Guaranteeing local autonomy in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and local government financing in Republika Srpska in compliance with the European Charter of Local Self-Government, were in the focus of two advocacy events organised on 25 April in Sarajevo, and 29 May 2024 in Banja Luka, respectively by the associations of local authorities in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska, with the support of the Congress.
The two events gathered representatives of local, federal and state-level authorities who exchanged on the follow-up to the Congress Recommendation 442(2019) on Local and regional democracy in Bosnia and Herzegovina in their respective Entity.
In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, key topics such as the features of the legal framework for local self-government, and the relations between higher levels of governance and local authorities, their respective competences, as well as the financing and organisation of administrative services were in the focus of the discussions. The event brought together more than 60 participants representing all levels. It resulted in a set of 18 concrete recommendations towards higher levels of government, including on improved consultations with the Association when adopting regulations.
In Republika Srpska, the exchanges concerned the level and structure of local finances, as well as the financial sustainability of local authorities. The panel discussion brought together more than 40 representatives of local and entity-level institutions, resulting in 6 thematic recommendations for higher levels of government, including on active participation of the Association in the development of the Law on Local Self-Government Financing in Republika Srpska.
The two events contributed to further strengthening the dialogue with higher levels of government in view of fostering effective, multi-level and sustainable governance in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They were held within the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Congress and the two associations of municipalities and cities in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and in the Republika Sprska in September 2022
The co-operation with the Associations and achievements in promoting innovating and open local governance were praised during the Steering Committee meeting that took place online on 31 May 2024. The meeting brought together the project partners and beneficiaries– representatives of the Ministry of Justice of Bosnia and Herzegovina, cities of Mostar and Banja Luka, the two Associations of local authorities and municipalities of Modrica and Travnik.
These activities were organised in the framework of the project “Innovating democratic participation at local level in Bosnia and Herzegovina” implemented by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities within the Council of Europe Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2022-2025. The project aims to enhance the quality of local democracy and create opportunities for citizens to engage in innovative participatory processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It promotes new democratic approaches, open government, public ethics, transparent and inclusive local policy making in the country.
