EUR 12.5 million for reforming local governance and water services in BiH
The European Union, Switzerland, Sweden and the Czech Republic, through the Municipal Environmental Governance Project (MEG/EU4MEG), supported 29 local governments across Bosnia and Herzegovina in improving public service delivery, while competent ministries were supported in modernising the water services sector, benefiting more than one million citizens.
More than 80% of partner local self-government units improved their management systems, increased transparency and ensured better access to information for citizens. In the water services sector, improvements were recorded in operational efficiency, reduction of water losses and the quality of service monitoring. The results-based approach, linking financial support to measurable performance, ensured that funds were directed where reforms were effectively implemented and results were visible on the ground.
Alongside infrastructure investments, new performance management methodologies and tools were introduced, strategic planning was strengthened, and mechanisms for citizen participation in decision-making and the resolution of communal issues were reinforced. Improvements were also made to the regulatory framework in the water services sector, laying the foundation for long-term sustainable reforms aligned with European Union standards.
“Switzerland supports improvements in the performance of local governments and their municipal utilities because they directly affect the quality of life of citizens. The MEG partnership has demonstrated that success can be achieved when partners are committed and engaged, and that even small changes can make a big difference. It is extremely important that higher levels of government complete the institutionalization of all MEG tools to ensure their harmonized application across the country.”
Georgette Bruchez, Director of Cooperation and Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Switzerland in Bosnia and Herzegovina
“The European Union’s support to the water sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina follows a dual approach. We invest in infrastructure to ensure safe and reliable water supply and wastewater treatment, while at the same time supporting reforms to ensure these investments are sustainable. Through the EU4MEG project, together with our partners, we strengthened the legal and regulatory framework as well as the capacities of domestic institutions for quality and sustainable management of water services for the benefit of citizens.”
Magdalena Mueller Uri, Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina
“Sweden is proud to be part of a partnership that for more than two decades has contributed to strengthening the water sector and improving local governance in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through the MEG project, we supported more accountable governance, financial sustainability of utility services, and the transition to more transparent and efficient operating models, so that citizens can access safe and reliable water services.”
Birgitte Jansson, Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden in Bosnia and Herzegovina
“Bosnia and Herzegovina ranks seventh in Europe in terms of water availability, while the Czech Republic has nine times less water than BiH. That is why we are part of this water alliance, the MEG story with municipalities. We bring solutions that are economically viable and practical for water management.”
H.E. Jana K. Lolić Šindelková, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Bosnia and Herzegovina
“MEG mobilized local communities and institutions at all levels to ensure that improved practices are embedded in public policies. In the third phase, the key priority will be to secure genuine ownership and leadership in managing the water sector by domestic institutions, ensuring that the established systems become lasting practice.”Renaud Meyer, Resident Representative of UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The total value of the project amounted to approximately EUR 12.5 million, jointly financed by the European Union, the Government of Switzerland, Sweden and the Government of the Czech Republic, with significant co-financing from partner local governments, which contributed EUR 4.25 million from their own budgets. The project is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The third phase of the project, MEG3, will focus on institutionalising established mechanisms, transferring knowledge and tools to domestic institutions, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of achieved results in public administration and the water services sector.