Mr Renzo Daviddi, Acting Head of the European Union Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, expressed his concern on behalf of the EU that BiH authorities still have not come up with an agreement on IPA 2011. The programming of the EU funds started early this year and was due to finish on July 1st, yet until now there is no agreement between the BiH stakeholders on the projects to be financed by the EU funds.
Bosnia and Herzegovina risks losing €96 million of assistance to the detriment of the citizens. The foreseen projects among other things would strengthen justice and public administration authorities, help develop small and medium enterprises, finance building of roads (Corridor Vc), water treatment and waste management facilities, and assist to the education, social inclusion, and employment of BiH citizens.
„We are very worried that due to the continued political quarrels, the citizens of the country will be penalized. I have been asked to help finding a solution still in the month of August and I hope that political leaders will be able to demonstrate to their citizens that the European integration objective is still a priority in BiH.“
The Director General for Enlargement in the European Commission Stefano Sannino has also expressed concerns in a letter addressed to the BiH authorities.
Instrument for pre-accession assistance (IPA) aims at providing targeted assistance to countries which are candidates and potential candidates for membership to the EU for the period 2007-2013. In particular, IPA helps strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law, reform public administration, carry out economic reforms, promote respect for human as well as minority rights and gender equality, support the development of civil society and advance regional co-operation, and contribute to sustainable development and poverty reduction.
Starting from 2007, Bosnia and Herzegovina so far has benefited from more than €295 million. In the period of 2007-2013 Bosnia and Herzegovina could receive more than €660 million worth of EU assistance.
For more on IPA see: http://www.europa.ba/?akcija=clanak&CID=23&jezik=2&LID=33
