Brussels, 22/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - On 22 September, Enlargement Commissioner Štefan Füle sent a letter to the chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Nikola Spiric, informing him that €96 million from the pre-accession investment fund (PIA) for Bosnia will be reallocated to the IPA multi-beneficiary programme for the Western Balkans region. The measure will take effect unless an agreement is notified to the Commission within the next few days, the commissioner's press office stated.
Despite the considerable effort made over recent months, no agreement with the parties concerned has been found, which casts doubt on the signing of a financial agreement with the Commission and the implementation of projects. However, although Bosnian authorities agree about a reduced package for the national programme, the difference could be earmarked for the multi-beneficiary programme, the office said. The agreement may cover all or part of the funds.
The commissioner deplores the fact that Bosnia Herzegovina is the only country of the region that has not been able to finalise the national pre-accession programme, which would be extremely important for helping the country in its move towards European integration. (CG/transl.jl)