Delegation of Development Agencies from the Republic of Srpska Visits Brussels

The Representation of the Republic of Srpska in Brussels organized a study visit for a delegation of representatives from development agencies, local governments, and the Ministry for European Integration and International Cooperation. The visit took place from 27 to 29 April 2026 and aimed to strengthen cooperation with European institutions, while enhancing understanding of EU funding opportunities and relevant policy frameworks.

The programme was designed to provide direct exchanges with key Brussels-based institutions and organisations active in the areas of EU funding, regional development, territorial cooperation, and innovation. It focused on identifying concrete opportunities for participation

of local and regional actors from Bosnia and Herzegovina in EU-supported initiatives.

During the visit, the delegation visited the Mission of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the European Union, where they exchanged views and experiences on EU programmes with H.E. Obrad Kesić, Ambassador and Head of Mission, who welcomed and hosted the delegation.

A key component of the visit was dedicated to EU funding instruments and practical guidance for participation. The meeting with the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) provided valuable insights into the Single Market Programme, the European Innovation Council, and concrete recommendations on applying for EU calls, including common challenges and best practices for project applicants.

The delegation also met with representatives of the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD), where discussions focused on Horizon Europe and opportunities for participation of actors from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Particular attention was given to international cooperation aspects, participation trends, and ways to strengthen engagement of local and regional institutions in research and innovation projects.

Further discussions at the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) focused on Interreg programmes, cross-border and transnational cooperation, as well as macro-regional strategies such as EUSAIR. The exchange provided practical guidance on positioning municipalities and development agencies in future territorial cooperation frameworks and on building partnerships for the upcoming programming period.

The delegation also visited the European Committee of the Regions, where participants gained insights into the role of local and regional authorities in EU policymaking, as well as opportunities for engagement in European initiatives through multilevel governance mechanisms.

In addition, meetings were held with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), focusing on rural development, sustainable food systems, and territorial resilience, as well as with representatives of the Visegrad Fund in Brussels, where discussions explored regional cooperation formats and funding opportunities available to partners from the Western Balkans through V4+ initiatives.

The visit concluded with an exchange of impressions and identification of concrete follow-up steps, with a view to strengthening future cooperation and increasing participation in EU programmes.

This study visit represents an important step in further strengthening the capacities of local and regional development actors from the Republic of Srpska, while also contributing to their more active engagement with European institutions and initiatives in the context of the European integration process.