Speaker Dragan Čović Attends Signing of Agreement for Funding Programs and Projects of Special Interest to the Croatian People in BiH

"At the Gallery of the Bishop's Ordinariate in Mostar today, a ceremony was held for the signing of an agreement on the allocation of funds for the financing of programs and projects of special interest to the Croatian people in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the year 2024.

To support the return and sustainable presence of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, improvement of the quality of life, and create conditions for sustainable growth and development. The Government of the Republic of Croatia, at its 15th session held on July 25, 2024, adopted a Decision on the distribution of funds for various projects. A total of €6,500,000 will be allocated to 23 projects in the fields of education and science, 38 projects in the field of culture, 12 projects in the field of healthcare, 94 projects in the field of agriculture, and 32 projects in other key areas.

Speaker of the House of Peoples of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH, Dr. Dragan Čović, addressed the attendees and emphasized: 'The Government of the Republic of Croatia wisely recognizes and simultaneously encourages all institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina to build a path towards European integration, as I am convinced that this is the only foreign policy we can advocate."

Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Andrej Plenković, expressed satisfaction during the event and highlighted: 'First and foremost, I would like to thank our hosts for their preparatory work for this important event, at which nearly 200 contracts were handed out across various sectors in numerous cities, municipalities, and counties. The projects are particularly visible in the three examples we saw today, alongside the awarding of contracts: the construction of the Croatian National Theatre in Mostar, support for the University of Mostar, and the University Clinical Hospital in Mostar. These three segments—culture, education, and healthcare—represent the core  example of how Croatia supports Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, benefiting everyone living in Bosnia and Herzegovina.'

'I would like to take this opportunity to express my satisfaction with today's ceremonial occasion and the gathering here in Mostar, where 199 contracts were signed and delivered. Their implementation will contribute to the quality of life for people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, across all components and areas of life. From Posavina, Central Bosnia, to Herzegovina, the traces of our cooperation and support from the Government of the Republic of Croatia are visible. We will continue in this direction,' said Zvonko Milas, State Secretary of the Central State Office for Croats Outside the Republic of Croatia.

Mayor of Mostar, Dr. Mario Kordić, expressed gratitude to all those involved in these projects, emphasizing that they contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of every citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina, regardless of their affiliation.

Alongside the Speaker of the House of Peoples of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH, Dr. Dragan Čović, Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Andrej Plenković, and State Secretary of the Central State Office for Croats Outside the Republic of Croatia, Zvonko Milas, the ceremony was attended by numerous prominent representatives from the executive and legislative branches of both Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Croatia, as well as representatives from religious, social, and economic areas of life. They agreed that the projects supported through these programs are crucial for the long-term development and improvement of the quality of life for all residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina." (Press release from the Office of the Speaker of the House of Peoples, Dr. Dragan Čović)