Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples of PABiH, Dr Dragan Čović, met in Zagreb with the Minister of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy of the Government of the Republic of Croatia

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina (PABiH), Dr Dragan Čović, met in Zagreb with the Minister of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy in the Government of the Republic of Croatia, Mr Marin Piletić. The meeting focused on the implementation of support programmes for social projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina, bilateral relations, labour market development and employment, as well as the further enhancement of cooperation and support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European path.

The discussion highlighted key topics related to the development of social services, strengthening institutional capacities, balanced development of local communities, and active labour market measures. Particular attention was given to programmes aimed at supporting employment, reducing unemployment and expanding job opportunities through social and demographic initiatives. The interlocutors also reflected on the current political context and forthcoming steps in the implementation of European reforms, emphasising the importance of cooperation at all levels of government in achieving shared objectives.

Deputy Speaker Čović expressed his gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Croatia and Minister Piletić for their continued support for projects of importance to Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina and for the country’s European path. He emphasised the essential role of a stable institutional framework and the legitimate political representation of all three constituent peoples as the basis for long-term stability and development. On this occasion, he underscored the further strengthening of the social protection system, incentives for employment and labour market development, and the acceleration of European reforms, highlighting the need for coordinated cooperation with Croatia and international partners to align Bosnia and Herzegovina with European standards.

Minister Piletić expressed his satisfaction with the cooperation and affirmed Croatia’s readiness to continue supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in implementing European reforms, developing social projects and strengthening the labour market. He noted that the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy has, for the third consecutive year, been implementing a programme of engagement with Croats in BiH aimed at supporting their return, retention and full equality, through which more than six million euros have so far been allocated for projects focused on the social and demographic revitalisation of local communities.

It was concluded that strong political engagement and the partnership between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina will remain central to the country’s further progress on the European path. Both sides expressed confidence that continued social programmes and cooperation, as well as initiatives to develop the labour market through support projects, will contribute to strengthening cohesion, ensuring social stability and accelerating the process of European reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Press release from the Office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples, Dr Dragan Čović)