MERSA /LHDB databases/Communication, DEI

MERSA Main activity undertaken during the reporting period was the development of MERSA database. A special team responsible for the preparation and implementation of this activity was established within the NIPAC Office and regular meetings and consultations on the preparation of the necessary technical/tender documentation for launch of the procurement procedure took place. Upon the finalised procurement procedure, this team expanded into a working group (of eight people) responsible for intensive cooperation with the service provider and active participation in all phases of the database planning and establishment. This resulted in adoption of a functional specification to be signed by both parties, which will set the database framework and main principles in accordance with SCRUM methodology. Some of the MERSA activities (financial manager, audit) were foreseen to be shared with and benefited by the other two project components (LHDB and Communication) which is why these activities depended also on the dynamics of the implementation of the other two components. This implied that, at times, the MERSA project team would be working on the (technical) preparation for the activities implementation but had to await the right timing for their official launch. LHDB The planned budget for the LHDB is directed on a series of activities that would establish an information system in DEI to adequately support the recording, monitoring, analysis and reporting on legal acts in BiH and their level of harmonization with the EU acquis. The DEI would use the future information system not only for the purpose of monitoring and coordination of the harmonization process but also for timely notification to the European Commission (particularly in the negotiation process, during the screening phase). The DEI would be also in charge of administrating the information system The activity implementation pace was mostly affected by the pandemic. The work modality had to be changed/adjusted to the restrictions and the absence of team members who were ill. Unfortunately, the project team suffered the loss of one team member, which naturally caused delays in the planned implementation schedule. The pandemic remains a risk factor even during the next reporting period, especially for the planned training activities, which might have to take place online. COMMUNICATION The original action plan envisaged holding all events live, with a focus on direct contact with target groups and cooperation with partner organisations at the local level. Due to the epidemiological situation, lockdown and limited possibilities for hosting events with a large number of attendees live, with the consent of donors some of the events were transferred to an online format. Despite the unfavourable circumstances, the DEI has managed to mark all European days except the European Day of Parks, instead of which the World Inclusion Day was celebrated after the conditions for hosting events with a large number of attendees were met. Also, the conferences on current developments and training events for stakeholders in the European integration communication process were organised. Outstanding results were achieved in other components as well (publishing, regional cooperation, digital communication), in terms of both their quantity and quality...

MERSA database The data base MERSA should primarily be the NIPAC Offices internal tool of managing the information and processes related to IPA funds and it must assure management of these processes primarily within the NIPAC Office. This data base will be used to successfully manage two separate processes: • to manage the relevant processes (programming, monitoring, evaluation and reporting) that the NIPAC oversees; • to manage relevant information primarily on IPA funds but also of other donors to the extent that requires a SWAP (sector) approach for utilization of IPA funds ; LHDB database Overall objective of this intervention component is to develop an efficient IT system through setting up mechanisms for data collection and analysis, monitoring and coordination of the process of harmonization of BiH legislation with the acquis. By developing the LHDB following results will be achieved 1) Tailor made software LHDB of Information system developed, installed and tested and 2) LHDB users from all government levels trained and enabled to efficiently use and manage the established IT system.