This awareness seminar on the cross-border programmes Bosnia and Herzegovina – Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro was organized in the premises of the Chamber of Commerce of BIH Federation in Sarajevo, in close cooperation of the Directorate for European Integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the CBIB.

Different institutions (Municipalities, NGOs, Chambers of Commerce, health care and education institutions, etc.) were invited and 64 persons participated. The event was well covered by the local media (TV, newspapers and radio).

Objective:

The objective of this awareness seminar was to familiarize the potential applicants in Sarajevo region with the cross-border programmes Bosnia and Herzegovina – Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro and with the main characteristics of a cross-border project. More specifically, the objective of the awareness seminar was to help potential applicants to start thinking about projects ideas, preparation of projects and search of relevant partners.

The workshop was officially opened by Ms. Mira Idrizovic, Deputy President, Chamber of Commerce of Federation of BiH. Three presentations were made:

• Introduction to IPA and IPA Component II, cross-border programme Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina – Croatia, presented by Nada Bojanic acting Head of the Department for regional cooperation and CBC programmes, Directorate for European Integration for Bosnia and Herzegovina;
• Regional project Cross Border Institution Building – CBIB and its activities in the Western Balkan region presented by Natasa Gospodjinacki, CBIB team Leader;
• What is a cross-border project (type of projects, type of partners, budget and eligible costs, call for proposal) presented by Vlado Pijunovic from CBIB Sarajevo office;

The presentations were followed by questions and answers.

Conclusions and Lessons Learned:

The great interest of the participants shows that IPA CBC raises many expectations in the region. This seminar not only raised the awareness on IPA cross-border programmes but initiated requests for further similar events where potential project ideas and partners could be identified. A number of questions were raised and that helped the CBIB team to improve the materials for the future similar events.