Bosnia and Herzegovina will now be able to participate in all calls for proposals and compete on an equal footing with the EU Member States and the other associated countries, as of 1 January 2009. This is an important step in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s integration into the European Research Area and in the pre-accession process for European Union membership. Bosnia and Herzegovina is the 12th country associated to FP7 and the agreement means all Western Balkan countries are now associated with the programme.
“I am pleased to see that with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s association to the FP7, we have all the Balkan countries on board to participate in the European Research Area”, said Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potočnik.
“Research cooperation with Europe’s scientific community is a tool that can smooth the way for the integration process.” Traditionally the Balkan countries have a solid scientific base, and more research cooperation with the EU will allow for a greater flow of ideas, people and transfer of technology.
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