AGP Executive Report

Defense & Security Industry: EU ambassador Luigi Soreca said about 200 Western Balkan firms can produce NATO-standard ammunition, with Bosnia and Serbia leading regional capacity; the message landed during the 4th Sarajevo Security Conference focused on energy security and new defense tech. Aviation & Drones: BHANSA prepared an operational plan to manage the surge in unmanned aircraft traffic, aiming first at safety and detection, then at setting up a U-space system for orderly drone operations. Energy & Infrastructure: Bosnia’s leadership met US lawmakers and highlighted the Southern Gas Interconnection as key for energy security and investment; separately, the Energy Community approved projects of interest, including grid and pumped-storage plans tied to the region. EU Integration & Youth: The EU-backed “Future is the EU” campaign launched in Sarajevo to amplify BiH youth priorities for the European future. Politics & Risk to Business Climate: US officials urged Serbia and Republika Srpska not to honor Ratko Mladić, warning it could affect EU and Euro-Atlantic progress—an issue that matters for investor confidence. Solar for Homes: BiH adopted first home solar grants with full funding for low-income households, pushing energy efficiency into the mainstream. Sports & Talent Pipeline: Bosnia’s UEFA Nations League squad was named for matches in Warsaw, Bucharest, and Zenica, with Edin Džeko among the forwards.

Energy & Markets: Oil pushed above $96 a barrel after US strikes on Iranian crude tankers, while OPEC+ kept its October output plan steady—supporting miners and energy stocks and keeping investors cautious elsewhere. Energy Security: Bosnia’s Presidency and US lawmakers (Murphy, Veasey) stressed stability as a prerequisite for investment, with renewed focus on the Southern Gas Interconnection and state property solutions. Renewables for Households: The Federation adopted a 2026–2030 rooftop solar self-consumption incentive: fully covering costs for socially vulnerable families, and grants up to 7,000 BAM (systems capped at 10.8 kW) for others after grid connection. Aviation & Drones: BHANSA prepared an operational plan for the surge in unmanned aircraft traffic, aiming first at safety and detection, then at setting up a U-space system for orderly management. Trade & Investment Links: Israel’s Chamber of Commerce opened a Banja Luka office to deepen business ties with Republika Srpska, as BiH’s political leadership also pushes economic and energy cooperation with the US. Security Conference: Sarajevo’s 4th Security Conference drew 300+ participants on Europe’s divided security landscape, including energy security and AI in defense. Industry & Skills: The EU4ADMIN project wrapped up after nearly three years, aiming to improve Bosnia’s official statistics by expanding the use of administrative data.

Energy & Industry Policy: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s solar push gets a boost as the Federation adopts a 2026–2030 residential self-consumption incentive, covering fully for socially vulnerable households and offering grants up to 7,000 BAM (max 10.8 kW) for others once systems are grid-connected. Security & Aviation: BHANSA has drafted an operational plan to manage the surge in drone traffic, aiming first at safety and detection, then at setting up a U-space system for orderly unmanned aircraft management. Investment Climate: BiH Presidency member Željko Komšić met US Congressmen Greg Murphy and Marc Veasey, stressing stability as a prerequisite for investment and highlighting the Southern Interconnection gas project plus state-property solutions to unlock new opportunities. EU Integration: Foreign Minister Elmedin Konaković told EU counterparts in Dublin that enlargement is now a strategic and security need, arguing BiH’s reforms can move faster with a credible European path. Trade & Business Links: Israel expands economic ties with Republika Srpska by opening an Israel Chamber of Commerce office in Banja Luka. Governance & Data: EU4ADMIN wraps up after nearly three years, aiming to improve how administrative data feeds into BiH’s official statistics. Defense & Regional Security: The 4th Sarajevo Security Conference drew 300+ participants on “Securing Europe in a Divided World,” with NATO leadership stressing constant vigilance against division and malign influence.

Diplomacy & Energy: BiH Foreign Minister Elmedin Konaković met U.S. Congressmen Gregory Murphy and Marc Veasey in Sarajevo, stressing American support for BiH’s stability and sovereignty and pushing for deeper economic and energy cooperation, including the Southern Gas Interconnection. Trade & Investment: Israel opened its first Chamber of Commerce office in Republika Srpska (Banja Luka), aiming to turn closer political ties into practical links for trade, investment and technology. Aviation Safety & Drones: BHANSA unveiled an operational plan to manage the security risks from rapidly growing unmanned aircraft traffic, with a two-phase approach covering safety/detection first and then building the U-space system for orderly drone management. EU Integration & Governance Data: The EU4ADMIN project wrapped up after nearly three years, targeting better use of administrative data to strengthen BiH’s official statistics system in line with EU practices. Energy Transition (Homes): Federation authorities adopted a 2026–2030 residential solar self-consumption incentive, covering full system costs for socially vulnerable households and offering large grants (up to 7,000 BAM) for others after grid connection. Defense Industry & Tech: Sarajevo hosted the “Balkan Shield – Defense Industry Expo & Summit 2026” spotlighting domestically produced drones from CNT Sarajevo, underscoring local tech capacity and “technological sovereignty.” Security & NATO: The 4th Sarajevo Security Conference drew 300+ participants and 140 speakers, with NATO leadership warning that stability requires constant institutional partnership amid division and malign influence.

Energy & Industry Policy: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Federation adopted a 2026-2030 residential solar self-consumption incentive, with full system cost coverage for socially vulnerable households and 50% grants (up to 7,000 BAM) for others, aiming to cut bills and boost grid-connected rooftop production. Aviation & Security Tech: BHANSA prepared an operational plan to manage the surge in drone traffic, with a two-phase approach focused on safety and then building the U-space system for orderly unmanned aircraft management. Defense & Domestic Tech: At the “First Balkan Shield – Defense Industry Expo & Summit 2026” in Sarajevo, Bosnia’s Center for Advanced Technologies (CNT) showcased locally developed drones, highlighting growing dedicated industry capacity. EU Integration & Governance: The EU4ADMIN project wrapped up after nearly three years, targeting better use of administrative data to strengthen BiH’s official statistics system in line with EU practices. Trade & Investment Links: A new Israel Chamber of Commerce representative office opened in Banja Luka, signaling deeper Israel–Republika Srpska cooperation in trade, investment, and technology.

Security & Defense: Bosnia’s 4th Sarajevo Security Conference drew 300+ participants and 140 speakers to focus on “Securing Europe in a Divided World,” with NATO stressing that stability needs constant institutional effort, not complacency. Aviation & Drones: BHANSA says it has built an operational plan to manage the security risks from rapidly growing unmanned aircraft traffic, including a two-phase approach toward safety measures and the future U-space system. EU Integration & Governance: The BiH Presidency approved a new consulate in Split and ratified multiple international instruments, while EU4ADMIN wrapped up nearly three years of work to improve how administrative data feeds official statistics. Energy & Grid Planning: Bosnia’s energy policy is moving through Energy Community-related project evaluation, with regional network upgrades and storage concepts highlighted as priorities. Renewables for Households: The Federation adopted a 2026–2030 residential solar self-consumption incentive, covering costs for socially vulnerable families and offering major grants for others after grid connection. Maritime & Fisheries Science: A new Adriatic fisheries science unit was inaugurated in Split to strengthen sustainable, research-based management across shared waters. Local Industry Spotlight: Bosnia’s domestic drone push got attention at “First Balkan Shield – Defense Industry Expo & Summit 2026,” showcasing multiple CNT Sarajevo UAV models. Controversy Watch: A report alleges irregularities around FBiH pension institute flat sales involving director Mehmed Mahmić’s circle, raising fresh questions about procurement and conflicts of interest.

Energy & Grid Integration: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Presidency approved new consular and international accords, while also ratifying a wide set of multilateral instruments tied to digital transport, AI, civil aviation, e-commerce, and labor standards—moves that can speed up cross-border business rules. Renewables for Households: The Federation adopted a 2026–2030 residential solar self-consumption incentive: socially vulnerable families can get full system coverage, while other households can receive a grant covering 50% (up to 7,000 BAM) for systems up to 10.8 kW, paid after grid connection. EU Accession Push: BiH FM Elmedin Konaković told EU ministers in Dublin that enlargement is now a strategic security need, pointing to reforms adopted after years of blockades. Defense & Industry Expo: Bosnia’s domestic drone push drew major attention at “Balkan Shield – Defense Industry Expo & Summit 2026,” showcasing locally developed UAV models from CNT Sarajevo. Maritime & Fisheries Science: A new Adriatic Sea fisheries unit was inaugurated in Split under FAO/GFCM to strengthen science-based management—relevant for regional food production and coastal industry. Aviation Software Deal: Veryon acquired Polaris Aero, adding safety management tools and data for aircraft operators and MROs.

Residential Solar Push: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Federation adopted a 2026–2030 incentive for rooftop solar self-consumption, with full system cost coverage for socially vulnerable households and 50% grants (up to 7,000 KM) for others, capped at 10.8 kW and paid after grid connection—aimed at cutting bills and easing energy pressure. Election Integrity Tech: Bosnia and Herzegovina is deploying new biometric voter ID devices and ballot scanners nationwide (6,000 each) via IDDEEA and Smartmatic BH under a 74.5M KM contract, targeting multiple voting and fraud ahead of the general election campaign. Energy & Jobs Pressure: Zenica coal miners staged a protest over unpaid wages tied to the RMU Zenica closure process; the FBiH energy minister says holiday allowances were transferred to miners’ accounts while a longer fix is still underway. Media Risk: BHRT says its accounts were blocked and operations disabled just as the election campaign starts, warning this could disrupt citizens’ access to timely election coverage. Defense Industry Link: Bosnia hosted the First Balkan Shield Industrial Expo and Summit 2026, where Egypt and Turkey signed a defense-industry cooperation MoU on the sidelines, signaling more regional industrial partnerships.

Mine Action & Safety: At the 4th International Mine Action Conference in Baku, Bosnia and Herzegovina joined regional experts stressing that demining needs safer, risk-based standards and more predictable support—not just short-term projects. EUFOR Training in BiH: EUFOR held a Distinguished Visitors Day for Exercise Quick Response 2026 at Mostar Airport, showcasing rapid security deployment, airborne insertions and EOD response capabilities across Bosnia and Herzegovina. Elections & Tech Procurement: Bosnia and Herzegovina is deploying biometric voter ID scanners and ballot scanners nationwide, backed by a 74.5m KM contract via IDDEEA and Smartmatic BH, aiming to cut multiple voting and identity fraud. Energy & Geothermal Know-How: A geothermal expert argues Europe can scale Iceland’s success through faster, more predictable permitting and better early-stage financing—relevant for regional energy planning beyond volcanic geology. Defense Industry Cooperation: Bosnia and Herzegovina and Egypt discussed defense-industry collaboration, including technology exchange, joint production opportunities and mine-action training links. Industrial Expo in Zenica: ZEPS 2026 opened in Zenica with a large Libyan delegation led by LISCO, highlighting renewed trade and contracting ties with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Media Operations Risk: BHRT faces an account blockade that could disrupt coverage of the upcoming general election campaign, raising concerns about uneven enforcement and public access to election information.

Elections Integrity Upgrade: Bosnia is deploying biometric voter ID scanners and ballot scanners nationwide, via IDDEEA and Smartmatic BH, in a €44.1M contract aimed at cutting multiple voting and other fraud ahead of the Sept. 4 general election campaign. Energy & Jobs Pressure: Zenica coal miners staged a protest outside the Sarajevo government building over unpaid wages, while the FBiH energy minister said holiday allowances were transferred to miners’ accounts as part of a broader effort to resolve long-running issues. Media Under Threat: BHRT says its accounts were blocked and operations disabled right as the election campaign begins, warning that uneven enforcement could jeopardize timely public access to election coverage. Defense Industry Push: Sarajevo hosted the “First Balkan Shield – Defence Industry Expo and Summit 2026,” drawing about 50 defense firms and showcasing technologies from logistics to cybersecurity; Bosnia’s defense leadership also met partners to expand cooperation and joint production ideas. Logistics Meets EU Rules: Western Balkan professional truckers, including Bosnian drivers, protested Schengen’s 90-days-in-180 rule, warning of potential freight blockades from Sept. 14 if exemptions or higher limits aren’t agreed. EU Integration Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Elmedin Konaković took part in European integration talks in Vienna, including meetings with Austrian officials and plans to engage Austrian industry on trade and economic cooperation.

Energy & Jobs: Zenica coal miners protest outside the Sarajevo government building over unpaid wages, as the FBiH energy minister says holiday allowances were transferred to company accounts while a longer fix is still being worked on. Public Broadcasting Under Pressure: BHRT warns its accounts are blocked and operations disabled right as the general election campaign begins, arguing selective enforcement could derail timely election coverage. Defense Industry & Industrial Cooperation: Bosnia and Herzegovina and Egypt discuss defense-industry cooperation and joint production opportunities, while Sarajevo hosts the “First Balkan Shield – Defence Industry Expo and Summit 2026,” with international firms and a focus on tech, cybersecurity, unmanned systems, and industrial capability building. Mining & Mine Action Financing: Bosnia’s mine-action center says progress is real but sustainable financing and demining equipment shortages remain the biggest bottlenecks as donor priorities shift. Logistics & EU Rules: Western Balkan truck drivers, including from Bosnia, protest Schengen’s 90/180 stay limits and threaten border blockades from September 14 unless professional-driver exemptions or higher caps are agreed. Foreign Policy for Industry: Bosnia’s foreign minister heads to Vienna for EU-integration talks and meetings with Austria’s diaspora and industry representatives to strengthen bilateral economic ties.

Defense Industry Push in BiH: Sarajevo opened the First Balkan Shield 2026 defense expo and summit (Sept 1–4), bringing together domestic and international firms and institutions with a focus on defense tech, logistics, cybersecurity and unmanned systems. EUFOR & Commemoration: EUFOR marked the 1992 Flight G222 tragedy that killed four Italian soldiers near Fojnica/Mount Zec, underscoring BiH’s ongoing security and remembrance agenda. Schengen Rules Hit Logistics: Western Balkan professional truckers—including Bosnia’s Logistics Consortium—protested the 90/180-day Schengen stay cap, warning of new border blockades from Sept 14 unless exemptions or resets are agreed. Energy, Industry & Diplomacy: BiH FM Elmedin Konaković took part in the Bled Strategic Forum, pushing for faster, more predictable EU enlargement while also meeting Austrian industry to boost bilateral economic ties. Tax & Budget Pressure: FBiH Tax Administration employees announced a strike over pay and staffing shortages, while Republika Srpska pensioners are set for one-time aid after a budget rebalancing decision that also drew scrutiny over election timing. Mining & Production Link: West Coast Silver raised $6m to accelerate exploration at its Elizabeth Hill silver project in WA, noting prior production experience tied to Bosnia’s Vareš silver operation. Water Stress on Industry: Reports highlight extreme drought and heat damaging fish farms and ecosystems across the region, including Bosnia, adding pressure to food and water-dependent businesses. Culture With Industry Angle: IQ Magazine hailed Sarajevo’s Prodigy stadium show as a “breakthrough” for major international touring in BiH.

Defense & Industry: Sarajevo opened the First Balkan Shield 2026 defense expo and summit, bringing together local and international firms and institutions across 7,000+ m², with a focus on defense tech, logistics, cybersecurity and industrial capacity. EUFOR & Security: EUFOR “Althea” marked the 34th anniversary of the Flight G222 tragedy near Fojnica, while Exercise Quick Response 2026 continues to test rapid multinational support for BiH authorities. Transport & Trade Pressure: Western Balkan professional truckers, including Bosnia’s Logistics Consortium, protested the Schengen 90/180 stay cap and warned of new border blockades from 14 September unless rules are adjusted for working drivers. Diplomacy & Business Links: BiH FM Elmedin Konaković took part in the Bled Strategic Forum and is set to discuss EU integration and strengthen economic ties with Austria, including with industry representatives. Energy & Water Stress: Reports highlight extreme drought impacts on fish farms and river ecosystems across the region, with Bosnia’s fisheries among those facing heat-related losses. Mining & Investment: West Coast Silver raised $6m to accelerate exploration at its Elizabeth Hill silver project, noting experience in Bosnia’s silver production via Adriatic Metals. Sports Betting Fraud: A wider fraud spotlight flags risks in online sports betting and prediction markets, including concerns around insider trading and integrity.

Defense & Industry Expo: First Balkan Shield 2026 opens today in Sarajevo (Sept 1–4) with dedicated defense-industry firms and institutions, featuring Bosnia and Herzegovina officials including the Federal Minister of Energy, Mining and Industry and the Defense Minister, plus international exhibitors from Turkey, Slovenia, China, the US and Egypt. Regional Security Conference: Sarajevo Security Conference (Sept 4–6) brings 140+ speakers and 300+ participants to focus on “Security of Europe in a Divided World,” with US and European lawmakers and security experts among the announced guests. Cross-Border Logistics Pressure: Truck drivers across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia protested EU Schengen stay limits, warning of new border blockades from Sept 14 unless the 90/180-day rule is adjusted for professional drivers. Tax & Fiscal Tensions: Federation of BiH Tax Administration employees plan a strike over low pay and staffing shortages, arguing the workload has grown since 2013 without systematization updates. Energy & Industry Policy: Bosnia’s Council of Ministers session was postponed, with energy-strategy implementation and diplomatic real-estate procurement items pushed to a later date. Climate Hit to Food & Water: Severe drought and heat are damaging fish farms and river ecosystems across the region, with Bosnia among affected countries and losses tied to water stress and extreme temperatures.

Schengen Pressure on Freight: Truck drivers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia protested outside EU delegations in Sarajevo, Belgrade, Podgorica and Skopje, demanding changes to the 90/180-day Schengen stay limits for professional drivers and warning of new border blockades from Sept. 14 if Brussels doesn’t reset accumulated days or raise the allowance (Bosnian Logistics Consortium chair Zijad Saric says drivers want to work, not be treated like tourists). Energy Supply Risk Debate: A report asks whether Serbia’s shift away from Russia toward renewables is creating a new dependency as Chinese firms increasingly enter as investors, contractors and equipment suppliers. Transformer Supply for Grid Buildout: ASTA Energy Solutions says multi-year supply agreements with major transformer component makers—including Siemens Energy, GE Vernova and Andritz—support capacity expansion, with manufacturing investments including Bosnia and Herzegovina. Drought Hits Food Chains: Extreme drought and heat are damaging fish farms and ecosystems across the region, with Bosnia’s fish industry among those reporting major losses. Tax Administration Labor Tension: FBiH Tax Administration employees plan a strike over pay and staffing shortages, arguing the workload has grown while systematization dates back to 2013. Governance Delay: Bosnia’s Council of Ministers session was postponed, including items tied to the framework energy strategy implementation and diplomatic property purchases.

Public Finance & Elections: Republika Srpska pensioners will get one-time aid of 120 BAM (below-average pensions) or 80 BAM (above average), funded by a 31.2 million KM budget rebalancing—while Transparency International BiH says the timing before elections raises misuse concerns, though the Central Election Commission found no grounds to act. Tax Administration Labor: FBiH Tax Administration employees are set to strike on Aug. 31 over salary levels and a staffing shortage of about 500 inspectors, arguing the workload has grown since 2013 without systematization updates. Energy Infrastructure Supply Chain: ASTA Energy Solutions signed multi-year supply agreements for insulated copper winding components to support transformer capacity expansion, with manufacturing investment progress including Bosnia and Herzegovina. Climate Impact on Industry: Extreme drought and heat are hitting the fish sector across the region, with Bosnia’s fish farms among those reporting major losses as water levels drop and juvenile fish face mass die-offs. Security & Logistics Training: EUFOR’s Exercise Quick Response 2026 continues across BiH, testing rapid deployment and coordination with local authorities in Mostar and Rudo.