The most frequent question I hear about EU projects is – how do I know which call is open!? It is precisely by feeling the pulse of the population that we have designed and created the interactive web platform EU Projects.
Zlatan Klokić, the Minister of European Integration and International Cooperation of the Republic of Srpska, said that in an interview for Srpskainfo, talking about the new site launched by this ministry in order to promote withdrawals from European Union funds.
– We decided to take this step for the simple reason to enable all interested parties from the Republic of Srpska, and believe me there are many of them, to find all open calls and detailed information about the calls financed by European Union funds in one place. The site is available to potential applicants at www.projektieu.vladars.net and they can all register for free and thus follow the current calls open for applications. The European Union provided funding for the creation of this platform through the project EU4CivilSociety. And we are here for any follow-up questions – says Klokić.
In this regard, how satisfied are you with the withdrawals of European Union funds?
What we can state with certainty is the continuous increase of the amount withdrawn from European Union funds by republic institutions, local self-government units, public and private companies and other users. One of the tasks of this ministry is to increase the total amount of withdrawals from the available European Union funds. In that sense, we have been conducting various activities for several years, primarily through information on available funds, but also through training for project preparation and coordination for the participation of institutions. The above project also fits there. Within only two projects of support to the economy and agriculture (EU4Business EU4Agri), applicants from Srpska have implemented 46 projects of total value of EUR 16.5 million. It is noteworthy that our ministry implements some EU-funded projects alone. For example, through the EU4Civil Society project, we have completed two activities in just one year, and there are three more in the process of implementation, all funded by the EU. Looking at this project, our ministry has implemented convincingly the most activities of all institutions at the republic and BiH level. Thus, we enable savings in our budget, but we also strengthen cooperation with EU donors.
The Republic of Srpska Diaspora Register is operational. What are the results?
I can freely say that this is a great beginning and a good starting point, at least concerning the first two months since the register was established. People contact us every day, inquire about the associations that bring together our people in the diaspora, the cultural and artistic societies. They are all mainly interested in the same things: how and where to register, which forms to fill out, etc. Both individuals and organizations from all over the world are registering. We receive the most applications from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden and Greece. Also, our citizens from Australia, the USA, Belgium and Canada have joined. I will take this opportunity to invite again all our people from the diaspora to register, because the next phase will include the development of various forms of cooperation between the diaspora and the Republic of Srpska through the Register project.
What is the purpose of this register?
The register was established for the purpose of systematic collecting, managing and processing of data on citizens and legal entities and associations in the diaspora, in order to strengthen and develop cooperation, as well as to plan the activities of institutions. Simply put – we assemble to focus the strength we can have together on mutually beneficial projects. Thus, we will obtain more precise data on the number of emigrants, the structure and qualifications of diaspora members. We will plan activities more adequately, but also involve some individuals, associations and organizations in their implementation. Our intention is to create a network that is active, and will encourage communication, knowledge and experience exchange between the diaspora. I emphasize that the cooperation is two-way, which means that the diaspora will also be able to propose appropriate activities. Our task is to be in contact with diaspora associations, to recognize the challenges facing our citizens abroad, and to design our actions to benefit citizens in both the Republic of Srpska and the diaspora. Since everyone asks that right at the start, I repeat once more that entry in the Diaspora Register is voluntary and completely free of charge, there is no membership fee payment of any kind, and there will be no such charges for either the current or the future members.
The Germans have not given up
Representatives of the German company Mubea recently had negotiations with the Government. They were sizing up three locations for possible investments in the Republic of Srpska. Have they given up?
Definitely not and, as things stand now, we rank well. At the beginning of February, they visited all three locations with us and were very satisfied with what they had seen, so we are currently in the shortlist of countries where this well-known company might move part of its portfolio, invest money, and start production. If they choose us, it will be in one of the three locations: Laktaši, Doboj or Prnjavor. We will have that information by the end of October at the latest, as the Germans announced through the negotiations that our ministry has been conducting with them for seven months. I am very optimistic, because I know how much effort the whole team has put into these negotiations.
Source: Srpskainfo
Photo: SINIŠA PAŠALIĆ/RINGIER
EN 
SR 
DE