Nikšić, Kraljević and Delić with Pensioner Representatives

(Patria) - Prime Minister of FBiH Nermin Nikšić, Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Minister of Finance Toni Kraljević, and Federal Minister of Labour and Social Policy Adnan Delić held a meeting today at the FBiH Government headquarters in Sarajevo with representatives of both pensioner associations in FBiH, led by Redžo Mehić and Ivan Kožul.

The meeting was also attended by the Director of the Federal Pension and Disability Insurance Fund Halil Subašić.

On this occasion, mutual commitment was expressed to defining the final text of the amendments to the Law on Pension and Disability Insurance of FBiH as soon as possible, so that the FBiH Government can adopt this new legal solution and send it to the parliamentary procedure as a proposal.

Following the presentation of relevant data and analyses necessary for adopting systemic solutions that will contribute to improving the living standards of pensioners, it was agreed that the working group will continue its intensive work in the coming days on finalizing the amendments to the Law, which are intended to amend all identified shortcomings of the existing law.

It was emphasized that improving the position of pensioners is a top priority for the Government of the Federation of BiH, "especially after the economic status of workers has been improved by the adoption and implementation of the decision to increase the minimum wage to 1,000 KM in FBiH".

In this regard, official data from the FBiH Tax Administration was presented, showing that after the minimum wage increase, the number of employed persons increased by 2,908 compared to the same period last year.

Given the importance of preserving the financial stability of the Federation of BiH, during the talks, the Government's activities on adopting a set of fiscal laws were particularly emphasized, with a focus on reforms that will, in addition to improving the economic and business environment, contribute to the long-term stability of the pension system.

The upcoming regular pension adjustment for 2025 was also discussed, which will follow the publication of official data from the Federal Statistical Office.

In order to ensure additional support, and until the necessary amendments to the Law on Pension and Disability Insurance are adopted, it was announced that the Government of the Federation of BiH will provide an intervention measure this year, which includes financial support for pensioners.

Also, during the meeting, it was emphasized that 337 million KM more than in the previous year is planned for pensions in this year's federal budget.

It was also stated that the Government has fulfilled previously undertaken obligations, including the payment of one-time assistance to pensioners and the provision of additional funds for spa treatment, for which two million KM is foreseen in this year's federal budget.

In addition, activities on finalizing the formation of the Pensioners' Council of FBiH are in the final stages.

At the meeting, the mutual commitment to continue constructive dialogue and a partnership relationship was reaffirmed, with the aim of jointly finding sustainable solutions that will improve the status of the pensioner population.