AGP Executive Report

Instant Payments Rollout in BiH: Bosnia’s Central Bank has launched the country’s first domestic instant payment system, letting customers of participating banks send transfers within seconds, 24/7, with Intesa Sanpaolo Banka BiH, Raiffeisen Bank BiH and Sparkasse Bank BiH among the first users—aimed at faster business cash flow and a more competitive, EU-aligned financial sector. BiH–US Economic Cooperation: Chairman of the Presidency Denis Bećirović met U.S. chargé d’affaires John Ginkel, stressing room to deepen economic ties, especially energy, and to improve conditions for new American investment. EU Enlargement & Rule of Law: A new European Commission Rule of Law Report says the EU’s rule-of-law track is broadly positive but uneven, while talks on expansion continue with a renewed push for new members. Defense Tech Procurement: Bosnia’s Armed Forces signed a deal to boost electronic warfare and anti-drone capabilities, with Turkey’s ASELSAN highlighted as a key contributor. Herzegovina Food Branding: The Herzegovinian doughnut (uštipak) was granted protected status, with the first HERC Uštipak Fest bringing 16 teams to Buna. Sarajevo Film Festival: The Sarajevo Film Festival unveiled its feature competition jury, led by actress Emily Watson, alongside Igor Bezinović, Sara Klimoska, Matthijs Wouter Knol and Athina Rachel Tsangari.

Budget Vote in BiH: The House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH is set for two sessions today—an emergency session to urgently consider the 2026 Budget Law for BiH institutions and international obligations, with total revenues/receipts/financing set at 1.58 billion BAM (about 1% higher than 2025). Payments Upgrade: The Central Bank of BiH launched the country’s first domestic instant payment system, enabling 24/7 transfers in seconds; Intesa Sanpaolo Banka BiH, Raiffeisen Bank BiH and Sparkasse Bank BiH are first participants, with more banks expected to join. EU-backed Digital Integration: EU Head of Delegation Luigi Soreca congratulated the Central Bank on the TIPS Clone instant payment system and urged faster adoption of the needed Federation legislation to advance BiH toward the EU single digital market. US Investment Talks: Željko Komšić met the US chargé d’affaires, John Ginkel, discussing potential new US investments in energy, infrastructure and real estate, plus reform steps to improve the investment climate. Transport Economics: A conceptual study says restoring the Una railway could generate nearly 350 million euros in economic benefits over 30 years, but requires an interstate agreement with Croatia due to the route crossing the border seven times. Fraud Controls: The ACFE highlighted fraud-fighting and whistleblower work, spotlighting anti-fraud auditing and public-money tracking approaches.

Instant Payments Upgrade in Bosnia: The Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina launched a domestic instant payment system, letting participating banks process transfers within seconds 24/7, with Intesa Sanpaolo Banka BiH, Raiffeisen Bank BiH and Sparkasse Bank BiH among the first users; the EU also backed the move via a €2m project tied to BiH’s path toward the EU single digital market. US Investment Talks in Sarajevo: Bosnia’s Presidency Chair Željko Komšić met the US embassy’s John Ginkel to discuss intensifying American investment in energy, infrastructure and real estate, plus reform steps to improve the investment climate and the process around selecting a new High Representative. Digital Resilience Warning: A new study flags weak internet infrastructure as a risk to banking, healthcare and government services during major outages, underscoring the need for stronger digital backbone and cybersecurity readiness. World Cup Spillover Economics: The 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered an estimated $2.1bn economic boost to the New York region in its early matches, with hotel revenue and local hospitality benefiting—another reminder of how sport can move real money. Fraud-Fighting Spotlight: The ACFE honored fraud fighters and whistleblowers, highlighting modern schemes and the growing role of auditors in spotting financial misconduct.

Instant Payments in Bosnia: The Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina launched a domestic instant payment system, letting customers of participating banks transfer money within seconds, 24/7, with lower fees than the old giro clearing route—an upgrade aimed at faster business cash flows and easier household access to funds. Regional Rollout: Montenegro also started instant payments on July 20, with Bosnia connecting banks in stages and an initial transfer limit set at 5,000 BAM. Local Business & Tourism: Široki Brijeg’s 7th Street Food Fest runs July 23–26, bringing 14 exhibitors and chefs from Bosnia and the region, with a focus on boosting the city’s visitor draw and local economy. World Cup Money & Politics: FIFA says the 2026 World Cup delivered record financial results, while coverage also highlights how U.S. political involvement and FIFA disciplinary decisions sparked backlash—an issue that will keep shaping how sports governance is discussed in the region. Sports Tech & Connectivity: SpeedOf.Me’s H1 2026 broadband report ranks the UK 14th globally, a reminder that digital infrastructure remains a key business factor beyond sport.

Instant Payments: Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina launched instant payments on July 20, letting bank customers transfer money within seconds 24/7; BiH will connect banks in stages after technical tests, with an initial 5,000 BAM cap per transfer and QR payments planned later. EU & Western Balkans Reform Watch: The EU’s Growth Plan progress is uneven: Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia are broadly on track, while Serbia, Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina lag behind as funding is tied to reform milestones. Governance & Infrastructure Dispute: Milorad Dodik renewed the Brčko District fight via a new proposal for the Belgrade–Sarajevo highway route through Brčko, arguing RS ownership and obligations while the 2022 agreement faces continued obstruction. World Cup Business Backdrop: Spain’s 2026 World Cup win closed a record-setting tournament, but FIFA’s commercial push and political interference—highlighted by the Balogun red-card reversal controversy—kept business and governance questions in the spotlight. Public Health: UNICEF and WHO report global childhood immunization is still below pre-pandemic levels, with measles coverage short of herd-immunity needs and outbreaks in 57 countries. Cultural Assets: A report highlights Bosnia and Herzegovina’s museums, libraries and archives preserving rare manuscripts despite weak state support and limited budgets.

EU Growth Plan Watch: The EU’s Western Balkans Growth Plan is delivering uneven results: Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia are broadly on track, while Serbia, Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina lag as payments depend on twice-yearly reform milestones. Banking & Affluent Services: UniCredit says it will expand its Prime concept across Central and Eastern Europe, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, aiming for 40 Prime office units in Romania within a year and 50,000–60,000 Prime clients. FATF Compliance: FATF updated its high-risk and monitored jurisdictions list, adding Bosnia and Iraq to monitoring while removing Algeria and Namibia. Croatia Migration Trend: Croatia’s immigration from third countries is slowing in early 2026, with net migration still positive but both immigration and emigration down versus last year. Sports Meets Business: Spain beat Argentina 1-0 to win the 2026 World Cup, with FIFA’s record prize pool and discipline fines again putting money and governance under the spotlight.

World Cup Finale: Spain edged Argentina 1-0 in the 106th minute to win the 2026 title, with Ferran Torres scoring as Lionel Messi’s side pushed into extra time. Refereeing Spotlight: The match’s referee, Slovenian Slavko Vincic, drew fresh attention after past controversy around a 2020 police raid in Bosnia, even as FIFA put him in charge of the biggest game. Prize Money Economics: FIFA’s 2026 pool totals $655m, with Spain taking $50m and Argentina $33m—another sign of how football’s biggest event keeps turning into a major money engine. Local Business Angle: Bosnia and Herzegovina is set to join a cross-border environmental review process for the planned radioactive waste storage site on Trgovska Gora, a move that could shape future costs, timelines, and investor risk. Public Spending & Social Services: FBiH’s Federal Minister of Labor and Social Policy signed 2m BAM in agreements to fund community-based care programs across 44 projects, including daycare and home support in Sarajevo, Tuzla, Mostar and beyond. Anti-Fraud Watch: OLAF activities at Autoceste FBiH have raised questions around documentation for Corridor Vc procurement and implementation from 2018-2022, with potential knock-on effects for infrastructure delivery.

World Cup Final & Politics: US President Donald Trump will present the trophy at the Argentina–Spain final, framing the tournament as a win for the United States despite visa curbs, human-rights warnings, and backlash over ticket prices and transport costs. Refereeing Spotlight: Slovenia’s Slavko Vinčić is set to referee the final, with his appointment drawing intense scrutiny after a past police raid in Bosnia involving drugs and weapons. Bosnia Infrastructure Watch: In the Federation, OLAF has collected documentation tied to Corridor Vc and procurement from 2018–2022 at Autoceste FBiH, raising questions about whether the investigation could slow works. Local Business & Exports: Livno cheese—protected by PGI and made with locally sourced milk—highlights how Bosnia’s food producers are gaining wider recognition and supporting contracted dairy suppliers. Sports Economy (Regional): Leeds United’s summer spending continues with Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemović joining for £34m, while the club also weighs further recruitment. Community & Sport: Bosnia’s sitting volleyball team returned to Sarajevo after winning silver at the World Championship and qualifying for the 2028 Paralympics.

Bosnia Sports & Economy: Sarajevo International Airport welcomed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sitting volleyball team after a silver-medal run in China, securing qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics; the squad was feted for Safet Alibašić’s “best sweeper” award and the selector said fatigue shaped the final outcome. Infrastructure & Compliance: PE Autoceste FBiH confirmed OLAF carried out official activities on its premises, collecting documentation tied to Corridor Vc projects and procurement procedures from 2018-2022, stressing full cooperation and rejecting claims of wrongdoing. Finance & Risk Controls: FATF updated its high-risk and monitored jurisdictions list, adding Bosnia and Iraq and removing Algeria and Namibia, while FINTRAC flagged high-risk transactions involving North Korea, Iran and Russia. Regional Business Climate: Albania’s early-2026 growth slowed to 3.7% in Q1, with private consumption supporting activity while industry and agriculture weighed on results. World Cup Politics & Governance: FIFA’s final referee Slavko Vinčić was appointed for Argentina-Spain, but his 2020 Bosnia raid arrest continues to fuel debate around football governance and transparency.

FIFA Governance Under Fire: The IOC is weighing a complaint over Gianni Infantino’s political neutrality after Donald Trump said he called FIFA to review Folarin Balogun’s red-card ban, with critics arguing the reversal undermines sporting integrity. World Cup Final Spotlight: FIFA has confirmed Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić for the Spain–Argentina final, but his 2020 Bosnia detention during a raid tied to drugs and weapons is back in the headlines. Local Sports & Pride: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sitting volleyball team is set to be welcomed at Sarajevo International Airport after winning silver at the World Championship and securing a Paralympics spot for Los Angeles 2028. Telecom Investment: Telemach BH says it has put EUR 90 million into network upgrades and digital services over six years, expanding high-speed connectivity across Bosnia and Herzegovina. Regional Business Moves: Uber plans to buy Germany’s Delivery Hero for $14.8bn, reshaping competition across new markets where food delivery overlaps. Education Policy: Bosnia’s Higher Education Council approved new academic programme requests and cooperation agreements with international institutions.

Telecom Investment: Telemach BH says it has poured EUR 90 million into Bosnia’s network and digital upgrades over six years, expanding a 4,915-kilometre infrastructure and boosting high-speed access for customers. Cross-border Finance Compliance: FATF updates its high-risk and monitored jurisdictions list, adding Bosnia and Iraq while removing Algeria and Namibia—an item that can shape how banks and firms manage risk and reporting. Banking Rules: India’s central bank (RBI) moves to force banks to dispose of immovable assets from bad loans within seven years via public auction, a reminder of how regulators tighten pressure on non-performing assets. Corporate Dealmaking: Uber agrees to buy Germany’s Delivery Hero for about $14.8bn, extending its reach into 50 new markets and reshaping food-delivery competition across Europe and beyond. World Cup Governance & Reputation: FIFA’s appointment of Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic for the final between Argentina and Spain reignites scrutiny after his 2020 detention in Bosnia during a raid tied to drugs and prostitution. Sports-Linked Business: White House confirms Donald Trump will attend the World Cup final, adding another layer of political spotlight around FIFA’s commercial and governance choices.

EU Growth Plan: Bosnia and Herzegovina is in a fresh standoff over the EU’s Growth Plan cash—Brussels warns “time is running out” and says nearly €1bn hinges on reforms, while Finance Minister Srđan Amidžić rejects claims of a €980m loss. Digital Economy & Compliance: The Court of BiH postponed enforcement of a Personal Data Protection Agency decision to avoid disruption to key e-services, while FATF updated its high-risk/monitored list by adding Bosnia and Iraq and removing Algeria and Namibia. Energy & Jobs: The FBiH government approved 828,748.50 BAM to settle unpaid PIO/MIO contributions for 80 workers tied to companies in bankruptcy. Foreign Investment & Connectivity: United Group’s Telemach BH says it has invested EUR 90m over six years to expand its network and digital services, and Uber’s planned Delivery Hero acquisition also includes Glovo’s business in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Diplomacy & Security: BiH FM Elmedin Konaković attended a Washington ministerial on political terrorism, and Algeria’s ambassador visited Tuzla Canton to discuss energy and industrial cooperation.

FATF Watch: The Financial Action Task Force updated its high-risk and monitored jurisdictions list, removing Algeria and Namibia while adding Bosnia and Herzegovina alongside Iraq; Myanmar’s high-risk status stays unchanged, with regulators urging enhanced due diligence. Fuel Market Oversight: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations signed a contract to start mandatory chemical marking of unleaded gasoline and diesel in Sarajevo, aiming to curb gray-market fuel and protect consumers, with fines up to 40,000 BAM. Payments & Compliance: The same FATF update reinforces the compliance pressure on regional financial flows, a key issue for banks and fintech operators. Transport & Tourism Funding: Tuzla Canton received new federal support contracts totaling 950,000 BAM, including 75,000 BAM to back new airline introductions and 500,000 BAM for hazardous waste removal tied to the former Chlor-Alkali combine. Corporate Moves: Uber agreed to acquire Delivery Hero, and will take over Delivery Hero’s Glovo business across multiple countries including Bosnia and Herzegovina, expanding Uber’s delivery footprint. Public Health Policy: Five Western Balkan governments, including Bosnia, agreed to ban smoking and e-cigarettes in all public spaces, backed by a regional enforcement network.

FATF Watch: FATF updated its high-risk/monitored lists, adding Bosnia and Herzegovina alongside Iraq, while removing Algeria and Namibia—another compliance signal for BiH’s financial sector. Public Procurement & Property: Uncertainty drags on the 99 million BAM blocked purchase of the ITA headquarters building in Banja Luka, with appeals still stuck and the contract timeline unclear. Transport & Aviation: Wizz Air cuts Tuzla base capacity by 22%, citing ongoing talks around a third jet—pressure on local connectivity and airline economics. Energy/Trade Diplomacy: The US and Serbia launch high-level talks aimed at boosting business and defense ties, with Washington also pushing Serbia to reduce links with Russia and China. Local Infrastructure: EU and partners sign contracts for the Visoko Water Supply project’s final phase, securing safe drinking water for about 5,000 residents. Tourism & Waste: In Tuzla Canton, the Federation’s environment and tourism minister signed 950,000 BAM in contracts for tourism development and hazardous waste removal, including work tied to the former Chlor-Alkali combine. Labor & Pensions: Federal Minister Adnan Delić says the 3.5% July pension increase is an advance adjustment, with the final alignment due in September. Digital Business: Kliktura, Sarajevo’s marketing/AI/software agency, expands globally. Mobility M&A: Uber agreed to acquire Delivery Hero, expanding its platform across 99 markets—major consolidation in the delivery economy.

EU-BiH Water Upgrade: EU and WBIF partners signed contracts in Visoko to fund the third phase of the Visoko Water Supply Project (€1.1m), securing safe drinking water for about 5,000 residents across seven settlements. Energy & Costs Watch: Brent crude pushed above $85, and BiH fuel prices are expected to rise in the coming days, with analysts pointing to likely increases of a few pfennigs per litre and renewed pressure on the 3 BAM psychological level. Healthcare Compliance Risk: BIRN reports West Herzegovina Canton’s inspectorate sealing “Mart Polyclinic” for operating without being in the cantonal register and for alleged licensing gaps tied to its director. Regional Politics, Sovereignty: BiH Presidency chair Denis Bećirović condemned Croatia’s parliamentary resolution as unacceptable interference, while the EU and US urged Serbia and Republika Srpska cooperation to respect BiH’s sovereignty. EU Enlargement Momentum: Brussels opened/closed negotiating tracks for Albania, Montenegro, Moldova and Ukraine in a “Super Tuesday” push toward EU accession talks. Trade & Investment Signals: China-CEEC trade rose 11% YoY to 580.12bn yuan in H1 2026, supported by Belt and Road connectivity and Chinese investment in the region, including Bosnia and Herzegovina. Public Health Alert: WHO/UNICEF data shows measles coverage still below the 95% threshold, with 57 countries reporting large or disruptive outbreaks in 2025.

Bosnia Energy Watch: Brent crude pushed past $85, and analysts expect fuel prices in BiH to rise soon by about 5–7 pfennigs per litre, with a likely band of 2.70–2.90 KM and possible spots above 3 KM. EU Enlargement & BiH Economy: The EU’s Western Balkans Growth Plan is back in focus after delays and a reform agenda built around green/digital transition, private sector development, human capital and “fundamentals,” with 976.6m euros earmarked for 2024–2027. Healthcare Compliance: BIRN reports private polyclinic Mart in Ljubuški operating without proper licensing in the canton register; inspectors sealed it, while business records show low reported revenue and a director whose medical licence status is questioned. Digital Growth in the Region: Sarajevo-based Kliktura expands internationally with a bilingual platform and adds AI automation for small businesses, aiming to streamline marketing and admin. Trade Signals: China–CEEC trade rose 11% YoY in H1 2026 to 580.12bn yuan, with connectivity projects and Belt and Road links boosting demand, including activity tied to Bosnia and the wider region. Business & Markets: