Why close our programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)?

It is important to recall that DFID's priorities lie in the reduction of poverty, and in the most effective possible use of DFID resources to that end. The standards by which poverty is judged are global, rather than European, levels. So a country in which 18% of the population live below the poverty line may seem on one level to be very poor; but by global standards this places it in the "few poor" category. It is notable that in the Eastern European region only Kosovo has a high Gini coefficient or high inequality. Other countries in the region are exceptionally equal by global standards.

Does the decision to close the DFID office indicate a setback in the bilateral relationship?

No. UK/BiH relations are excellent. This is an indication of the success of BiH’s development.  We will continue to support BiH on its road to EU integration.  This is not the end of a relationship, but a move forward, to a new basis for it.

Does this mean no more money for BiH after 2011?

Beyond 2011, there will no longer be a direct bilateral development aid programme for BiH.  UK will however, continue to support BiH through its substantial contribution to multilateral donor organisations, our partnerships with other donors, and other programme budgets managed by the British Embassy and other smaller DFID programmes managed from DFID HQ.

Is this the start of withdrawal of other donors?

We cannot speak for other donors.  We will continue to liaise closely with them, particularly over the next two years as we continue to coordinate closely in support of BiH’s development  priorities.

Is the UK 's development assistance tied to its commercial interests?

No. Since April 2001 all of the UK 's development assistance has been completely untied to ensure that it makes the maximum impact on eradicating poverty and achieving the internationally agreed Millennium Development Goals. This means that suppliers from anywhere in the world can bid for DFID contracts. In line with EU Procurement Directives, DFIDis required to advertise all activities expected to exceed the current threshold of £90,319 by placing a Contract Notice in the Supplement to the Official Journal of the European Communities (OJEC). Exceptions to these requirements include emergency relief and legal projects. In addition, from 31 January 2006 existing EU Services Procurement Directive is being subsumed into a consolidated Public Services Procurement Directive designed to make the rules more helpful to today's public sector procurers and providers.

Does DFID work with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)?

 Yes. DFID recognises the important role that civil society plays in development and the elimination of poverty. Civil society offers citizens and communities space for debate, association, critical reflection and action.

DFID does provide limited funding for organisations through programmes such as the Civil Society Challenge Fund(CSCF). The CSCF is open to any non-profit organisation or network working for the eradication of poverty with a working relationship with a UK based civil society organisation.
 
Can I as an individual access funding from DFID?
 
We do not provide support to individuals under our development programmes unless it is directly linked to one of our broader programmes. You would therefore not be eligible for our support.

For information on other types of funding please access Funding Schemes on the DFID UK website.