Cooperation Agreement in the Field of Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development signed between the Council of Ministers of BiH and the Government of the Republic of Croatia

Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH Mirko Šarović and the Minister of Environmental and Nature Protection Slaven Dobrović, today in Zagreb, have signed Cooperation Agreement in the Field of Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development between the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Council of Ministers of BiH.

On this occasion, Minister Šarović said that this act speaks about the will of BiH and Croatia to work closely together on issues that are of particular interest for the citizens of both countries. The cooperation between BiH and Croatia in the field of environmental protection has been going on for years and it is becoming increasingly important every day. This is especially important for both countries because BiH has submitted an application for the EU membership and the support of Croatia is of a great importance for BiH in meeting a demanding accession process to the European Union. The act of signing will be more valuable if its implementation through a determined fight for a responsible, prudent and sustainable management of resources and the environment starts immediately. The signing of the Agreement should be especially seen in the light of the challenges of the recently signed Paris Agreement, as well as meeting UN goals for the sustainable development.

The agreement includes cooperation in the process of approximation and accession to the European Union, exchange of experience in the implementation of international conventions and agreements in the field of environmental protection, climate protection, air, water and land, waste management, management and treatment of waste water, management and treatment of chemicals, preservation and protection of nature, and education in the field of environmental protection.

Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia will cooperate in the exchange of experiences in the harmonization of national legislation with the EU acquis and the implementation of EU legislation, the preparation and implementation of joint projects, exchange of scientific- technical information and material on research and development activities, as well as the application of the best ways in environment management.