Since the fiscal framework for 2026 still has not been adopted, it is necessary to further improve its content to meet the real needs of the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to Deputy Finance Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Muhamed Hasanović.
He stated that, given the fact that revenues from indirect taxation in Bosnia and Herzegovina have been recording continuous growth year after year, while the level of allocations forinstitutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina has remained at 1,020,000,000 BAM for several years, there is a basis and a realistic source of funds to adjust this amount through increased revenue from indirect taxation.
“The current proposal for the 2026 budget framework increase is 10 million BAM, which is insufficient compared to actual needs. Therefore, I propose increasing the total budget framework for the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina by an additional 40,000,000 BAM in 2026, with a clearly defined multi-year projection for the coming period,” Hasanović said.
He explains that the proposed allocation of funds has been precisely structured and functionally targeted, stating the following for 2026: 30,000,000 BAM for BHRT, through direct transfers or through subsidies to public companies via the Ministry of Transport and Communication, as an emergency measure to stabilize the public RTV system, and 10,000,000 BAM for cultural institutions.
He stated that for 2027 and 2028, 10,000,000 BAM is planned for cultural institutions.
According to him, it is important to clearly indicate this obligation in the fiscal framework to ensure continuous and stable financing of cultural institutions over the three-year period.
Hasanović considers that the one-time allocation of 30 million BAM for BHRT in 2026 represents a necessary emergency measure aimed at stabilizing the RTV system, which plays a key role in informing citizens and achieving the public interest at the state level.
Regarding cultural institutions, the planned earmarked funds of 10,000,000 BAM per year refer to institutions of national importance that do not have systemically resolved funding. With this model, their stability and operational sustainability is ensured.
Funds for cultural institutions are distributed as follows – the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina – 2,100,000 BAM; the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina – 2,100,000 BAM; the National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina – 1,300,000 BAM; the Historical Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina – 1,300,000 BAM; the Museum of Literature and Performing Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina – 1,100,000 BAM; the Library for the Blind and Visually Impaired Persons of Bosnia and Herzegovina – 1,050,000 BAM; and the Film Archive (Kinoteka) of Bosnia and Herzegovina – 1,050,000 BAM, making a total of 10,000,000 BAM annually.
“The proposed budget increase is a fiscally sustainable and developmentally justified measure, based on revenue growth from indirect taxation as a realistic source of financing, the multi-year stagnation of the budget framework, and the need to stabilize key state systems. The combination of one-time BHRT stabilization and multi-year systemic financing of cultural institutions ensures the long-term functionality of these institutions and the protection of the public interest of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Hasanović explained.
In the end, he stated that if this or any other solution is not reached through agreement with all parties, he is prepared to act if the High Representative authorizes him to address this issue, announced the Office of the Deputy Minister of Finance and Treasury of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
