Bošnjak with the President of the European Economic and Social Committee

The Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dubravka Bošnjak, held a meeting today with the President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Oliver Ropke. Minister Bošnjak expressed her satisfaction with the visit and emphasized the importance of exchanging information and opinions between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EESC.

During the meeting, the minister highlighted Bosnia and Herzegovina's commitment to implementing the Reform Agenda and fulfilling obligations on the path to European integration. She informed Ropke about the key competencies of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, particularly in the areas of labour, employment, and social welfare, where the Ministry has a coordinating role. She explained that competencies in this area are regulated at the entity level, in the Brčko District, and at the cantonal level in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Oliver Ropke expressed full support for Bosnia and Herzegovina on its European path, emphasizing that the EESC wants to closely cooperate with BiH on joint projects that will contribute to the country’s social and economic progress.

The minister also highlighted that the Ministry closely collaborates with the Agency for Labour and Employment of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as with the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina, pointing out examples of successful projects supported by EU IPA funds. One notable project is "Strengthened Systems of Social, Child Care and Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina," implemented by UNICEF, which started in May 2024. Employment projects, such as "EU Support to Local Employment Partnerships - Phase II" and "EU4 Employment," were also discussed, with special attention given to the Youth Guarantee, which is currently being prepared.

 

The conversation also addressed the improvement of social dialogue in BiH, with a particular focus on the institutional frameworks for tripartite negotiations among the government, trade unions, and employers, ensuring the effective realization of collective rights and interests of social partners. The Ministry of Civil Affairs will continue to actively support social dialogue and European integration through cooperation with EU bodies and international organizations.

The meeting in Sarajevo was also attended by Andrej Zorko, the President of the Monitoring Committee for the Western Balkans of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).