President Obama Cuts Foreign Aid to BiH

On April 10, 2013, the Obama Administration released its budget proposal for the FY 2014. The proposed budget allocation for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) for FY 2014 is $27.7 million dollars, a 32.2 percent decrease from FY 2013.

The Obama Administration has requested $15.5 million dollars for economic support, $6.7 million dollars for international narcotics control and law enforcement, $4.5 million dollars for foreign military spending and $1 million dollars for international military education and training.

ACBH President, Admir Serifovic expressed concern over the cuts in the proposed budget stating that "Bosnia has an alarmingly high unemployment rate at over 44% and the youth unemployment rate at 57% – one of the highest in all of Europe. These reductions come at a time when Bosnia needs greater assistance, not less. We are hopeful that the Administration and the U.S. Congress will be able find a compromise that would provide Bosnia with necessary assistance in this critical time for its future."

In the 21 years since the end of the war, U.S. foreign aid has helped private enterprise in BiH by assisting businesses to restart operations – ensuring the employment of over 16,000 Bosnians. The aid has helped BiH implement a modern banking system, provided grants to micro-credit organizations, strengthen the rule of law and combat terrorism among other things.