Hello to all the SEEnews readers! My name is Mersiha Zuban and I am the National contact point for the SEE programme for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) since April 2008. My country currently participates in six programmes within the IPA Cross Border Component . For the programming period 2007 - 2013, this Component of IPA is supporting the participation of the beneficiary countries in the ERDF transnational European Territorial Cooperation programmes, such as Mediterranean (MED) and South East Europe (SEE), as well as in CBC bilateral programmes among Western Balkan countries. Directorate for European Integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina acts as the Operating structure for all the six programmes. Cooperation among the countries in such programmes constitutes a prerequisite for politico-economic development and stabilization of the Western Balkan region, while constituting a condition for the progressive integration of the Western Balkan countries into the European Union. In case of Bosnia and Herzegovina, participation in these programmes represents a great challenge, as we have very limited experience in the past through the INTERREG New Neighbourhood Programme. On the other hand, it constitutes an important stage in preparing for EU accession.

Few words about the SEE programme in BiH so far. Although there was no huge campaign before the launching of the call since we had a very limited allocation, more than hundred BiH partners were involved in the 1st step. Sixteen BiH partners were still present after the formal check of the 2nd step, and finally there were 6 approved projects involving partners from BiH, which is very encouraging for the future participation of our partners from in transnational programmes. We are looking forward to the second call!