The 8th EU-Bosnia and Herzegovina Subcommittee meeting on Innovation, Information Society, and Social Policy took place on October 22, 2024, in a hybrid format. This significant event brought together representatives from the European Commission and Bosnia and Herzegovina to discuss advancements and future reforms in various sectors.
Key Takeaways
- Progress Acknowledged: The European Commission recognized the progress made by Bosnia and Herzegovina in several areas, urging continued reforms.
- Digital Europe Program: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s participation in the Digital Europe program was celebrated, allowing access to EU grants for digitalization.
- Legislative Needs: Emphasis was placed on the urgent need for legislation in cybersecurity, electronic identity, and media.
- Employment Strategy: The Commission inquired about the development of a country-wide Employment Strategy and improvements in labor market measures.
- Education and Culture: The importance of equal access to education and participation in international assessments was highlighted.
- Research and Innovation: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s involvement in Horizon Europe was commended, with calls for enhanced innovation efforts.
Meeting Overview
The meeting was co-chaired by Ms. Heinke Veit, Deputy Head of Unit at the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, and Mr. Adnan Husić, Assistant to the Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The discussions were characterized by a constructive atmosphere, focusing on the need for a harmonized approach across various sectors.
Digitalization and Information Society
The European Commission congratulated Bosnia and Herzegovina for joining the Digital Europe program, which opens avenues for both legal and natural persons to apply for EU grants aimed at enhancing digital capabilities. However, the Commission stressed the necessity for Bosnia and Herzegovina to adopt legislation that aligns with EU standards, including:
- EU AI Act
- EU Directive on Security of Networks and Information Systems
- Cybersecurity Strategy
- Law on Electronic Identity and Trust Services
- Law on Electronic Media
Social Policy and Employment
In the realm of social policy, the Commission sought updates on the adoption of a comprehensive Employment Strategy. Key points discussed included:
- Strengthening coordination mechanisms for employment policies.
- Improving monitoring and evaluation of labor market measures.
- Expanding coverage of unemployment benefits and needs-based social assistance.
- Aligning legislation with the EU acquis, particularly regarding gender equality.
Education and Culture
The Commission underscored the necessity for comprehensive statistics on education and the implementation of findings from international assessments like PISA 2018 and TIMSS 2019. The focus areas included:
- Ensuring equal access to education across urban and rural areas.
- Enhancing coordination among education decision-makers.
- Developing a national qualification framework.
Research and Innovation
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s successful participation in Horizon Europe was acknowledged, with encouragement to:
- Strengthen innovation efforts under Pillar III of Horizon Europe.
- Establish a National Research and Education Network.
- Improve scores in the European Innovation Scoreboard 2024.
The meeting concluded with a call for Bosnia and Herzegovina to finalize and adopt a strategy and action plan for scientific development for the years 2023-2028, emphasizing the importance of bridging existing gaps with EU counterparts.
