The IPA II CBC Serbia – Bosnia and Hercegovina 2014-2020 is the second generation of the cross border cooperation programmes between the two countries. The programme for cross-border cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina will be implemented under the framework of the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA II). IPA II supports cross-border cooperation with a view to promoting good neighborly relations, fostering union integration, promoting socio-economic development and encouraging tourism and cultural and natural heritage across the border.
The programme’s is to contribute to economic, social and territorial development of the programme area by fostering integration, joint development and use of potentials and opportunities to make the area attractive to live and work in. The programme intervention areas shall build on strengths and potentials to seize the most relevant opportunities, improve the weaknesses and minimize threats. Balance between the integration and development objectives and feasibility of implementation were considered. The programme therefore focuses on the following three thematic priorities:
Promoting employment, labor mobility and social and cultural inclusion across the border-the priority should contribute to a better economic and social integration of vulnerable and marginalised groups. The challenges are similar at both sides of the border and the overall thematic priority provides solid opportunities for real joint cross-border initiatives (for instance joint trainings, joint social inclusion efforts).
The preserved environment represents one of the key comparative advantages of the programme area. This priority is closely connected with other priorities, for instance tourism. Failure to address the challenges of this field could result in significant short term (natural disasters) and long term (degraded environment) negative consequences. The thematic priority closely connects both sides of the border especially throughout the Drina river catchment area. Strong cross-border impact can be expected in risk prevention and environment protection initiatives.
Encouraging tourism and cultural and natural heritage. Tourism is considered a high priority sector, based on numerous attractions of the area. Having in mind similarities and synergies of territories from both sides of the border, the sector provides strong opportunities for cross-border cooperation. The typology of projects (joint activities, joint tourism areas) indicates solid possibilities for genuine cross-border cooperation.
