Press Releases
Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Holds Its 104th Session
07/07/2014
Vijeće ministara Bosne i Hercegovine
Upon a proposal of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, the Council of Ministers of BIH defined a Proposal Law on Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Budget of Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and International obligations of Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2014, which provides for reallocation of over KM seven million budget funds to the areas affected by floods in May 2014.
Savings were made by all Budget users in their proposals, cutting their budgets for 1 per cent, in compliance with the Council of Ministers conclusion, in addition to several House of Representatives 67th session conclusions relating to budget savings.
Due to objective damage and incurred costs, a fact was taken into account that three institutions, namely the Ministry of Defence, Securing-Intelligence Agency and Indirect Taxation Administration set aside lesser funds.
The Ministry of Finance and Treasury will provide the proposal law on Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Budget of Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and International Obligations of Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2014 to the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Council of Ministers of BIH asked from the BIH Presidency to forward the Proposal Law to the Parliamentarian Assembly as soon as possible.
COUCNIL OF MINISTERS ON MAY FLOODS AGAIN
The Council of Ministers of BIH considered again the implementation of nine conclusions from its 96th session in relation to the current state of affairs after the natural disaster of May 2014 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, focusing on preparations for the up-coming donor conference.
The Council of Ministers of BIH concluded that all institutions in charge for the preparation of donor conference should take a maximum effort for the donor conference to have a successful outcome.
The session considered an Activity Report of Coordination Body of Bosnia and Herzegovina for protection and rescue form natural and other disasters in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Report should be supplemented by session-made conclusions.
IMPLEMENTATION OF BIH CONSTITUTIONAL COURT DECISION
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined a Proposal Law on Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Salaries and Other Benefits in state-level court and prosecutorial institutions, complying to a decision of the Constitutional Court of BIH and introducing allowances for food, transport to and from work place, accommodation costs and resettlement, pursuant to the Law on Salaries and Benefits in BIH Institutions and the accompanying by-laws.
Under the Law, judges and prosecutors are entitled to a net reimbursement for holiday leave in amount of 50 per cent of their basic salary.
The Ministry of Justice will provide the Amendments and Supplements to the Law on the Parliamentarian Assembly of BIH.
USD 100 MILLION FOR FLOODED AERAS
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined a Proposal Finance Agreement (Emergency Flood Recovery Project) between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the International Development Association (IDA) in total amount of USD 100 million.
The Project aims to cover critical needs and recovery public services infrastructural functions recovery and economic recovery in flood-affected areas.
The Ministry of Finance and Treasury will provide the Proposal Agreement with the basics for its conclusion to the BIH Presidency for further procedure, while Minister Nikola Špirić is proposed for the BIH signatory.
PREVIOUS IPA EUR 23 MILLION REALOCATED TO NEEDS OF FLOODED AREAS
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined a Proposal Supplement No. 2 to the Finance Agreement for 2011IPA State Programme for Bosnia and Herzegovina under the Transition and Institution Building Component, making the EUR 6.55 million IPA contributions, not necessitating urgent implementation, available to BIH authorities for dealing with aftermaths of floods. Total amount of the amended programme is EUR 123,231,053.
Simultaneously, the Council of Ministers defined a Proposal Supplements No.2 to the Finance Agreement on IPA State Programme for Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2012, which reallocates EUR 16.9 million from the current three projects to a new Support to Reconstruction of Flood-Affected Areas Project.
The Council of Ministers defined a Proposal Supplement No.2 to the Finance Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Commission of European Communities on Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Horizontal Programme within the IPA 2008. This enables continued activities for the full realisation of the project by September 2016.
Individual proposal agreements will be provided to the BIH Presidency for further procedure, and Director of the Directorate for European Integrations Nevenka Savić is proposed as the BIH signatory.
KM 100,000 FOR COMMEMORATION IN SREBRENICA
Upon a proposal of the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees, the Council of Ministers of BIH took a decision to approve KM 100,000 to the Organisation Board for Marking the 19th anniversary of perishing in the “UN Safe Zone” Srebrenica.
BIH PUBLIC DEBT LEVELS THE LAST YEAR’S
The Council of Ministers adopted and will forward to the Parliamentarian Assembly of BIH Information of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury on the sate of public debt of Bosnia and Herzegovina as at December 31, 2013, amounting up-to KM 10.4 billion, our of which the foreign debt accounts for KM 7.4 billion, while internal debt accounts for KM 3 billion. The status of public debt of Bosnia and Herzegovina, conclusive with December 31, 2013 shows no significant discrepancies with last year’s debt as GDP share of 40 per cent
Total foreign debt of the Federation of BIH amounts to KM 4,738,199.816, debt of Republika Srpska is KM 2,611,254,612 and the Brčko District of BIH debt is KM 10,242,176, while BIH Institutions’ debt is KM 44,992,742.
Foreign debt obligations which came due last year were dully serviced, in total amount of KM 684.85 million.
NO CONSENT TO ENTRY INTO NEUM GULF
The Council of Ministers of BIH restrained its consent for holding an open maritime exercise of Maritime Academy of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Turkey, asked by the Ministry of Security of BIH, planned to take place between July 14 and 19 this year in Neum, of which the Ministry of Security will inform the BIH Presidency.
The local community expressed its negative position in view of entry of ship to into the Neum Gulf, on the grounds of concerns that the presence of military ship might leave negative consequences to the tourist season and eco-system, as well.
TREATIES TO BENEFIT LIVING CONDITIONS OF CITIZENS AND REGIONAL COOPERATION
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined a Proposal Loan and Project Agreement between the KfW, Frankfurt am Main, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, represented by the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (Borrower), Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, represented by the Federal Ministry of Finance (Federation) and Municipalities of Tuzla and Zenica (Project Implementation Agencies) for the EUR 11,000,000.00 Water Supply and Sanitation Project in BIH II, with basics for its conclusion.
The Agreement aims improvement of water supply and sanitation systems in the Municipalities of Tuzla and Zenica, with an ultimate aim to improve living conditions of citizens of these towns. The Loan proceeds in amount of EU 6,250,000.00 are to be allocated to Tuzla, and EUR 4,750,000.00 to Zenica. The Loan term is 15 years, with three-year grace period.
The Ministry of Finance and Treasury will provide the Proposal Agreement with the Basics for its conclusion to the BIH Presidency, and Minister Nikola Špirić is propsed as the BIH signatory.
Also, the Council of Ministers of BIH defined Proposal Basics for negotiations on an Agreement between the Government of the Swiss Confederation and Council of Ministers of BIH on extending a financial assistance for the Water Supply and Sanitation in Bosnia and Herzegovina II Project (Rehabilitation and Improvement of Water Supply and Santiation System in the Municipalities of Tuzla and Zenica).
Under the Agreement, Bosnia and Herzegovina is approved an EUR 10 million Grant of the Swiss Confederation Government for the implementation of the Water Supply and Sanitation Programme in BIH II. The funds intended for the improvement of living conditions of citizens of Tuzla and Zenica will be implemented to provide a reliable water supply in these municipalities,.
The Ministry of Finance and Treasury will provide the Proposal Basics to the Presidency of BIH for further procedure, and Minister Nikola Špirić is proposed as the BIH signatory.
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined a Proposal Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania, Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Government of the Republic of Macedonia, Government of Monte Negro, Government of the Republic of Serbia and Government of the Republic of Slovenia on establishment of the Balkan Medical Forces.
The Agreement with the countries signatories is intended to secure vital abilities in international operations, up-grade capacities of national health services for the purposes of UN, EU and NATO led peace keeping mission,
The Ministry of Defence will provide the Proposal Agreement to the BIH Presidency for further procedure, and Minister Zekerijah Osmić is proposed of the BIH signatory.
Following the Presidency’s approval of the Agreement, activities should be intensified on a definite establishment of the Balkan Medical Forces by September 2014 at latest.
The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina proposed the Presidency of BIH to approve a provisional application of the Agreement before it takes force and the ratification procedure completes.
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined Proposal Basics for negotiations on a Contract between the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Government of the Republic of Croatia on rights and obligations for use of water from public water supply system, intersected by state border.
Signing of the Contract has a multiply relevance to Bosnia and Herzegovina, as it opens a possibility for the contracting sides to regulate mutual rights, obligations and responsibilities for the use of waters in one contracting state from sources situated in the other contracting state’s territory, this especially pertaining to the right of use of waters and obligations accompanying the exercising of the right.
The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations will provide the Proposal Basics to the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina for further procedure, and Minister Boris Tučić is proposed has the BIH signatory.
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined Proposal Basics for conclusion of an Agreement between the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Government of the Republic of Serbia on cooperation in environmental protection and sustainable development.
The Agreement aims to intensify cooperation in the issues of relevant European legislation, climate changes, water and air protection, solid waste and chemicals management , in addition to other forms of environmental protection cooperation though joint projects, share of experiences and knowledge, joint seminars and conferences on the topics.
The ministry of Foreign trade and economic relations will provide the Proposal basics to the Presidency of BIH for further procedure, and Minister Boris Tučić is proposed for the signatory.
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined Proposal Basics for negotiations on a Protocol on Silt Management under the Framework Agreement on Management of the Sava River Basin, which the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations will provide to the Presidency of BIH for further procedure, while Minister Boris Tučić is proposed as the BiH signatory.
The Protocol will govern the joint cooperation procedure concerning the sustainable silt management with an aim at protection of water and silt regime in the River Sava Basin and for the establishment and improvement of navigation and maintaining of navigable parts of the Sava River and its tributaries.
The Council of Ministers of BIH defined Proposal Basics for conclusion of an Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Kingdom of Spain on mutual recognition and replacement of driver’s licences to citizens of both states to enable them to drive motor vehicles during their temporary stay in the other state.
The Agreement governs the issued of mutual recognition and replacement of driver’s licences, issued by competent authorities of BIH and the Kingdom of Spain to their citizens, without an obligation of taking theoretical and practical exam for driving motor vehicles for which the already possess the licence.
The Agreement, proposed by the Ministry of Communications and transport, will be concluded in the form of note-agreement and will take force after the BIH Presidency takes a decision on acceptance of the text Agreement and on exchange of notes between the two states.
TO IMPROVE GENDER EQUALITY
Upon a proposal of the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees, the Council of Ministers of BIH took a decision to adopt 2014-2017 Action Plan for of the UNSCR 1325 Implementation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The document includes strategic and mid-term gaols, expected outcomes and implementation activities for the UN resolution 1325 titled “Women, Peace and Security”, focusing at gender equality in security and defence sectors in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Council of Ministers tasked the competent BIH institutions to get actively involved in the implementation of the planned activities under the Action Plan for the UNSCR 1325 implementation in BIH by 2017.
STATE PROGRAMMATIC FRAMEWORK FOR RADIATION AND NUCLEAR SAFETY ADOPTED
The Council of Ministers of BIH took a decision to adopt the 2014-2019 State Programmatic Framework and assigned Manager of the State Regulatory Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety Emir Dizdarević to sign the Programmatic Framework on behalf of the Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The State Programmatic Framework defines high priority areas of technical cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Among many benefits of the Programme for Bosnia and Herzegovina there is a continued participation in IAEA legislative assistance activities though the Regional Programme.
COUNCIL OF MINISTERS ADOPTS SEVERAL FOOD SAFETY REGULATIONS
Upon a proposal f the Food Safety Agency, the Council of Ministers of BIH took a decision to renew licences to testing laboratories in Bosnia and Herzegovina for testing, control and monitoring of presence of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in food and animal food.
The licence was extended for three years to the Biotechnological Laboratory of the Agricultural Institute of Republika Srpska in Banjaluka, to Laboratory for Genetically Modified Organisms of the Federal Agro-Mediterranean Institute in Mostar, Laboratory for Genetically Modified Organisms and Biosafety of the Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Sarajevo and Laboratory for Genetically Modified Organisms of the Federal Institute for Agriculture in Sarajevo.
The decision was taken for the purpose of securing consumer health and for more effective GMO control system in food and animal food in BIH.
The Council of Ministers of BIH tasked the Food Safety Agency to urgently prepare and submit to the Council of Ministers a proposal of relevant decision for saddling material.
Upon a proposal f the Food Safety Agency, the Council of Ministers of BIH took a resolution on a level of fee for decision on approval of marketing of genetically modified food and animal food.
Under the resolution, a fee for issuance of the decision is KM 500.00, the application fee is KM 30.00, while issuance of an opinion on the application for issuance of approval decision by the GMO Council is charged KM 400.00.
The Council of Ministers adopted Information on the state of affairs of the food safety, based on BIH food safety relevant data in Bosnia and Herzegovina in January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013 period of time.
Competent inspection authorities are recommended to intensify food control of food, including water and animal food together with control of food contacting items both within internal market of Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the imports. The inspection authorities are recommended especially to intensify official controls in corn imports, subject to assessed aflatoxin presence risks.
Based on collected and process data on laboratory analyses of food lat year, total 114,014 food samples were taken with 137,193 food analyses conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Out of total number of sampled pieces, 4.31 per cent of samples, i.e. 3,58 per cent of analysed food pieces did not comply with existing regulations.
The most often non-compliance in microbiological terms was found in ice creams, including ice preparations with sugar, water, fruit aroma with egg and milk additions, snack products and fruits, while non-compliance in terms of physical-chemical appropriateness were found in categories: bee honey, bee products and bee honey products, beer and non-alcohol beer, alcohol drinks and wine, salt, spices, vinegar, wine and aromatised vinegar, soup, souses and salads.
Upon a proposal of the Food Safety Agency, the Council of Ministers of BIH took several regulations in order to improve consumer health, adjust domestic regulations with those in the neighbouring countries and to protect producers’ interests.
The Council of Ministers took a Regulation on amendment of the regulation on refreshing beverages and similar products, such as: regulation on authorisation of panels for sensor analyse of virgin olive oil; regulation on supplements to the regulation on use of food sweeteners; regulation of quality of fruit wine; regulation on nutritive enzymes; regulation on maximum allowed contaminants in food; regulation on amendments and supplements to the regulation on use of food colours; regulation on soya, sunflower and rapeseed market standards; regulation on requirements of monitoring of effects of GMO consisting or originating products and use thereof; regulation on use of food aromas in food, regulation on amendments of regulation on standards for eggs marketing; regulation on poultry meat marketing standards; regulation on amendments and supplements to the regulation on nutrients enriched food; regulation on amendments of regulation on raw milk.
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA GIVES UP OF ITS PARTICIPATION AT EXPO 2015 DUE TO FLOODS
The Council of Ministers of BIH considered Information of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations on activities of the Coordination Work Group for Participation at EXPO 2015 in Milan.
Due to required allocation of EU 1.25 million, and on because of floods that affected BIH this May, the Council of Ministers of BIH decided for Bosnia and Herzegovina not to take part at the EXPO next year.
IMPLEMENTATION OF MINSITRY OF DEFENCE KM 0.5 MILLION GRANT FOR MUNICIPALITY OF GLAMOČ
The Council of Ministers adopted a Report of the Ministry of Defence on implementation of a “Sources for use of polygon for destruction of unstable ammunition and mine-explosive devices in Municipality of Glamoč” grant.
The Ministry of Defence financed by way of KM 500,000 grant the projects of reconstruction of water sources in Glamoč; reconstruction and construction of roads in the communities of Malkočevci, Kjakir, Hasići and Bučlije, and paving and reconstruction of local M15 road Bličić-Hozići.
ADMISSION TO CITIZENSHIP FOR SPECIAL BENEFIT
The Council of Ministers of BIH took separate decisions on admission to citizenship of BIH of Milan Bosanac and Dragan Mladenović, citizens of Serbia and renowned soccer trainers, Aida Kovač, citizen of Serbia and M.Sc. of chemistry, and Silvia Trogu-Osmanović, citizen of Italy, Ph.D. of sociology.
CONSENT FOR VOTE BY SLOVENIAN CITIZENS IN BIH
Upon a proposal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Council of Ministers of BIH granted its consent for citizens of the Republic of Slovenia to vote in the premises of the Slovenian Embassy in Sarajevo at the early elections for representatives in the State Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia, to be held on July 13, 2014 at 9.00-17.00.