EU and ILO launch €5 million "EU4PEOPLE" programme to boost employment in Bosnia

The project specifically targets those facing the highest barriers to entry in the workforce, such as young people, women from rural areas, persons with disabilities, and social assistance beneficiaries. Magdalena Mueller-Uri, Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to BiH, emphasized that the programme is built on achieving concrete results. Over the next three and a half years, the initiative plans to provide professional training for 1,500 individuals, facilitate the direct employment of at least 500 people, and support the launch of at least 50 new businesses.

Despite some positive economic trends, Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to struggle with skills mismatches and fragmented public services. Lidija Markota, from the Ministry of Civil Affairs, noted that significant structural challenges remain and stressed that institutional ownership is vital for these reforms to align with the country's European integration goals. The ILO will provide the technical expertise necessary to transform current services into a more personalized and coordinated system.

Claire Harasty, Director of the ILO Office for Central and Eastern Europe, stated that EU4PEOPLE is designed to move away from fragmented measures toward high-quality services that effectively connect people with opportunities. This grant follows the ongoing €5.5 million EU4Employment project, signaling a sustained investment by the EU in the region's socio-economic stability. By aligning with the EU Pillar of Social Rights and international labor standards, the programme seeks to create a more inclusive labor market that ensures no one is left behind.