Meeting in the Ministry of Agriculture of Republic of Srpska regarding IPARD implementation is conducted in Banja Luka, in a period from 11-12 July, 2022.
As the former Director of the Managing Authority, Mr. Konjevic, the SWG Policy Advisor, provided technical assistance to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management of Republika Srpska to establish the IPARD operational structure and align the institutional structure in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Bosnia and Herzegovina is the only country in the Western Balkans that has not yet established the IPARD operational structure, which is a prerequisite for using the European Union’s pre-accession IPARD fund.
Since activities related to the establishment of the IPRD Operational Structure have not progressed in the last three years, the Ministry of Agriculture of Republika Srpska has requested technical assistance from SWG to assist in the development of the model for the IPARD operational structure and assess its compliance with EU requirements. During discussions in Banja Luka with representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture of Republika Srpska, efforts were made to help relevant institutions in Republika Srpska and in Bosnia and Herzegovina to advance this issue and reach an agreement with concrete proposals and guidelines.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management of Republika Srpska plan was to initially develop the model of the IPARD operational structure at a technical level and then present it for political acceptance and adoption. During the meeting, the first part of the assistance focused on the roles, tasks, and responsibilities of the Managing Authority, while the second part addressed the responsibilities and obligations of the IPARD Paying Agency within the IPARD implementation structure.
Continuing this activity is tentatively scheduled for the end of September 2022, after the Ministry of Agriculture of Republika Srpska finalizes the draft of the IPARD structure model based on the given suggestions and guidance. Once this draft is completed, the Ministry will propose a date for the next meeting with the SWG expert.
