The European Union expects Bosnia and Herzegovina to urgently harmonize agricultural support measures and gradually harmonize them with European rules, it was concluded at the ninth meeting of the Subcommittee for Agriculture and Fisheries between the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina, held via video conference, the Directorate for European Integration announced.
The meeting analyzed the progress achieved in the past period, as well as the obligations that BiH must fulfill in order to get closer to the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Data were exchanged on trade in basic, processed and fish products, and BH. the delegation thanked the EU for its continuous support and reiterated the request for the expansion of the quotas for the export of rainbow trout and the allocation of the quota for Livno cheese.
The European Union has clearly emphasized that BiH must establish a unified approach in agricultural policy, including harmonization of all support measures, updating the Strategic Plan for Rural Development and strengthening institutional coordination throughout the country. Special emphasis was placed on the need for urgent preparation and financing of the state agricultural census and improvement of statistics in the sector.
BiH was also warned that it must improve its administrative capacities and prepare for CAP requirements, especially regarding the establishment of a central payment agency and the Integrated Administrative and Control System (IACS), without which it is not possible to use most of the European funds.
The meeting also discussed the drafting of by-laws on the organization of the wine market, protection of geographical origin, and the law on organic production at the state level, which must be harmonized with European standards.
The European Commission specifically called on the authorities in BiH to ensure a reliable animal registration system, intensify disease surveillance, and continue vaccination against rabies and brucellosis. It was pointed out that the harmonization of regulations in the field of food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary issues is of key importance, as well as the strengthening of inspection services and reference laboratories.
It is also expected that BiH will continue work on the state strategy for fisheries and aquaculture and ensure the capacities needed to implement policies in that sector.
The nine-session Subcommittee was co-chaired by Assistant Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH Slobodan Cvijanović and Heinke Veit from the General Directorate for Enlargement and Eastern Neighborhood (DG ENEST), writes NOISE.
