BiH unlocks €140.5 million in EU grants following completion of IPA III ratification

Following today's publication of the Financing Decision for the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III) 2025-2027 Programme in the BiH Official Gazette, Bosnia and Herzegovina has completed the final step in the ratification process. This milestone enables the country to access €140.5 million in non-repayable EU grant funding to support key reforms and investments across the country.

"The European Union and its Member States remain by a considerable margin the largest provider of financial assistance, investor, and trading partner for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Instrument for Pre-Accession helps countries on their EU path meet standards across democratic institutions, rule of law, anti-corruption, the business climate, and environmental protection. This €140.5 million will deliver concrete benefits for BiH citizens, businesses, and public institutions. However, while the EU remains a loyal and consistent partner, Bosnia and Herzegovina is not yet making full use of available EU support. Notably, BiH remains the only partner in the Western Balkans that has not yet received a single euro from the Reform and Growth Facility under the EU Growth Plan. Accessing all available opportunities requires urgent action from domestic authorities. The risk of losing additional 373 million euro by the end of the year is concrete if no action is taken," said the Head of EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in BiH, Ambassador Luigi Soreca.

Citizens and businesses are expected to benefit from measures aimed at ensuring good governance, including efforts to strengthen policy-making processes and improve delivery of public services. Support will also enhance the capacities of public administration and institutions to manage EU funds and better use opportunities that the EU offers.

Funds will also support activities aimed at strengthening the rule of law, fundamental rights and democracy. There will be a particular focus on judicial reforms and strengthening the fight against corruption, supporting an environment conducive to reconciliation, and improving access of migrant women, men, and children to protection services.

Additionally, IPA III 2025-2027 also supports actions for the green agenda and sustainable connectivity. Actions will focus on climate change mitigation, nature and biodiversity protection and waste management in line with EU acquis and objectives of the EU Green Deal and Western Balkans Green Agenda. This will help communities across the country to better deal with the effects of climate change, while also promoting use of greener and cleaner technologies and improving quality of life.

The programme further aims to strengthen competitiveness and inclusive growth, by improving the investment environment and governance in the sustainable management of critical raw materials (CRM). It will also help enhance a sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries in BiH by improving farm productivity, sustainable use of natural resources, food quality and safety as well as animal and plant health and protection. This will improve the resilience and competitiveness of BiH's agricultural sector, benefiting both producers and consumers.