System Review of Public Administration Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The general objective of the project was to contribute to the establishment of an independent and accountable public administration in line with EU standards and practices.

The purpose was to lay down the basis for a countrywide reform of public administration in the following 6 sectors:

1.       Human Resources Management;

2.       Public Finance;

3.       Legislative drafting

4.       Administrative procedure;

5.       Information technology; and

6.       Institutional communication.

In order to achieve the objectives, 6 System Reviews were carried out by mixed Review Teams, including both specialists from the administration and external consultants (local and international). Each review was made by comparing the present state of the relevant management system in the administration of the State, the Republika Srpska, the Brèko District, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Cantons against a desired end-state corresponding to best European practice. The comparison was carried out by having the reviewed institutions at each level responding to large and detailed questionnaires, in the course of interviews, workshops and seminars. All together, a total of 237 institutions from 14 governmental systems were covered, with a total of over 300 visits, some 250 structured interviews and about 60 larger events (including 30 workshops, 24 presentations and 9 conferences). Representatives of all segments of the administration in the country were actively involved.

The system reviews were complementary to Sector Reviews in 8 key policy areas such as agriculture, Justice and Home Affairs (police), health, education etc

On basis of the above reviews Country Strategy for Public Administration Reform is planned to be produced to progress smoothly in the negotiations of a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the European Union.