Jems
A kick off conference was held today in Mostar for the strategic EU project “LIFEGATE”, implemented under the cross-border Interreg IPA programme Croatia–Bosnia and Herzegovina–Montenegro 2021–2027. This project aims to provide residents of border regions in the three countries with improved public healthcare, particularly in the fight against cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
The total value of the “LIFEGATE” project is 9.5 million euro, 85% of which is co-financed by EU funds. The lead project partner is the University Clinical Hospital Mostar, which will coordinate six partner healthcare institutions.
The opening conference was attended by Ante Kvesić, Head of the University Clinical Hospital Mostar, Tarik Džajić, Head of the Sector for Territorial Cooperation Programmes and Assistant Director of the Directorate for European Integration of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nediljko Rimac, Minister of Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Miloš Marković, Director General of the Directorate for European Territorial Cooperation at the Ministry of European Affairs of Montenegro; Nataša Mikuš Žigman, Minister of Regional Development and EU Funds of the Republic of Croatia; Irena Hrstić, Minister of Health of the Republic of Croatia and Petar Kraljević, representative of the EU Office in Mostar.
Minister Nataša Mikuš Žigman emphasized that cross-border cooperation projects are important not only because they promote development and improve the quality of life for citizens in border areas, but also because they are an excellent tool for networking, exchanging experiences, and acquiring new knowledge. ““In addition to the strategic LIFEGATE project focused on improving healthcare services, there is also the INEREP project, which addresses risk reduction and the enhancement of emergency services capacities in the field of fire protection and rescue, as well as the SATECON project, aimed at improving agricultural competitiveness in the cross-border area of the three countries. There are also many other projects that will contribute to the economic growth and development of this region” emphasized minister Mikuš Žigman.
As part of the “LIFEGATE” project, early detection programmes for heart disease and cancer will be implemented, a series of training sessions for medical staff will be organized, and the most modern medical equipment will be procured — including a diagnostic artificial intelligence program. Additionally, a genetic counselling and testing programme for hereditary cancers will be developed. These investments will ultimately improve the quality of life for residents in the border areas.
Under the Interreg IPA programme Croatia–Bosnia and Herzegovina–Montenegro 2021–2027, over 107 million euro has been secured for projects that enhance citizens’ quality of life in many areas. This clearly demonstrate the benefits of EU membership and contribute to friendly cooperation of three countries. To date, 33 regular projects and four strategic projects have been contracted. The remaining projects will be contracted by early 2026 at the latest.
