Untangling a fragmented Public Procurement System
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s public procurement system struggled with outdated laws, inconsistent procedures, and a lack of transparency, leaving the country out of step with EU standards. Without standardization and effective oversight, the system was prone to inefficiencies, risks of corruption, and mismanagement of public funds.
A blue print aligning with EU excellence
To modernize and elevate Bosnia and Herzegovina’s procurement system, the project deployed a comprehensive strategy focused on three key areas:
Legislative Overhaul
Rewriting the Rules Amended the 2014 public procurement law and executive regulations to align fully with EU directives.
Developed a clear roadmap for integrating EU public procurement standards, while facilitating knowledge exchange through study visits to EU member states.
Tools for Success: Simplifying the Procurement Process
Created standardized tendering and bidding documents, ensuring uniformity and reducing confusion across all levels of public procurement.
Compiled a comprehensive procurement guide, equipping officials with best practices to streamline operations.
Empowering People: Training the Frontline
Certified 2,500 public officials through a nationwide training programme, providing them with the skills and knowledge to manage public procurement in accordance with the new legal framework.
Raised awareness on fraud prevention and ethical procurement, ensuring transparency and integrity in the system.
Through a strategic combination of legal reform, practical tools, and capacity building, Bosnia and Herzegovina now has a public procurement system that is not only aligned with EU standards but is more efficient, transparent, and resilient. The project has set the stage for lasting progress in public sector accountability and procurement practices.
A transparent and Efficient System
The project successfully transformed Bosnia and Herzegovina's public procurement system, delivering significant improvements in transparency, efficiency, and alignment with EU standards.
By modernizing the legal framework, Bosnia and Herzegovina's public procurement law is now fully aligned with EU directives, establishing a consistent and transparent process that increases accountability at all levels of government. The introduction of standardized tender and bidding documents has simplified public procurement procedures, reduced inefficiencies and minimizing errors, creating a smoother and more reliable process for both contracting authorities and economic operators.
In addition, the training and certification of 2,500 public officials has provided the country with a highly skilled workforce capable of confidently managing procurement under the updated legal framework. These trained professionals are well prepared to maintain transparency and ensure compliance, significantly improving the overall effectiveness of the public procurement system. Through awareness-raising campaigns, the project also strengthened the system's defenses against fraud and corruption, fostering a safer and more trustworthy public sector.
