The EU Commission to Support Reforms in BiH with 165.8 Million Euros

The European Commission has adopted today the Indicative Strategy Paper for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The strategy sets out the priorities for EU financial assistance for the period 2014 – 2017 to support the country on its path to EU integration. The EU plans to support sectoral reforms with an amount of EUR 165.8 million in the sectors Democracy and governance, Rule of law and fundamental rights, Competitiveness and innovation: local development strategies and Education, employment and social policies.

The funding will be available through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA II). The Authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina were involved in identifying the key areas that will most benefit from the assistance. The European Parliament and EU Member States, as well as civil society organisations, international organisations and financial institutions were consulted. The Commission stands ready to extend IPA support to further sectors, including where justified with the allocation of additional funds, when Bosnia and Herzegovina adopts the relevant countrywide strategic documents.

“This assistance comes at a very important time for Bosnia and Herzegovina. It will support the EU renewed approach and the implementation of reforms that will directly impact citizens and help the country move forward on the path to the EU.” said European Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn.

(Source: Europa)