The veterinary sector is a backbone of agriculture, food safety and public health. To be able to export as many animal products as possible, primarily to the European Union market, as well as to enter new markets, Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to have a modern and efficient animal health control system that complies with the regulatory requirements and standards of the European Union.

This was precisely the contribution of the twinning project that provided support to the veterinary sector in BiH, funded by the European Union with 3 million euros. Over the past four and a half years, experts from Austria, France and Croatia have worked together with their colleagues from Bosnia and Herzegovina to improve the legislative framework in veterinary sector and to align it with the European Union acquis, in the course of which they have delivered a series of training sessions, seminars, practical demonstrations and simulations of numerous procedures in this field. 

The conclusion of this project was marked in Sarajevo today, at a conference that brought together sectoral stakeholders and presented the main results of the project. The Head of Operations Section for Economic Development, Natural Resources and Infrastructures at the Delegation of the European Union to BiH, Antonella Di Sandri, noted that this project was a step forward in improving animal health and welfare, contributing thereby to public health as well as strengthening the country’s economic potential. 

“I am pleased that our experts have had the opportunity to work side by side with their colleagues from Bosnia and Herzegovina, sharing their experience and knowledge that will make a significant improvement in the veterinary sector. This project is not only a step forward in the process of alignment with European rules and standards, but also an investment in the future of the country, agricultural development, food safety and public health. This partnership demonstrates that by working together we can achieve tangible and sustainable results. The EU continues supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path to EU membership, including the application of European standards that deliver concrete benefits to its citizens across the country,” said Di Sandri.

The project identified gaps in the legislative framework and enabled the veterinary service of Bosnia and Herzegovina to address risks to animal health and welfare and to improve the management of animal by-products. More than 50 drafts of legislative documents have been developed, including numerous rulebooks, operational procedures and emergency response plans, which are ready for adoption and implementation by competent institutions.

„Today, after four years and eight months, we are completing an important project in Bosnia and Herzegovina, funded by the European Union.  I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to the EU for their continuous support. A big thank-you as well to our partner countries, Austria, Croatia, and France and to all the experts who contributed their knowledge and expertise over the course of the project. The aim of this Twinning project was to align the veterinary legislation of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the legislation of the European Union. The project was developed through three main components: animal health, animal welfare, and animal by-products. At the conclusion of this significant project, I can proudly say that we have taken concrete steps towards bringing Bosnia and Herzegovina closer to the European Union, especially in the areas of food safety, animal health protection, and public health“, said  dr.vet.med. Pavo Radić, Deputy Director of Veterinary office of BiH.

The project was jointly implemented by leading institutions from three EU member states – the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of France and the Ministry of Agriculture of Croatia – in close cooperation with the State Veterinary Office of BiH and Entity bodies and departments of the Brčko District of BiH. 

In addition to capacity building and the development of legislative framework, the project also strengthened the day-to-day work of veterinary inspectors and officials in BiH through practical training in field conditions. The introduction of standard operating procedures and the development of animal disease control plans are key to ensuring an effective response to outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as African swine fever, brucellosis or avian influenza.

Through this project, the veterinary sector in BiH has gained knowledge valuable for its alignment with EU requirements and standards and has improved the skills of staff in various departments, increasing thereby its capacity to better protect human and animal health and to improve animal products. It is now the responsibility of institutions in BiH to leverage these results and complete the alignment process.