The EU Delegation to BiH, in cooperation with relevant authorities in BiH, is being engaged in the preparation of the IPA 2016 programme related to Competitiveness and Innovation: local development strategies (the “Action”). The envisaged Action is worth indicatively 15 million EUR and would aim at strengthening BiH’s capacity for generating growth and employment in competitive sectors. The Action, if approved by the European Commission, may be implemented under indirect management and would comprise a combination of grants (cca 75%) and technical assistance (cca 25%).

Activities foreseen by the envisaged Action could be implemented by an Entrusted entity/Delegate (an International Organization or an EU Member States Body eligible and compliant for Indirect Management with third parties, following the EU “pillar assessment”) with highest competencies and specialization in the respective sector.

As the programming process for the foreseen action is not finalized at this stage, this Information Session aims to provide an update on the state of play of the foreseen Action, also in view of potential future coordination and cooperation. The Session may be followed in due time by a more formal request for expression of interest by potential candidates which would be published through the appropriate channels.

The Information Session will take place on:

Monday, 18 July 2016, from 11:00 – 12:30 hrs,

in the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Skenderija 3a, Sarajevo

Please confirm your attendance (RSVP) latest by 14 July to Ms Edina Telalovic by email (edina.telalovic@eeas.europa.eu).

NOTE: This invitation is open ONLY to International Organisations and EU Member States Bodies (EU Member States Agencies and EU Member States development banks).