH.

He is an exceptionally talented swimmer born in 2008, as confirmed by his results achieved at SC Delphin Ingolstadt and MTV Pfaffenhofen in the Federal Republic of Germany, as well as at the Swimming Club Sport Time Sarajevo, where he currently trains.

By individual decisions, General Director of Sisecam Soda Lukavac d.o.o. Mehmet Tekin Özdemir, owner and director of the company "Metalmont-Mijić d.o.o. Prijedor" Marina Mijić, and founder of the German Robotics Center DKR Muamer Babajić were granted BiH citizenship for their contribution to economic development, with recommendations from economic chambers and competent higher education institutions.

The next session of the Council of Ministers of BiH is scheduled for February 18, 2026.