Bosnia and Herzegovina has officially joined the European Union’s Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) program, gaining access to €762 million in funding for projects aimed at boosting employment, social inclusion, and economic development from 2021 to 2027.
The program, with a strong focus on supporting vulnerable groups, offers institutions, NGOs, educational bodies, local communities, and employers in Bosnia and Herzegovina the chance to take part in initiatives addressing key labor market and social policy challenges, the Ministry of Civil Affairs announced.
Projects may include retraining and workforce development — particularly for young people and the long-term unemployed — as well as support for persons with disabilities, improving working conditions, protecting workers’ rights, and promoting work-life balance.
A range of organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina will be eligible to apply for funding, including NGOs focused on employment and inclusion, government agencies, educational and research institutions, local authorities, chambers of commerce, and employers seeking to enhance labor conditions and workers’ rights.
Details on project calls, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and funding priorities will be published on the European Commission’s official Funding & Tenders Portal, with the first calls expected as early as 2025.
By joining the EaSI program, Bosnia and Herzegovina aligns itself with the EU’s broader efforts to reduce social inequalities, boost employment, and improve labor standards. Beyond financial support, the program also facilitates the adoption of best European practices through experience-sharing and partnerships with organizations across the bloc.
