BiH Joins EU EaSI Programme - 762 Million Euros for Strengthening Labor Markets and Social Policies

The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, upon the proposal of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, has adopted the Draft Framework for concluding an Agreement between the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s participation in the Employment and Social Innovation Program (EaSI), part of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).

The programme, with a budget of 762 million euros for the period 2021–2027, provides strong support for employment, social inclusion, and economic development of the most vulnerable groups in EU member states and candidates for membership, including Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Dubravka Bošnjak, the Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who has been proposed as the signatory to the agreement, emphasized the importance of participating in the EaSI programme.

“Access to the Employment and Social Innovation Programme opens up a wide range of opportunities, from creating new jobs to supporting the development of small and social enterprises. This programme allows us to strengthen the economic potential of Bosnia and Herzegovina in partnership with the EU and improve social policies, contributing to a better future for all citizens.”

Various organizations from Bosnia and Herzegovina, including state institutions, NGOs, employers' associations, trade unions, as well as small, medium, and social enterprises, will be able to apply for funding from the EaSI programme. Start-ups, educational institutions, and research centres developing projects to improve working conditions, social policies, and employment will also be eligible to apply.

Applicants from Bosnia and Herzegovina need to follow specific calls for projects issued by the European Commission after the Agreement is confirmed by the Presidency of BiH and is finally signed. The calls include detailed instructions on the programme's objectives, priority areas, application conditions, and selection criteria. The evaluation of projects will be carried out by the European Commission, and funding will be awarded to the highest quality projects that best meet the goals of the EaSI programme.

After the Agreement is signed, the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina plans to hold informational workshops to ensure the wider public is informed about the application opportunities and the use of funds through the EaSI programme, providing organizations with the necessary support in the application processes.