Ten Years of EUSAIR: The way of Championing the Environmental Sustainability
As the EUSAIR EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region marks its 10th anniversary, Bosnia and Herzegovina feels the transformative effects of this decade-long initiative. EUSAIR has fostered regional cooperation, tools for the sustainable development and provided solutions to build the economic growth, connectivity, environmental protection, and institutional collaboration.
Bosnia and Herzegovina co-coordinates Pillar 3 Environmental Quality alongside Slovenia and the newly introduced Pillar 5 Improved Social Cohesion with Croatia, placing it at the center of shaping the region’s future in these areas.
EUSAIR stakeholders from Bosnia and Herzegovina point out several key benefits as a result of the EUSAIR membership. The most impressive are advancements in environmental sustainability via marine and coastal protection, biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, eco-tourism, and green development.
One of major breakthroughs is a capacity building which was led by DEI, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Directorate for European Integration which emerged as a key player in EU macro-regional initiatives, notably through the successful implementation of EUSAIR Facility Point and PANORAMED.
Bosnia and Herzegovina have seen new opportunities for national economic growth through strategic documents on connectivity, infrastructure improvements, and tourism promotion. By demonstrating their leadership in regional cooperation during EUSAIR presidency and the Sarajevo Forum, BiH boosted its international engagement and finally, Bosnia and Herzegovina enhanced capacity in large-scale project management and strategic planning.
“EUSAIR has opened new perspectives for cooperation and networking, especially in environmental protection and tourism. We connected better with neighbors and jointly applied for projects crucial for sustainable development. EUSAIR is an excellent platform not only for project cooperation but also for policy alignment with the EU, especially as Bosnia and Herzegovina progresses on its EU path”, explained EUSAIR National Coordinator Miloš Prica, ambassador-at-large in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Better Connectivity for Boosting Economic Growth
EUSAIR has opened new possibilities for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s businesses, focusing on tourism, SMEs, and market integration. Transnational projects and partnerships have expanded market access.
EUSAIR Transport Masterplan plays a pivotal role in advancing transport networks and provides a strategic framework that guides the development and modernization of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s transport infrastructure, fostering regional connectivity and access to funding opportunities. By aligning national transport projects with this Masterplan, Bosnia and Herzegovina can enhance trade, mobility, and economic growth.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s infrastructure, particularly highways, is improving through realising Corridor Vc (CVc), which connects the northern and southern parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is the first major motorway and stands as the largest infrastructure project in the nation’s history. Over 68 kilometers of motorway, including a cross-border bridge are playing a crucial role in accelerating the country’s economic and social development. But railway development lags behind.
“Railways are a generator of economic development, environmental sustainability, and the basis of the transportation system. So far, it seems, we have learned how to build highways, but at the same time we have completely neglected the development of the railway infrastructure, for which no level of government has ensured adequate financing or reforms to enable significant investments by international partners” said Edin Forto, Minister of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bosnia and Herzegovina expects CVc to be completed by 2030, 500 million of euros to be invested into the modernization of the railway Doboj-Tuzla-Zvornik and building the bridge over Tara river.
Championing Environmental Sustainability
Bosnia and Herzegovina has advanced significantly in environmental protection through EUSAIR, especially during its presidency. Focus areas included the Barcelona Convention, circular economy, climate change, biodiversity, and chemical management.
Several strategic documents were developed with EUSAIR partners. The Coastal Area Management Plan (CAMP) addressed climate change impacts on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Adriatic coast and proposed adaptation measures and projects. A Sustainable Tourism Strategy outlined Neum’s potential and over 20 responsible tourism proposals. A Contingency Plan for the coastal region was also developed, involving all levels of government, though only adopted in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
„Strategic environmental planning was our central achievement. Key documents were prepared in cooperation with EUSAIR countries, including the Coastal Area Management Plan CAMP, which addresses climate change impacts along Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Adriatic coast and proposes adaptation measures and project ideas. A Sustainable Tourism Strategy followed, highlighting Neum’s potential, and presenting over 20 proposals to develop responsible tourism“, explains Senad Oprašić, national co-coordinator for Environmental Quality who joined the Bureau of the Barcelona Convention, deepening cooperation.
Workshops and roundtables explored the creation of a Marine Protected Area (MPA), engaging civil society, academia, and experts. Two Coastal Day events in Neum, supported by UNEP/MAP, honored Dr. Andrej Gajić as Honorary Ambassador of the Mediterranean Coast.
Bosnia and Herzegovina promoted climate issues contributing to key UNFCCC processes, including the Fifth National Communication and third NDC. The ESAP 2030+ strategy, involving 800 stakeholders, aligned Bosnia and Herzegovina’s environmental governance with EU standards. Though not adopted at the state level, it was approved in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska, and Brčko District.
The circular economy gained attention with five flagship projects, including COSFI-MAR, submitted for Interreg ADRION funding. Cross-border cooperation increased, with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s institutions active in regional environmental projects.
Bosnia and Herzegovina also participates in NAMIRS, enhancing maritime accident response. Air quality efforts were boosted by a two-year study in six cities, leading to improved monitoring and equipment. Eco-tourism and river ecosystem projects supported local communities and green growth.
Celebrating BiH’s EUSAIR Presidency and Sarajevo Forum
As Bosnia and Herzegovina advances toward EU membership, EUSAIR serves as a platform demonstrating commitment to EU values and regional cooperation, boosting the country’s credibility as a reliable future member. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EUSAIR presidency highlighted its leadership in regional cooperation. The country advanced strategic priorities, strengthened partnerships, and ensured EUSAIR objectives’ implementation.
“We must invest in cooperation, not division. Stability drives reform, economic growth, and a better life. Strategies like EUSAIR show what we can achieve when working together on common goals”, emphasized Elmedin Konaković, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The EUSAIR Forum in Sarajevo united policymakers, experts, and stakeholders from across the Adriatic-Ionian region, providing a platform for dialogue on regional development, connectivity, and sustainability. It underscored Bosnia and Herzegovina’s commitment and its capacity to host major international events.
Konaković highlighted that EUSAIR initiatives on connectivity, infrastructure, energy, and digital transformation are key to unlocking economic potential and attracting foreign investment in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking to the Future
While Bosnia and Herzegovina has made measurable progress through its participation in EUSAIR, fully realizing the Strategy’s potential remains a complex task. Over the past ten years, DEI has spearheaded EU-related initiatives, partnering closely with the European Commission. Within the new EUSAIR governance project, StEP, DEI coordinates support to EUSAIR in integrating EUSAIR priorities into IPA III. This work is led by Head of Section for Coordination of Public Administration and the Rule of Law Programmes at DEI and EUSAIR EU Funds National Coordinator, Mr Midhat Džemić.
„Major issue with the EUSAIR is the lack of budgeting, necessitating integration of the Action Plan projects into current and future EU financing sources. And this is special problem for EU candidate countries since we can not count on the same level of financing like EU member states. We are more and more pushed to take loans from the EU“, Mr. Džemić commented during this year’s annual Forum.
Also, the division of responsibilities across state, entity, and cantonal levels often results in slow coordination, inconsistent priorities, and administrative bottlenecks that can delay project implementation. Although experience from the past decade has improved inter-institutional cooperation to some extent, structural inefficiencies remain a significant obstacle.
While the strategy offers important opportunities for development and cooperation, progress will require sustained effort, political will, and a more strategic approach to implementation. Bosnia and Herzegovina has used EUSAIR to strengthen regional ties, align with EU environmental standards, and enhance institutional readiness for integration and sustainable development.
