In the framework of the 6th cycle of Sub-committees established under the Interim Agreement, representatives of the European Commission and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) institutions met in Brussels on 27 June 2014, to discuss the level of approximation of the country in the field of internal market and competition with EU rules. At the end of a constructive meeting, the European Commission and BiH agreed on the following conclusions:
The European Commission underlined once again the need for establishing an effective and efficient coordination mechanism on EU matters, as well as country-wide strategies which are the pre-condition for financial assistance from the EU.
It was noted that the floods that hit BiH have caused delays in various sectors, since they have shifted the focus on covering priorities created by this emergency situation. BiH side also stressed that the upcoming elections in BiH may slow down developments at legislative level in the coming months.
Overall, little progress has been reached by BiH since the last Sub-committee took place, except for a few areas. The European Commission welcomed the adoption of a new Law on Public Procurement which enabled BiH to align with the EU Directives of 2004. It was reminded that it is necessary to publish the decisions of the Review Bodies on the internet.
The progress in the sector of intellectual property rights was positively assessed and attention was drawn to the enforcement where there is still room for improvement.
The European Commission expressed regret that still after one year no sufficient financial resources have been allocated to the State Aid Council which, if no improvement will be reached in the near future, would amount to a breach of the Interim Agreement. The State Aid Council needs to work in full capacity very soon. As regards competition, there was an intensive exchange of views on further alignment with the EU law and IPA assistance in this area.
Some progress was noted in the field of banking and in the non-banking sector (insurance, securities and investment funds). The European Commission welcomed the appointment of the missing members of the governing board of the Insurance Agency of BiH which plays a crucial role in the legislative progress.
Finally, issues related to company law, audit and accounting as well as the right of establishment and freedom to provide services were discussed.
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