Discussion on the SPRING Program with members of the Swedish Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs

The Committee members were visiting the Western Balkans and chose Bosnia and Herzegovina as one of the countries where they wanted to engage directly with beneficiaries of development programmes and gain a better understanding of the needs, opportunities and challenges they face. These discussions are also important for shaping Sweden’s future development programmes and support for the Western Balkan countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina.

During the meeting, we presented the SPRING – Strategic Partnership for Resilience, Innovation and New Generation Program, which, with the support of Sweden, contributes to the development of a sustainable and competitive economy in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Discussions covered macroeconomic indicators, the role of the private sector in the country’s development, strategic investment in human capital development, including upskilling and acquiring new skills needed for the jobs of the future, as well as the creation of higher-quality jobs. The participants also discussed how SPRING contributes to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s progress within the Growth Plan, reform processes and its path towards the European Union.

Particular attention was given to how programmes of this kind strengthen domestic companies, support innovation and create new opportunities for young people, entrepreneurs and local communities, while also further connecting the economies of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Sweden through knowledge, cooperation and access to European markets.

We would like to thank the Embassy of Sweden in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the members of the Swedish Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs for their visit and open discussion. Meetings of this kind are highly valuable, as they provide an opportunity to discuss the real needs and opportunities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as forms of support that can bring tangible improvements for people, companies and local communities.