Europe House, in cooperation with the Ministry of Civil Affairs of BiH and the Directorate of European Integration, organised an Info Day today to showcase the EU’s comprehensive EU4Health programme. Valued at €4.4 billion, the programme continues the European Union’s support for strengthening the health sector, particularly in the post-pandemic period. The event brought together representatives from potential beneficiaries, including institutions at all levels of government, academia, civil society, and research organizations. Participants explored the programme’s opportunities and exchanged knowledge and best practices.
The European Union has been a crucial supporter of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s health sector for years, providing significant funds to modernize infrastructure, enhance training, and improve access for all citizens in line with the best European practices. Stefano Ellero, Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina highlighted the importance of interest for the programme. “We have provided significant funds so far to support the healthcare sector of the country. We hope that BiH institutions will take full advantage of EU programmes to build stronger, more resilient and more accessible healthcare systems in BiH. The EU will stay firm in its efforts to help BiH health system become capable of providing healthcare to its citizens in line with the highest European standards,” said Ellero.
The Directorate for European Integration holds a pivotal role in ensuring the alignment of the Bosnian and Herzegovinian policies with the EU acquis and thus enabling the health institutions to use the possibilities offered through this significant programme. “Today we present the biggest EU programme for the health sector that Bosnia and Herzegovina is participating from this year. BiH can equally participate in the EU programmes upon signing the Agreement and paying the entrance fee. The entrance fees are co-financed up to 50% from the IPA funds which is not insignificant for the 11 EU programmes BiH is participating in. We hope that we will be able to withdraw more funds than what we have paid for, for the benefit of all health institutions in the country,” said Anida Bazdulj from the Division for the EU Accession Assistance Programme of the DEI.
The Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina is involved with coordination of the implementation of the programme. Jurica Arapović, Assistant Minister for the Health Sector in the Ministry of Civil Affairs, noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina can take part in all of the key four pillars of the programme. “ COVID pandemic showcased the weaknesses and faults of health systems across the European Union and that is why this programme, worth over 4.4 billion euro is available to healthcare sectors for all countries participating in the programme. The programme is retroactively applicable in BiH from January 2024. Due to the increased administrative and institutional procedures, it is important we react promptly by forming the EU4Health contact points across the country which distribute information. It is important that we have this opportunity today to meet, exchange experience and good practices,” said Arapović.
Bosnia and Herzegovina joined the EU4Health programme in 2024 paving the way for capacity building, improved protection of human life and health, enhanced access to medications and medical products, and overall strengthening of the health sector. Beyond funding, the programme provides a valuable platform for fostering cooperation, networking, and the exchange of best practices with EU Member States.”, EU Delegation in BiH writes.
Photo: EU in BiH
