The European Union and the International Labour Organization have launched the EU4PEOPLE: Employment Programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a €5 million initiative aimed at modernising employment services and strengthening institutional capacities across all levels of government. The programme, presented at the EU House in Sarajevo, will operate over 42 months to support young people, women from rural areas, persons with disabilities, social assistance beneficiaries, and other vulnerable groups facing limited access to the labour market. EU4PEOPLE aligns with European standards, the EU Pillar of Social Rights, and international labour conventions.
The programme will provide training for around 1,500 individuals, with at least 500 expected to gain employment. It will introduce a minimum of 20 labour market measures and support the creation of at least 50 new businesses, reflecting the EU’s commitment to delivering tangible results such as new jobs and expanded opportunities for disadvantaged groups.
EU4PEOPLE addresses structural challenges in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s labour market, including skills mismatches, insufficient institutional coordination, and unequal quality of public services. By targeting these issues, the programme aims to enhance employability and modernise public employment services.
The Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina plays a key coordinating role, ensuring that EU4PEOPLE aligns with national reforms and European integration obligations. Strong institutional ownership is emphasized as essential for achieving sustainable, measurable outcomes that benefit citizens.
The ILO’s involvement focuses on supporting institutions with technical expertise, helping transform fragmented employment measures into coordinated, high-quality services. The programme seeks to equip institutions with the capacities, tools, and standards needed for long-term improvement, especially for those most in need.
EU4PEOPLE builds on prior EU initiatives, including the €5.5 million EU4Employment project, reinforcing the European Union’s long-term investment in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s employment sector and commitment to improving labour market opportunities for vulnerable groups.
