Today, a significant milestone was achieved for healthcare in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the formal signing of the EU4Health Association Agreement. This event marks a substantial advancement in the country's health policy and system improvements.

The agreement was signed by Dubravka Bosnjak, Bosnia and Herzegovina's Minister of Civil Affairs, and Stella Kyriakides, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety. With this agreement, Bosnia and Herzegovina gains access to the EU's €5.3 billion fund designated for the EU4Health program from 2021 to 2027—the largest financial commitment in the history of EU health programs.

Minister Bosnjak expressed her satisfaction with the signing, highlighting the numerous benefits that the EU4Health program will bring to Bosnia and Herzegovina's healthcare system.

“This is a great opportunity for us to modernize and improve our healthcare system and align it with European standards. Access to European funds and resources will enable us to respond more swiftly to health challenges, enhance the quality of healthcare services, and ensure better health conditions for everyone in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Bosnjak.

She emphasized that joining the program is not just about funding. It involves strengthening cooperation and sharing best practices with other EU member states, which is crucial for achieving success in utilizing the program's opportunities.

Commissioner Kyriakides shared her enthusiasm about Bosnia and Herzegovina's participation in the program.

“EU4Health presents a tremendous opportunity for the healthcare systems of all participating countries,” Kyriakides stated.

The signing ceremony was also attended by Lorena Boix Alonso, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, Jurica Arapovic, Assistant Minister in the Health Sector, Davor Bosnjak, Head of the Office of the Minister of Civil Affairs, and Obrad Kesic, Head of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Mission to the European Union.

The EU4Health program, established by EU Regulation 2021/522 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, aims to strengthen health systems in participating countries, making them more resilient and accessible to effectively face long-term health challenges.

The program contributes to four general objectives and ten specific goals, focusing on health improvement and promotion, protection from serious cross-border health threats, improved access to medicines and medical products, and strengthening health systems.

In 2024 alone, over €752 million will be available to participating countries, including entities from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Eligible applicants include public and private sector health organizations, professional bodies in public health, associations, foundations, networks of health professionals, educational institutions, research institutes, social enterprises in health, and NGOs. Individual applications are not permitted.

The program is expected to enhance cooperation with EU countries and other program members, facilitating knowledge exchange and best practices in responding to cross-border health threats. It also aims to advance disease prevention, particularly cancer, and drive progress toward digital transformation in healthcare.

A Coordination Desk for the EU4Health Program will be established within the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina to inform stakeholders about project application opportunities and provide support during the application process.

The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina supported the Ministry's initiative, and the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina approved the International Agreement with the European Union. The signing of the agreement allows Bosnia and Herzegovina to retroactively participate in open calls from the EU4Health Program starting January 1, 2024.

This landmark agreement represents a significant step toward strengthening Bosnia and Herzegovina's healthcare system and aligning it more closely with European standards.