In this issue: Ministerial Conference: Initiative to bring the Western closer to Europe

Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for Science and Research, in BiH

Andris Piebalgs, Energy Commissioner on the Regional Energy Commissioner Olli Rehn's Forum Message on 9 May, in BiH Europe Day Dear Friends, Doris Pack spoke with the This year we celebrate Europe BiH authorities, Day against the backdrop of a his - representatives toric double-anniversary. Twenty years ago we saw the Iron Curtain of the judiciary come down. Just a few days ago we and civil celebrated the fifth anniversary of the society in BiH EU enlargement that peacefully re - unified Eastern and Western Europe. The European perspective has Today, the enlargement agenda proven to be a formidable transfor - focuses on South East Europe. The Second mation force in Central and Eastern Western Balkans and Turkey have a European Europe. The EU enlargement pro- European perspective and our com - cess has served as an anchor of sta - mitment to EU accession once all "Street bility and democracy and a driver of the conditions have been met. Football" personal freedom and economic dy - (From Commissioner Olli Rehn's festival namism in Europe. Message on 9 May, Europe Day) in Foča EU NEWSLETTER page 2 2009 No. 1/2

The Strategy on Research and Development for the Western Balkans will improve national research policies and facilitate integration of the region into the European Research Area

he Ministers from the Western Balkan coun- tries responsible for sci- Tence and research, the EU Commissioner for Science and Research, the representative of the Czech Republic Presidency of the Council of the , the Regional Coopera- tion Council (RCC) Secretary General, as well as the represen- tatives of other RCC members from South Eastern Europe (SEE) and regional and interna- tional organisations gathered in Sarajevo on 24 April, 2009 to take part in a conference featur- ing the launch of an initiative to develop a Regional Strategy on Research and Development for the Western Balkans. The Strategy will improve national research policies through the exchange of expe- Hido Biščević, Vlastimil Ružička and Janez Potočnik riences and good practices and this experience, the Ministers Consider education, re- to sustain their research en- facilitate integration of the re- from the Western Balkans search and innovation in a deavours and facilitate their gion into the European Re- have reiterated the need to comprehensive manner, mov- training, mobility and cooper- search Area. focus on the added value of ing from a fragmented to an in- ation within the region; The Ministers recalled that the regional dimension, reaf- tegrated approach in the region; Encourage cooperation be- the EU perspective is essential firmed their willingness to Promote the establish- tween the science and re- for the stability, reconciliation contribute to strong Euro- ment of competitive re- search community and the and development of the pean cooperation within the gional Centres of Excellence, business sector, particularly small Western Balkans and that the RCC and pledged to support closely connected with higher and medium sized enterprises; future of the region lies the work of its members in education and business sec- Support the development within the Union. the Task Force Fostering and tors, in the fields of strategic of cross-border regional The progress already made Building Human Capital. interest for the region, thereby clusters in sectors of compet- has been recognised in the Therefore, the Ministers facilitating the integration of itive advantage based on field of research cooperation and representatives of other the Western Balkans into the knowledge and innovation; under the Steering Platform RCC members from SEE European Research Area; Encourage the establish- on Research for the Western have agreed to undertake the Promote development of ment of and the contin- Balkan Countries. Based on following steps: regional research infra- ued implementation of bilateral structures, open access to agreements on science and pan-European research facili- technology within the SEE re- ties of common interest and gion; consider the development of Ensure the sustainability a Western Balkan research in- of existing regional re- frastructure roadmap; search funding instruments. Encourage the transfer of The Regional Cooperation knowledge by developing Council will continue to facili- and supporting networks of tate the activities on the devel- scientists and engineers from opment and implementation the Western Balkans and the of the Regional Strategy on entire SEE region; Research and Development Enhance the potential of for the Western Balkans in young scientists by sup- close cooperation with the porting their career develop- Steering Platform on Research ment and opportunities, for the Western Balkan Coun- create favourable conditions tries and the EU. EU NEWSLETTER page 3 2009 No. 1/2

The EBRD and the Energy Community were hosts of the Regional Energy Forum held in Sarajevo on 30 and 31 March, which focused on investment opportunities in electricity generation and renewable energy in Southeast Europe

ey topics of a two-day Regional Energy Forum were investing The European Commis- Kin renewable energy sources sion Delegation to Bosnia and energy efficiency. The and Herzegovina presided on event titled “Investing in Elec- 7 May over the closure event tricity Generation and Renew- able Energy” was held in of the Enreg project, de- Sarajevo on 30 and 31 March signed to provide technical and was organized by the Eu- assistance and support to ropean Bank for Reconstruc- BiH energy regulatory au- tion and Development thorities. (EBRD) and the Energy ECD was represented by Community. The EBRD has the First Secretary and Head launched two new programs of the Operations Section for worth E110 million to finance Economic Development and projects dealing with energy Natural Resources, Mr Jo- efficiency and renewable hann Hesse, and by the En- sources of energy in the West- ergy Task Manager, Mr Rafael ern Balkans. A main challenge Bellon. for the countries of the West- Regional Energy Forum During his introductory ern Balkans is to accomplish 2020 in the energy sector in EBRD President Mirow speech, Mr Hesse recapped energy efficiency and intro- the Western Balkans, accord- described the Forum, which the history of Enreg and duce new renewable sources ing to EBRD President gathered more than 150 par- congratulated beneficiaries of energy, since the region Thomas Mirow. However, ticipants, as an opportunity for and consultants for their spends, on average, 2.5 times prior to this investment, coun- politicians, bankers, investors continued collaboration and more on energy than the tries must accomplish a higher and companies to exchange joint efforts even in the face member states of the Organ- level of energy efficiency and experiences and reach conclu- of an adverse political envi- sions on developing the South- ronment. east European energy sector, Emphasizing the role as this region has great poten- played by the ECD in ad- tial for energy generation. The EBRD President pointed out justing to the given circum- that energy generated by hydro stances, he said the project potential is more expensive in had reached successful comparison to other sources completion thanks to its of energy, particularly when ability “to identify the real prices of oil and gas decrease. needs of the beneficiaries” However when prices of those and “focus on technical is- energy sources increase, as sues” that could benefit all happened last year, the price of parts above any political energy generated through boundary. Andris hydro potential is competitive. Mr Hesse handed over Piebalgs Mr. Mirow said it was worth commemorative plaques to investing in this sector, given Presidents of the State Elec- that these are long-term proj- tricity Regulatory Commis- isation for Economic Cooper- promote renewable sources ects. sion Mr Nikola Pejić, ation and Development of so called “green energy”. Energy Commissioner Regulatory Commission for (OECD). “The promotion of The forum was opened by Piebalgs and President Mirow Electricity in FBiH Ms renewable sources of energy the Chairman of the BiH urged government and busi- Djulizara Hadzimustafić and is most important for the en- Council of Ministers, Nikola ness representatives to make RS Regulatory Commission ergy community and the Špirić; Energy Commissioner every effort to utilize avail- EBRD. Ways of financing in- Piebalgs and EBRD President able domestic development for Energy Mr. Milenko vestment in renewable energy Mirow. The event was at- resources. The EBRD has al- Cokorilo. are also important,” said EC tended by ministers and rep- located E30 million for po- The Enreg project was- Energy Commissioner Andris resentatives of signatory tential projects in BIH, if the funded with CARDS funds Piebalgs. countries of the Energy Com- state submits applications for from 2006 for an amount There are plans to invest munity as well as company funding projects in the energy of E1.5 million and had approximately E20 billion by representatives. sector. been running since 2007. EU NEWSLETTER page 4 2009 No. 1/2

News from EU

The European Commis- sion has launched multilin- gual Internet pages www.presseurop.eu where press articles dealing with EU subjects in at least ten Euro- pean languages will be pub- lished. In cooperation with the international consortium Courrier International, the goal of the pages is to offer a choice of the best articles on EU issues published in the Eu- ropean and international press. Besides translations into ten languages (English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Portugese, Ro- manian and Czech), transla- tions into 23 other official languages of the European Union will be ensured.The pages will include a selection from 250 newspapers, week- lies and Internet portals, in- Doris Pack cluding Le Monde, Figaro, Financial Times, The Econo- mist, Washington Post, Cor- riere della Serra and FAZ.

Your politicians must reach consensus about key questions for this country. Compromise is a key word also in the EU and without that nothing can be done, Doris Pack stressed The European Commis- sion has published eYou- oris Pack, Member of for BiH and other Western responded that, “The enlarge- Guide explaining the specific the European Parlia- Balkan countries, emphasiz- ment process goes step by rights of European consu- ment (MEP) and ing that the EU has a strong step. This process requires mers using web or on-line Chair of the Delegation for interest in BiH’s progress and time and for BiH the most im- shopping. The European D relations with the countries ultimate membership. Yet she portant thing is to fulfil its ob- Commission has published South-East Europe recently pointed out that only BiH can ligations on the road to the this Guide because, despite made a two-day visit to Bosnia fulfil the necessary EU crite- EU.” During her two-day visit, the growing popularity of and Herzegovina (BiH). ria, as is the case with all other MEP Pack also met with Med- buying via the Internet, many After her meetings, Ms EU aspirants; external actors džida Kreso, President of the consumers still do not trust Pack told journalists that Bo- cannot do this instead. Ms. BiH Court, Milorad No- money transfers via the Inter- net. The Eurobarometer sur- snia and Herzegovina needs Pack highlighted the need for vković, President of the vey substantiates this argument: an independent, efficient, political will: “Your politi- HJPC, and Kemal Kozarić, according to its results, of as transparent and multi-ethnic cians must reach consensus Governor of the Central Bank many as 48.5 percent of judicial system. about key questions for this of Bosnia and Herzegovina. households with broadband She spoke to university stu- country. Compromise is a key In addition, she met represen- access to the Internet, only 12 dents in Sarajevo about the word also in the EU and tatives of NGOs and the busi- percent feel safe when carry- European integration process without that nothing can be ness community, as well as ing out on-line transactions. and what it required of BiH. done.” representatives of the interna- In addition, 39 percent of In her introductory re- She was asked whether the tional community. On the sec- European consumers have marks, Ms. Pack discussed the fact that the Lisbon Treaty has ond and final day of her visit, doubts about security; 42 Instruments for Pre-Acces- not yet been ratified by all EU Ms. Pack met Franjo Komar- percent do not use on-line sion (IPA) funding and other members poses an obstacle to ica, Roman Catholic Bishop banking at all. EU assistance mechanisms BiH’s potential to join. Pack of Banja Luka. EU NEWSLETTER page 5 2009 No. 1/2

News from EU

Michael Haneke´s film “White Band” (Das weisse Band) won the Golden Palm at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival, and three more films also re- ceived awards: “A Prophet” by Jacques Audiard, “Fish Tank” by Andrea Arnold and “Father Of My Children” by Mia Hansen- Løve, were co-financed with funds from the Media Mundus program. Media Mundus pro- vides financial assistance to film makers and helps distribute Eu- ropean audio-visual works globally. Media Mundus is de- signed to increase the presence of European films in cinemas throughout the world. It is a 15- million euro program whose goal is to increase the competi- tiveness of the European film Janez Potočnik and Sredoje Nović industry and strengthen coope- ration with third countries. The Seventh Framework Program for Research and Development (FP7) enables financing of joint research in strategic areas such as health, energy, climate change, information technologies, At the end of May the EU nano technologies and transport adopted plans for a European Union work permit aimed at at- anez Potočnik, European in science-research coopera- ment. For these reasons, one tracting highly skilled foreign- Commissioner for Science tion.” should see increased efforts ers to the bloc. It will allow foreign workers to be employed and Research and Sredoje BiH became the 12th FP7 in research areas at the state J in any EU member state except Nović, BiH Minister for Civil accession country in No- level, as a first and necessary Great Britain, Ireland and Den- Affairs, expressed their sup- vember 2008. The FP7 co- step towards EU member- mark and enjoy limited social port for BiH participation in untries are competing within ship,” Mr. Potočnik said. and welfare rights for them- the Information event on the program on the same FP7 also stimulates the selves and their family mem- Seventh Framework Program basis as EU member states. mobility of science-research bers for a renewable period for Research and Develop- The program enables financ- workers through funds from one to four years. ment (FP7) that was held ing of joint research in st- from the Marie-Curie pro- The 24 member states who under the title “Towards inte- rategic areas such as health, gram and it has programs have signed up for the scheme gration in the European re- energy, climate change, in- that support capacity build- will have two years to transpose search zone”. formation technologies, nano ing, such as research infra- it into national law. They will The event provided infor- technologies and transport. structure, research for small grant Blue Card holders equal mation about opportunities FP7 supports science-rese- and medium enterprises and treatment with nationals that have been made available arch in the EU and the wider science in society. ”It is in when it comes to "working through the recent accession European research zone with our interest to get involved conditions, including pay and of BiH to FP7. a budget of almost 55 mil- in the European research dismissal", recognition of qual- “I was extremely pleased lion euro over seven years area and build institutional ifications, the right to partici- last year in November when (2007- 2013). capacities that will enable pate in trade unions and limited Minister Sredoje Nović and I ”Research cooperation is greater participation in EU social security and pension signed a Memorandum of a good path for pre-acces- programs, by research insti- rights, as well as access to hous- Understanding for BiH’s ac- sion. You are expected to get tutions, small and medium ing and counselling. The EU cession to FP7,” said Mr. Po- involved in research in order sized enterprises and state ministers also approved a set of točnik, “Now we need to to fulfil European standards companies, as well as pro- common standards and sanc- work on your complete inte- and technical requirements, viding for greater mobility tions against employers – both gration in the European re- as part of your EU integra- of our researchers,” said individuals and companies - search zone. The best way to tion process, which actually Civil Affairs Minister No- who illegally hire foreign immi- integrate is to take part jointly represents a good invest- vić. grants. EU NEWSLETTER page 6 2009 No. 1/2

The EU enlargement process has served as an anchor of stability and democracy and a driver of personal freedom and economic dynamism in Europe

Dear Friends, his year we celebrate Europe Day against the backdrop of a his- Ttoric double-anniversary.Twenty years ago, we saw the Iron Curtain come down. Just a few days ago we celebrated the fifth anniversary of the EU enlargement that peace- fully reunified Eastern and Western Europe. The European perspective has proven to be a formidable transformation force in Cen- tral and Eastern Europe. The EU enlargement process has served as an anchor of stabil- ity and democracy and a driver of personal freedom and economic dynamism in Europe. Today, the enlargement agenda focuses on South East Europe. The Western Balkans and Turkey have a European perspective and our commit- ment to EU accession once all the conditions have been met. The countries are making steady, if sometimes slow, progress. Croatia’s negotia- tions are on the right track. With the elections over in Turkey, we now expect the country to deliver on its promise of new vigour in in- troducing necessary reforms for progress on EU accession. Olli Rehn The former Yugoslav Re- agreement is broadly on track. South East Europe benefits batical from our invaluable public of Macedonia is a can- The Serbian Government from relative political stability work for peace and progress didate looking forward to remains committed to ad- at the moment – not least in South East Europe. opening its negotiations. We vancing on its European thanks to its European per- Ladies and Gentlemen, have a network of Stabilisa- agenda, and there have been a spective. Today, Europe is reunited tion and Association Agree- number of positive develop- But if the 20th century and free. Let's keep it that ments with other countries of ments recently. Both Mon- taught us anything, it is the folly way. And let us complete our the Western Balkans in place. tenegro and Albania have of complacency when it comes work also in South East Eu- Last year, Bosnia and reached a significant mile- to the Western Balkans. There rope, on the basis of the Herzegovina made progress stone by applying for EU is no end of history in sight, Union's founding principles on the path of European in- membership. nor irreversible stability, at least of liberty and democracy, re- tegration, especially through Stability in Kosovo was not quite yet. spect for human rights and the signature of the SAA and maintained throughout last All these arguments – the fundamental freedoms. – In the entry into force of the in- year’s important develop- gains from enlargement and that spirit, let me express my terim agreement. The imple- ments. Compared to many the risks of wavering – under- best wishes to all of you on mentation of the SAA interim other regions in the world, line why we cannot take a sab- Europe Day! EU NEWSLETTER page 7 2009 No. 1/2

Mezzo-soprano Bernarda Fink and the South Eastern Europe Symphony Orchestra

s part of the 9 May Eu- Commission to BiH, ad- rope Day celebration, dressed the guests before the the South Eastern Eu- concert. He reminded them Arope Symphony Orchestra held that this year the European a gala classical music concert at Union celebrated a double- Bosnia and Herzegovina’s In- anniversary: the twentieth stitutions Building in Sarajevo anniversary of the fall of the on the evening of 11 May. Iron Curtain and the fifth an- Representatives of the BiH niversary of the latest en- authorities, the international largement bringing in 12 new community, NGOs, religious Member States all together. and cultural associations, and “2009 is a critical year in the media attended. determining the pace at which Ambassador Dimitris Ko- Bosnia and Herzegovina will urkoulas, Head of Delega- proceed towards European in- tion of the European tegration. This should be a year of renewed responsibility fascism,” said Špirić. in Bosnia and Herzegovina, The concert gathered yo- not a year of continued dis- ung musicians from the re- cord,” said Kourkoulas. gion and beyond, including The Chair of BiH’s Coun- those from London, and cil of Ministers, Nikola Špirić, Vienna. The Conductor was reminded the audience that Maestro Siniša Marković, and last year BiH opened a new the Orchestra performed the chapter with the signing of a works of Franz Joseph Haydn Stabilisation and Association and Wolfgang Amadeus Agreement with the EU. Mozart. The evening reached “BiH is a part of the Eu- its peak with the performance ropean cultural and historic of mezzo-soprano Bernarda heritage. I would like to Fink, who is also the winner congratulate Europe Day of the Austrian medal for sci- and the day of victory over ence and art. EU NEWSLETTER page 8 2009 No. 1/2

Banja Luka EU information park n 9 May, Europe Da y, in Europe, he proposed a new the Delegation of form of political organisation in the European Com - Europe, which was the very Omission to Bosnia and Herze - foundation of today’s EU. This govina organised an EU day has become a European information park in Petar symbol which, combined with Kočić Square in Banja Luka. the flag, the hymn, the motto Boris Iarochevitch, the Del - and the currency, represents the

egation’s Head of Operations, unity of Europe”, he said. stated on this occasion that Eu - Entertainment included a rope Day provides an opportu - game called “Put Europe nity to celebrate the EU`s Together”, for younger visi - achievements and to remind tors. In addition, visitors ourselves of its goals, including were able to taste the EU’s preservation of peace, freedom, birthday cake. The Europe progress and cooperation: Day event also included per - “Europe Day, 9 May, is the formances by the bands Vi - anniversary of the Schumann soki Napon (“High Declaration. Almost 60 years Voltage”) and Važno Obav - ago and only five years after the jestenje (“Important An - end of the most brutal war ever nouncment”). EU NEWSLETTER page 9 2009 No. 1/2

Sarajevo Trebinje s part of the Europe Day celebration, a two-day event started in Trebinje on 13 May organized by the NGO Žen - ski centar (“Women’s Centre”) and with the support of the EAuropean Commission Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina. This was the sixth year in a row that this Herzegovinian city on the River Trebišnjica has held a Europe Day celebration. This year’s event featured an exhibition about life, traditions, music and chivalry in the countries in the region during medieval times. The program began at Crkvina with official addresses by Ljiljana Čičković, Director of Ženski centar, Boris Iarochevitch, Head of Operations in the EC Delegation to BiH and Do - broslav Čuk, Mayor of Trebinje. “I am very pleased to be here with you to mark one of the greatest success stories in peace building in history,” said Iarochevitch.

Start of the Marathon

he Delegation of the to Performance of medieval culture and tradition BiH and the Directorate for European Integra - tions (DEI), in cooperation with the Association The organiser of the celebration, Ms Čičković, explained “Marathon Sarajevo” marked Europe Day, 9 May, with a that the program was put together in such a way as to present T both simmilarities and differences characteristic of Europe. symbolic race called “Trkom u Evropu” (Run to Europe). “We organised all of these activities in order to be able to show how people used to live in Europe in medieval times. For example, we organized a workshop for children so they can see how wallets used to be made in those times,” she explained. Trebinje Mayor Čuk reminded the audience that this mu - nicipality was among the signatories of the Declaration on the European Future. Following the close of the official part of the program, a presentation of the book Orthodox Monasteries in BiH, published by the As - sociation for the Preserva - tion of Heritage in Gacko, was organized in Crkvine. This was followed by a di - verse cultural and enter - tainment program. The Europe Day event continued with a visit to a medieval market, purpose- built in Trebinje’s Old Boris Iarochevitch Town. Artists from BiH, Hungary, Slovenia, and Serbia portrayed the culture and tradi - tions of their countries during medieval times with various ac - More than 400 runners of all ages and categories entered tivities and performances. the race. The route of the 4 km-long race was along Vil - During the second day of Trebinje’s Europe Day event, sonovo Setaliste. The top three finishers in the men’s and workshops were organized for young people aged 18 to 23 on women’s categories won cash prizes of 300, 200 and 100 the topic “Creativity and Innovation – Development and Im - KM, along with commemorative T-shirts. portance” in the light of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation. EU NEWSLETTER page 10 2009 No. 1/2

Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek has described the EU’s expansion by ten new states in 2004 as a major success. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has stressed that the expansion has improved competitiveness within the Union and additionally increased the influence of the EU when conducting international trade negotiations and diplomacy

n 1 May 2004, the European Union wel- comed 10 more memberO states: Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hun- gary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. This was the fifth time that the EU had accepted new mem- bers, taking the total from 15 to 25 member states. On 1 Jan- uary 2007, this latest round of enlargement came to its con- clusion with the accession of two more countries, and Romania. Enlargement has greatly stimulated growth and mod- ernisation in the new members' economies. Integration in the EU's internal market has brought benefits such as in- creased trade and foreign in- vestment and further integration in financial markets. New mem- ber states' economies have con- tinued to grow fast – generally faster than the economies of the old members (5.6% against 2.2% in 2004 - 08, with coun- assistance of up to 6.5 billion are invaluable to the home host countries, especially in tries such as Slovakia and the Euro to Hungary. In return, economies. sectors where there is a short- Baltic states reaching growth Hungary had to commit to Enlargement has contri- age of local labour supply. rates as high as 7 - 10% in the measures that support sustain- buted to economic growth in Financial support to new best years). It is estimated that able economic policies – such as the old EU members through member states from the EU joining the EU gave the new fiscal consolidation, and im- further investment opportuni- budget has brought a significant members an extra growth proved fiscal governance and fi- ties and increased demand for boost to their economies. The boost of around 1.75 percent- nancial sector regulation. their products (7.5% of their Czech EU Presidency has or- age points per year over the pe- Fast growth has stimulated exports went to the new mem- ganised a conference in Prague riod 2000 - 08. employment in the new mem- bers in 2007, compared with to inaugurate the fifth anniver- In the context of the cur- bers, although increased emi- 4.7% in 1999). sary of the EU’s largest expan- rent international financial cri- gration has caused some The larger internal market sion to date. Czech Prime sis, EU membership has given concern about a brain drain has boosted competitiveness in Minister Mirek Topolanek has the new members invaluable and labour shortages in spe- the EU as a whole. described the EU’sexpansion by protection. cific sectors. In the long run, the eco- ten new states in 2004 as a major Four countries have already However, emigrant remit- nomic potential of adding success. European Commission joined the Euro (Cyprus, tances have greatly helped the countries with around 100 mil- President Jose Manuel Barroso Malta, Slovenia, and Slovakia), balance of payments in some lion additional producers and has stressed that the expansion which has helped to stabilise countries (in 2006, remittances consumers is considerable. has improved competitiveness their economies and protect accounted for some 5.5% of In most EU countries, the within the Union and addition- them from the worst effects of GDP in Bulgaria and Roma- number of people arriving ally increased the influence of the crisis. nia, over 2% in the Baltic from outside the EU exceeds the EU when conducting inter- However, EU support is not States and 1.5% in Poland). the number of newcomers national trade negotiations and limited to these countries. For Similarly, improved living from other EU members. The diplomacy.In addition, Mr. Bar- example, at the end of 2008, conditions have reduced in- only exceptions to this are Ire- roso has stated that the expan- when the Hungarian financial centives to work abroad, and a land and Luxembourg. sion has to be continued and markets came under severe trend of return has been ob- Workers from new member that a strong single market is in- pressure, the EU decided to served. Returning workers states have helped to meet valuable in the current global provide balance of payments bring back new skills, which extra demand for labour in the economic crisis. EU NEWSLETTER page 11 2009 No. 1/2

2004 and 2007, he said, could be invaluable for BIH. The same message was con- veyed by the ambassadors of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. In addi- tion, representatives of Croatia, Montenegro and the Regional Cooperation Council also spoke about the current situation. Czech Ambassador to BiH Jiří Kuděla, whose country currently occupies the EU Presideency, stressed that every year from now on will be a Eu- ropean year for the countries in the region. However, 2009 Conference held under auspices of BiH Presidency represents a particular oppor- tunity to come closer to the Union, he said. The regional conference “2009 – European year of the Balkans” was held under the auspices of the Office of the The experience of the Central European countries, which became the Chairman of the BiH Presi- member states in 2004 and 2007, could be of invaluable benefit to BIH dency, Nebojša Radmanović. Implementation partners were he European Union is ference “2009 – the European progress will only be made if re- the BiH Parliamentary Asse- committed to the future Year of the Balkans”. forms are implemented. He mbly, the Embassy of the of BiH and wants to see Mr. Kourkoulas said the road stressed that these reforms are Czech Republic in BiH, in the BiH in the EU,but accession re- totheEuropeanUnionwasclear, not designed to please Brus- capacity of EU chair, and the T Visegrad Group (the Czech quires the engagement of soci- as each country in the region ei- sels, but that they would be ety as a whole and of all BiH ther has EU candidate status or necessary for BiH even if the Republic, Hungary, Poland and citizens,” stressed Dimitris potential candidate status. country were not trying to Slovakia). The event was fi- Kourkoulas, Head of the Dele- He said Bosnia and Herze- move along the road to Eu- nancially supported by the EC gation of the European Com- govina can accomplish every- rope. The experience of the Delegation and was organized mission to BiH, while addressing thing that hasbeenaccomplished Central European countries by the European Movement in participants at the regional con- by other countries, but that that became member states in BiH.

On 15 May Dimitris Kourk- IDs and many others. This is the oulas, Head of the European sixth seminar of the RS MoI and Commission Delegation to TAIEX and for us this is proof Bosnia and Herzegovina, to- of how serious the local institu- gether with RS Minister of In- tions are about EU integration.” ternal Affairs (MoI) Stanislav Mr Čađo said the RS MoI is Čađo, opened a two-day seminar undertaking major efforts to on the issue of “Human Traf- make the environment as safe as ficking, from the Perspective of possible. The results are appar- Criminal Law”, at the RS Na- ent from two actions last year, in tional Assembly in Banja Luka. which 11 persons were arrested Emphasizing that the EU has for trafficking in human beings observed substantial progress in and sexual abuse. Dimitris Kourkoulas and Stanislav Čađo fighting human trafficking in “This is not a problem that familiarise participants with EU between victims and the judicial BiH, Mr. Kourkoulas welcomed occurred yesterday,” he said. legislation in this field and its im- authorities and cooperation be- efforts by the RS MoI to combat “The RS MoI is doing all we plementation in member states. tween police and NGOs. this kind of crime: can to fight this kind of crime, It gathered representatives of se- The seminar was organised “Trafficking is an extremely and this seminar hosted by RS curity agencies and prosecutors with the support of TAIEX – serious problem, because it MoI will help.” He added that offices from the State, entities Technical Assistance and Infor- jeopardizes the physical and such events promote the har- and Brčko District as well as rep- mation Exchange, an instrument psychological integrity of monization of local regulation resentatives of NGOs. Topics of the Directorate-General En- human beings,“ he said. and legislation with European included protection of victims, largement of the European „But it is also connected to legislation, so as to fight these and regional cooperation in the Commission. TAIEX helps other kinds of crime, such as problems more effectively. fight against trafficking, as well countries harmonize, apply and money laundering, issuing false The Seminar was designed to as steps to enhance cooperation enforce EU legislation. EU NEWSLETTER page 12 2009 No. 1/2

Currently, the program encompasses in total 27 partner countries, including countries of the Western Balkans, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, North Africa and Middle East n 12 March, the Na- tional Tempus Office in BiH and the Dele- gationO of the European Com- mission in BiH, in cooperation with the most important na- tional contractors, organized a day of awareness regarding the Tempus/Erasmus Mundus program, in order to promote international cooperation and improve higher education in BiH. On this occasion, new op- tions in the Tempus/Erasmus Mundus program were pre- sented, with particular attention given to the Tempus IV and Erasmus Mundus 2009-2013 programs. Helene Skikos of the EU Education and Culture Direc- torate, which is in charge of implementing the program, said that Tempus’ aims have re- mained constant: to establish Bosnia and Herzegovina has submitted 42 project applications cooperation and modernize project leaders, with the support date, participating countries out in partnership with various higher education institutions, of their institutions. “Your have submitted 530 project ap- higher-education stakeholders, with the final aim of creating country is more complex than plications; Bosnia and Herze- including educational institu- links in European higher edu- the other countries, and your govina has submitted 42. tions, ministries, companies, cation and cooperation among local authorities are represented Constatino Longares of the non-governmental institutions, member and partner countries. at several levels, not at one level. EC Delegation to BiH ex- associations, and other organi- TEMPUS (Trans-European However we can still cooperate. plained that in total 76 projects zations from the EU and part- Mobility Scheme for Univer- As you can see, BiH has worked were selected from the other ner countries. They cooperate sity) Studies is an EU program on its presentation and achieved participating countries, repre- through the exchange of expe- established in 1990 after the fall very good results in the Tempus senting a 15% rate of success, rience, know-how and best of the Berlin Wall. Currently, it project; those results reflect not while 9 projects were selected practice and through joint encompasses 27 partner coun- simply the number of projects from BIH, representing a 21% project implementation. Joint tries, including countries of the but their quality too,” Ms. Skikos rate of success, which is above programs are based on part- Western Balkans, Eastern Eu- said. average. “This has shown us nership between institutions rope, Central Asia, North Af- She pointed out that in addi- that the BiH institutions are dealing with higher education rica and the Middle East. tion to the need for larger in- capable of making and sub- in the EU and partner coun- A fundamental goal of the volvement of local institutions mitting projects, further de- tries. Tempus program is to provide and authorities responsible for monstrating their know-how. The Tempus program has support to partner countries, higher education, there is a Nevertheless, I would like to been implemented in three including Bosnia and Herze- need for a larger engagement see a larger number of appli- phases by the EC Directorate govina in the process of up- of the European Commission cations, which would result in a for Education and Culture, grading higher education in Delegation to Bosnia and higher probability for projects Extension and Assistance, and accordance with Bologna Herzegovina. to be chosen,” said Mr. Lon- has been funded through three Process and Lisbon Strategy Implementation of the last gares. He noted that a BiH EC instruments: the Instru- principles. phase (Tempus IV) began on project implemented in 2006 ments for Pre-accession Assis- Ms. Skikos called on the do- 28 January 2008 with the pub- was chosen as the best practice tance (IPA) for the Western mestic institutions to support lication of the first call for pro- project in the area of creativity Balkan countries, the Euro- projects and to avoid linking posals to participate in Tempus and innovation. The project – pean Neighborhood and Part- projects with just one person projects. A total budget of 51 Procedure of Quality Manage- nership Instrument for the (representing the institution). million Euro for all countries ment to Promote Cooperation Eastern European countries, Therefore, letters of support for has been allocated for this between University and Com- North Africa and the Middle projects have to be signed by the phase. From this amount, the panies – was named the best in East, and the Cooperation In- directors of institutions, and not budget for BIH within the first a competition of 300 projects. strument for the Central Asian by coordinators who will be call was 2.8 million Euro. To Tempus projects are carried countries. EU NEWSLETTER page 13 2009 No. 1/2

The total value of the project is E332 000, out of which the European Union contributed E295 480 while the remaining E36 560 was provided by other participants in the project Tourism promotion he final conference of Canton, relevant BiH Ministries, development, helps stren- efforts by several municipalities. the Posavina Hunting municipalities participating in gthen regional and local to- The Tourist community of and Fishing Paradise the project, tourist communities urism capacities and is an Posavina Canton implemented Tproject took place on Monday and project partners attended element in the broad agenda the project, the Government of 20 May 2009, in Odžak. Partici- the conference. of preparation for European Brčko District is a partner, and pants presented an overview of “We supplied pheasants, fish integration. the Independent Office for De- project activities, experiences were restocked in a number of The main activities carried velopment provided technical gained and results achieved locations and three fishing out in order to achieve the support. from the assistance provided to lodges were built,” said Johann goals envisaged by the project The total value of the proj- 18 hunting and fishing associa- Hesse, Head of the Operations were the creation of a tourist ect is E332 000, of which the tions from Posavina, with a total Section for Economic Develop- package, “Posavina Hunting European Union contributed of 4.853 members. New per- ment and Natural Resources in and Fishing Paradise”, the pro- E295 480, while the remaining spectives for the development the Delegation of the European motion of this package and the E36 560 was provided by other of tourism and the economy of Commission to BiH. “We are promotion of investment in fu- project participants. During the this region were also empha- withdrawing now and we leave ture development of tourist po- 20 months of the project's du- sized. everything to you. How success- tential in the region. ration, tourist infrastructure Representatives of the Euro- ful it will be, depends on your The project was based on the and hunting and fishing capac- pean Commission Delegation to efforts.” needs and potential of tourism ities in the Bosanska Posavina Bosnia and Herzegovina, the The project supports re- development in Bosanska Po- Region were significantly stre- Government of the Posavina gional and local economic savina and is the result of joint ngthened.

In Tarevci, near Modriča, ent Office for Development in the Independent Office for De- partnership with Tuzla Munici- velopment has formally opened pality. The total value of the its new “Object 2”, for small project is 588 548 KM, of and medium companies of the which 89 percent was financed Entrepreneurship & Develop- by the EU. ment Centre. Implementation began in The Office also held a con- October 2007. A 408 m2 ference to conclude the project building was constructed to “Strategic strengthening of ex- accommodate new export-ori- isting and establishment of new ented small and medium en- Entrepreneurship & Develop- terprises. ment Centres in North-East Johann Hesse underlined BiH”. the major importance of the Johann Hesse, Head of the project, in which the EU has Operations Section for Eco- invested €260 000. He said the nomic Reform and Natural Re- view of the European Com- Building for new export-oriented SMEs sources of the European mission is that it is crucial to and inadmissible if returnees positive impact on employ- Commission Delegation to BiH, reinforce the competition of were in a situation where they ment and reconstruction. “We Drago Vuleta, Assistant Minis- small and medium enterprises had to think twice about return can now say that this has be- ter for Refugees and Displaced in Bosnia and Herzegovina, because they did not have the come a small industrial incu- Persons of Republika Srpska, particularly now in a time of means to make a living. This is a bator,” he said. “A new facility Modriča Mayor Mladen Krekić global economic crisis. good example that we can work was constructed for three ex- and other local leaders, as well as Drago Vuleta, Assistant RS together with joint efforts,” port-oriented enterprises. It is representatives of neighbouring Minister for Refugees and Vuleta said, noting that the RS important that 10 to 15 jobs municipalities attended the Ob- DPs, underlined that the Government has invested will be created, and that prod- ject 2 opening ceremony. Tarevci event is a good exam- 110 000 KM in this project. ucts from Modriča will be The project to promote En- ple of how to assist returnees Mayor Krekić congratu- placed on the European mar- trepreneurship & Development through opening small and lated the Independent Office ket. This is beneficial both, Centres in North-East BiH was medium enterprises. for Development and pointed for Tarevci and for Modriča”, implemented by the Independ- “It would be unforgivable out that the project has had a said Krekić. EU NEWSLETTER page 14 2009 No. 1/2

Football team “Doboj” - winner of the Festival Medals for winners

The Festival was organised by the European Commission Directorate General for Enlargement, the Streetfootballworld Association from Berlin and the Football Friends foundation from Serbia he “Doboj” football pean Commission I wish to team from Bosnia and express our satisfaction that Herzegovina won the we have supported the Euro- TSecond European Street pean Street Football Festival Football Festival, held in Foča this year as well. It is not only from 20 to 24 May 2009. important for the European The Festival was organised Commission to facilitate local by the European Commission cooperation in a country, but Directorate General for En- also to establish regional co- largement, the Streetfootball- operation between the states, world Association from Berlin and such an event is a true ex- and the Football Friends ample of it. Today in the Foundation from Serbia. streets I came across a banner Boris Iarochevitch, First that read ‘Europe in Foča’, Counsellor and Head of Op- and I hope that soon I will see erations of the EC Delegation a sign that reads ‘Foča in Eu- to BiH, opened the Festival rope’,” Iarochevitch said. Football makes friends During the meeting be- Vladimir Borković, Direc- tween the organisers and tor of the Streetfootballworld media representatives from Association, said that the Foča the whole of Europe, Zd- event was an excellent oppor- ravko Krsmanović, the mayor tunity for young people to of Foča Municipality, ex- meet, show their skills and pressed his satisfaction that promote football as an instru- Foča again hosted the Euro- ment for social development. pean Street Football Festival. The meeting was also at- “With these football tended by Zoran Avramović, events, over a short period of president of the Football time, we have succeeded in Friends foundation, who achieving major changes in replied to Boris Iarochevitch our municipality: all indicted that this Festival was proof war criminals are now before that Foča is already in Europe. 24 teams took part in the Tournament the Hague Tribunal, relations Representative of the English and commended the excep- He conveyed greetings between Serbs and Bosniaks Premiership Academy Ri- tional organisation this year, from Olli Rehn, the EU Com- in Foča are exemplary for the chard Money, and Jimmy Nel- adding that the excellent or- missioner for Enlargement whole of BiH, and Foča is son of Newcastle United ganisation and success of the and Dimitris Kourkoulas, once again on the map of Eu- underlined that the Festival Streetfootball Festival Foča Head of the European Com- rope. Football is much more was not only about football, 2008 was the inspiration sup- mission Delegation to BiH, than a competition, more than but about friendship as well. porting this sports festival for and wished good luck to par- a game. Football is about so- Corina Eqqenberger, FIFA the second time. ticipants and a successful fes- cialising, friendship and trust,” representative and Jimmy “On behalf of the Euro- tival in Foča. Krsmanović said. Nelson presented a symbolic EU NEWSLETTER page 15 2009 No. 1/2

The European Delegation develop tourism,” Kourkoulas Commission in BiH organ- said. “In addition, sport is cer- ized a conference in support tainly the best possible way of to launch the World Rafting bringing people together, Championship that took place which is one reason for our in BiH during May 2009 on support. I look forward to the Vrbas and Tara rivers. The Sarajevo preparing its candida- conference was connected to ture to host the Winter the “Vrbas Adventure Re- Olympics and for the inaugu- sort” project, which is co-fi- ration of that candidature to nanced by the European be held in Banja Luka.” Guests from 16 countries arrived in Foča Union and Banja Luka City. Kourkoulas noted that the The Conference marked European Commission has the formal launch of a cam- been supporting tourism devel- paign to publicise the world opment in BiH for ten years. gift to Mayor Krsmanović. Mr rafting championship, which Prime Minister Špirić Nelson said he hoped the gift took place in BiH during May thanked the EC Delegation for would be a daily reminder of Newcastle United. The finals of the Second European Street Football Festival caught the interest of Stevan Stojanović, the former goalkeeper of the Teams comprising four Serbian team, “Crvena zve- boys and four girls played 5- zda” (“Red Star”), which on-5 10-minute games, fol- won the European Cup in lowing the rules of fair play. 1991. He offered useful ad- There were no referees in the vice about the game to the games played, and breaks young football players. were called by players them- Twenty-four teams from selves by a simple raising of 16 countries, each with eight the hand. At the start of each youngsters, all amateur street game, the players set the rules football players, participated of the game and at the end

Sport is about friendship on the Vrbas and Tara rivers. providing support for the Vrbas The successful organisa- Adventure Resort project, tion of five ecological events which was funded by the Euro- of the Balkan League, then pean Commission through its the 2005 European Competi- EURED Program, aiming to tion, and the World Cup series develop sustainable and com- in the last twelve months all petitive adventure tourism. served as an excellent intro- Aleksandar Pastir, Director duction for BiH to become of the World Rafting Compe- the host of the World Rafting tition, confirmed that official Championships. applications were submitted by The organisation of the 40 states, including 13 EU competition was supported by member states, for approxi- in the tournament. Partici- discussed whether the rules the Head of the European mately 600 competitors. More pants were boys and girls aged had been followed. Commission Delegation to than 40 teams participated, in- 14 to 18 from Serbia, Croatia, Participants also attended BIH, Dimitris Kourkoulas, cluding 25 female teams. The Portugal, Poland, England, workshops on fair play in and the Chairman of the BIH competition took place from Ukraine, the Czech Republic, football, and thus learned Council of Ministers, Nikola 17 May through 24 May, 2009 Germany, Montenegro, Hun- about intercultural under- Špirić. on the Vrbas and Tara rivers, in gary, Macedonia, Turkey, standing and social develop- “Hosting the world rafting several courses including spri- France, Ireland and Bosnia ment. All participants received competition has shown that nt, head to head, down river and Herzegovina. medals and gifts. BiH has enormous potential to and slalom. EU NEWSLETTER page 16 2009 No. 1/2

The European Commission’s DG Enlargement has The EC and Sweden have common priorities such as sup- launched a new website “Southeast Europe: People and port for public administration reform and the judicial sector Culture”. and for economic development, the Director General of the On this web page (www.southeast-europe.eu) jour- Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency-Sida, nalists from the Western Balkans and Turkey present the Anders Nordström, said after his meeting with the Charge local music scene, film production, books, food special- d’Affaires of the EC Delegation to BiH, Boris Iarochevitch. ties and much more through articles and audio-visual ma- Specifically, cooperation terial. An events calendar gives visitors the opportunity between Sweden and the EC to find out about cultural and sports events in the region. regarding support for the 2011 The website aims to raise awareness of the cultural rich- BiH Population and Housing ness of the region currently on the EU enlargement Census has been agreed. Con- agenda. ducting the Census is a high priority because it will improve the statistical capacity in all three statistics institutions in BiH, strengthen the statistical system of BiH, and improve On World Press Freedom Day, 3 May, the Commission is the quality and comprehen- officially launching the Lorenzo Natali Prize for 2009. The siveness of statistics. Poor sta- prize is awarded in partnership with Reporters Without Bor- tistics is widely seen as a major ders and the World Association of Newspapers to journalists barrier to sound policy making who have demonstrated a commitment to human rights, without which BiH cannot democracy and development. achieve the level of economic The European Commis- development necessary to join sioner for Development and the EU. Humanitarian Aid, Louis Mi- Anders Nordström Preparation for the Cen- chel, said: “Democracy can- sus is a strategic choice for EU IPA assistance. The Project has not exist without freedom of been developed by the BiH Agency for Statistics in cooperation information. Lack of infor- with the two entity statistical institutes. Sweden has decided to mation makes for an un- make a contribution amounting to approximately €1 600 000, healthy society. The ideals of development, human rights and which together with the EU contributions will result in a total democracy cannot be achieved without free and independent contribution of up to €3 000 000. The Swedish contribution media to raise questions and stimulate debate. The European will be part of IPA 2008 and is planned to be effective by the Commission’s aim in organising the Lorenzo Natali Prize is to end of this year. support committed journalists who contribute to the cause of development, democracy and human rights through the qual- ity of their work.” The Natali Prize is an international press award dating back to 1992. In 2008 over 1500 journalists from 151 countries took SEETV (South East Europe part. It is open to journalists working in TV, radio, the press TV) has launched its new web- and online. based video newsroom provid- Interested journalists have until 30 June 2009. to apply ing EU affairs coverage for (www.nataliprize2009.eu). The winners will receive their broadcasters in the Balkans. Now EU news with a Balkan angle prizes at a special award ceremony in Stockholm in October, in can be downloaded and used in broadcast quality, following a the presence of the European Commissioner for Development simple registration procedure. and Humanitarian Aid. This tailor-made internet platform developed by SEETV Prizes worth a total of €60 000 will be awarded to the win- offers a wide range of topical interviews with EU experts ners in the different sections: Africa, Europe, Maghreb/Middle and politicians on hot issues related to EU integration: from East, Asia and Latin America/Caribbean. visa policy to the financial crisis aftermath, and international For the organisation of the Lorenzo Natali Prize, the Eu- justice. ropean Commission is once again working with two of the This service is primarily targeted at Western Balkan journalists most prestigious world press associations: following EU affairs, but will be useful to anyone with an interest in -Reporters Without Borders, winner of the Sakharov Prize a Balkan angle on EU public affairs. We invite you to visit this web- for Freedom of Thought in 2005; and the World Association site and find out more on SEETV’s coverage of the most up-to- of Newspapers, which represents over 18,000 publications in all date topics at http://www.seetv-exchanges.com five continents. Produced by: BORAM, Editor: Danka Savić, Lead photographer: Jasmin Fazlagić, Editing and printed by: LH Print and CPU

Delegation of the European Commission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Skenderija 3a, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Tel: +387 33 254 700

European union home page: www.europa.eu The EU’s actions in BiH web page: http://ec.europa.eu./comm/enlargement/bosnia_herzegovina/index.htm European Commission Delegation to BiH: www.europa.ba

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