EIB launches investigation over suspicions of corruption in the construction of BiH highway

"We can confirm that the EIB has been conducting internal investigations into possible prohibited conduct in certain sections of Corridor Vc and has duly informed the relevant BIH and EU authorities of this", the statement said.

"In connection with this, we have enhanced monitoring and reporting measures for Corridor Vc operations and taken other legal measures to ensure the integrity of our funding", it said, noting that, at this point the EIB will not share further information "in the interest of ongoing investigations and due to contractual clauses".

"We remain committed to ensuring accountability in relation to all EIB Global-financed projects and the measures we have taken have underlined this commitment to our counterparts in the country", it said.

N1 contacted the EIB following media reports that the Public Company Motorways of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (JP Autoceste FBiH) is under investigation over suspected corruption and non-transparent spending of EU funds during the construction of the Medakovo–Poprikuse and Ozimice–Poprikuše highway sections.

According to those reports, the funds in question come from EU sources, which prompted the EIB to notify the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). Given that an Italian company was also involved in the project, the case has been assigned to the EPPO office in Venice.