Under the auspices of the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), the Brčko District Government and the local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) signed a co-operation agreement on 6 June in Brcko, committing themselves  to work on building a prosperous society and improving the quality of life of all citizens of the Brčko District. The agreement was reached as part of the EU-funded project “Capacity Building of the Government Institutions in Engaging in Political Dialogue with Civil Society Representatives in BiH” worth EUR 576,430.

The agreement will contribute to a better co-operation between non-governmental and governmental organizations, building democracy and promoting the values of democratic society. “The agreement defines the Government’s obligations in the area of creating and strengthening a favorable environment for the development of non-governmental organizations and their participation in public policies,” said Siniša Milić, Mayor of Brčko.

“This Agreement is another indicator that BiH is starting to systematically work with the civil society, which definitely has to have its place in society and political dialogue in BiH,” Vladimir Pandurević, Programme manager from the EU Delegation said.

Implementation of the agreement is expected to bring about quality projects and solutions, easier access to European funds, and finally the definition of the NGO’s position in the District.

Other civil society organizations that want to join the agreement may contact the Department for Professional and Administrative Affairs of the Brčko District Government.