OLAF in EPPO preiskujeta gradnjo avtoceste skozi BiH

European investigators are examining part of the Vc Corridor highway project in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Autocesta Federacije BiH confirming they have submitted documentation to OLAF, the European Anti-Fraud Office. The probe involves OLAF, the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), and local authorities, focusing on activities related to the construction of a section of the highway between 2018 and 2022. This comes after EPPO initiated the investigation, prompting the European Investment Bank to halt funding for several segments of the road. The documents handed over to OLAF officials in Mostar relate specifically to the construction of a portion of the Vc Corridor highway and procurement procedures conducted under international standards during the specified period. Autocesta Federacije BiH has stated its willingness to fully cooperate with OLAF, providing requested contracts, annexes, technical and financial documents, electronic communications, and access to the company’s information systems. They expressed hope that the ongoing investigations by OLAF, EPPO, domestic prosecutors, and other institutions will shed light on all facts and hold accountable those responsible for alleged misconduct. Current management of Autocesta Federacije BiH, led by Denis Lasić of the HDZ BiH party, has denied responsibility for matters covered by the investigation, which were handled before their takeover of the company in 2023. The European Investment Bank suspended financing for a 21-kilometer segment of the highway in central Bosnia earlier this year, causing a temporary halt in construction work there. However, construction continues on other parts of the Vc Corridor, including sections in Herzegovina. The Vc Corridor highway connects Budapest, Osijek, Sarajevo, and the port city of Ploče, playing a crucial role for Croatia by linking Slavonia and the Adriatic Sea to Central Europe, thereby enhancing the economic position of the Ploče port. Approximately 340 kilometers of highway are planned through Bosnia and Herzegovina, with 148.5 kilometers scheduled to be completed and opened to traffic by the end of March 2026. The investigation follows reports of potential irregularities linked to the previous management of Autocesta Federacije BiH. The European Public Prosecutor's Office initially launched the inquiry, leading to the suspension of funding by the European Investment Bank. Officials from Autocesta Federacije BiH emphasized their commitment to transparency and cooperation with European authorities, providing extensive documentation and access to internal records. The Vc Corridor is part of a broader network of pan-European transport routes designed to improve connectivity across the region. For Croatia, the completion of this highway would significantly enhance regional trade and transportation links. Construction delays in certain areas have raised concerns about the integrity of the project and the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms. Local and international observers are watching the developments closely, noting the significance of the Vc Corridor in shaping future economic and political dynamics in the Balkans. The outcome of the current investigations could influence public trust in infrastructure projects and the governance structures overseeing them. The European Union has long been concerned about corruption and mismanagement in infrastructure projects within member states and candidate countries. The involvement of OLAF and EPPO underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the need for thorough scrutiny of all aspects of the Vc Corridor project. As the investigations proceed, more details about the nature of the alleged misconduct and the extent of the impact on the project are expected to emerge.