The programme for cross-border cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) will be implemented under the framework of 2021-2027 Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III) with a view to promoting good neighbourly relations, fostering Union integration and promoting socio-economic development through joint local and regional initiatives.

The legal basis for drafting the cross-border Programme: Regulation (EU) 2021/1529 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 September 2021 establishing the Instrument for Pre-Accession assistance (IPA III).

By this instrument EU continues to provide a legal framework for providing financial assistance to the candidate and potential candidate countries in their efforts to encourage political, economic and institutional reforms with the final goal of full membership in the European Union.

Cross-border Programme Serbia-Bosnia and Herzegovina 2021-2027 is implemented under the framework of the Instrument of Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III) and is the result of joint planning efforts made by the governments and other stakeholders of the two countries. IPA III supports cross-border cooperation with a view to promoting good neighborly relations, fostering European Union integration and promoting socio-economic development.

The Programme analyses the socio-economic situation of the border region, sets out a common strategy for remedying problems identified and formulates joint thematic priorities for development. The present programme is based on a thorough review of the challenges and specifics of the programming area.

The overall Union co-financing to the Cross-border Programme for the period 2021-2027 is 14,000,000 EUR while Beneficiaries co-financing is expected to be 2 223 529.42 EUR.