The National Assembly of Republika Srpska (RSNA) wrapped up its 11th regular session Tuesday morning, voting on the final items on the agenda. Among the decisions made was the adoption of amendments to the Law on the Use of the Flag, Coat of Arms, and Anthem.

The law, introduced by RSNA Speaker Nenad Stevandic, allows for the use of Serbian national symbols alongside those of Republika Srpska. It passed with 61 votes in favour, 4 against, and 4 abstentions, with 69 out of the 83 MPs in attendance.

In an expedited process, the Assembly also passed amendments to the Law on the Protection of Whistleblowers and the Law on Special Expropriation Procedures for the construction of an airport in Trebinje.

Under regular procedure, Mps passed the Law on Sole Proprietors and amendments to the Law on the Implementation of Decisions by the Commission for the Protection of National Monuments, in line with Annex 8 of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Assembly further approved draft amendments to several laws, including those on Foreign Investments, the RS Criminal Code, the Judicial Police, and the Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises.

Additionally, the RS government received authorization to borrow seven million euros from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to fund the “Pale Central Heating” project.

The National Assembly also reviewed RS’s financial standing as of the end of last year, noting that the total debt of Republika Srpska as of December 31 amounted to 6.251 billion Bosnian marks, or 39.8 percent of GDP, with public debt making up 5.304 billion marks, or 33.7 percent of GDP.

Of this total, external debt stood at 3.656 billion marks, while domestic debt was 2.595 billion marks.