Paola Pampaloni, Head of Unit for Bosnia and Herzegovina within DG Enlargement of the European Commission, chaired a two-day interim sub-committee in Banja Luka on trade, industry, customs, taxation and cooperation with other candidate countries, which took place on 18 and 19 March. It was assessed that BiH should make further efforts to approximate its legislation to the EU laws, in particular to strengthen the competitiveness of its economy and improve the business environment.

Ms. Pampaloni addressed the conference organized by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung “The role of the social and economic dialogue for economic development in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, by presenting the Brussels perspective, EU enlargement policy and key challenges lying ahead of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ms. Pampaloni gave an overview of the Stabilization and Association Agreement between the EU and BiH and aspects related to the European integration process.

Ms. Pampaloni visited the BiH Indirect Taxation Authority (ITA), where she met with the Director Kemal Causevic and heads of department. Ms. Pampaloni noted that ITA is one of the most important institutions to ensure a smooth implementation of the interim agreement between the EU and BiH on trade related matters. ITA thanked the EU for the assistance received through CAFO and TACTA.

Ms. Pampaloni met with the NGOs “ACED” and “Zdravo da ste” supported through the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR), respectively for the empowerment of disabled and for fighting against juvenile delinquency.

During her visit to Banja Luka, Ms. Pampaloni also met with Zeljka Cvijanović, Chief of Cabinet of the RS Prime Minister, Miroslav Mikeš, deputy chair of the RS Council of Peoples and Igor Radojicić, Speaker of the RS National Assembly. Ms. Pampaloni stressed the need for BiH to harmonize its Constitution with the European Convention on Human Rights and to urgently adopt census and state aid laws, both at state level.