The University of Mostar and the University North have signed a Partnership Statement within the framework of institutional cooperation, with the aim of developing joint educational activities in the field of EU funds and strengthening professional and institutional capacities.
The Partnership Statement was signed by the Rector of the University of Mostar, Prof. Dr. Ivo Čolak, and the Rector of the University North, Prof. Dr. Damir Vusić, thereby confirming the mutual commitment to systematic and long-term cooperation between the two institutions and the development of a partnership of strategic importance.
The signing ceremony was attended, alongside Rector Prof. Dr. Damir Vusić, by Prof. Dr. Petar Mišević, Vice-Rector for Cooperation with the Economy, EU Projects, and Inter-University Cooperation, and Dr. Marko Pavić, member of the Committee for Education, Science, and Culture of the Croatian Parliament, which further emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in the field of European policies and funds.
Alongside Rector Prof. Dr. Ivo Čolak, the delegation of the University of Mostar included Vice-Rector for Science Prof. Dr. Marko Odak, Vice-Rector for Digitalization and Technology Transfer Prof. Dr. Tomislav Volarić, Secretary General of the University Prof. Dr. Nikolina Maleta, and Ivan Jurilj, Director of the Office of the Government of West Herzegovina Canton for European Integration.
The signed Partnership Statement represents the foundation for the development of joint activities, while its first concrete implementation phase is the joint participation in the Public Call of the Central State Office for Croats Abroad for 2026, within the project “KNOW-HOW EU: Modernization of Education and Strategic Partnership for Managing EU Funds in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
The cooperation is focused on the development and implementation of modern educational programs in the field of management, control, and monitoring of EU funds. The activities include the organization of professional workshops, seminars, and specialized programs, as well as participation in certified training and the implementation of joint projects aimed at improving participants’ knowledge and skills.
Special emphasis is placed on connecting the academic community with institutions and bodies involved in the EU funds system, along with the exchange of experiences and best practices. Through planned activities, cooperation models will be developed that contribute to strengthening professional competencies, networking, and knowledge transfer between partner institutions.
In addition to educational programs, the cooperation also foresees joint work on projects involving needs analysis and capacity building of institutions, with the aim of more efficient use of European funds and the overall improvement of the management and implementation system.
