Although the Berkovići Municipal Assembly unanimously supported the initiative of Mayor Bojan Samarđić to open an office of the Agency for Mediation, Information, and Financial Services (APIF) in Berkovići, a negative response was received from the agency. The explanation provided by APIF stated that there are not enough farmers in the region to justify the establishment of the office.

Mayor Samardžić expressed dissatisfaction with this decision, emphasizing that it reflects a bureaucratic approach that does not consider the real needs of the citizens.

"It is unacceptable that decisions are being made based on bureaucratic estimates instead of the actual needs of the population. If we follow this logic, small municipalities will never receive the basic services they need. By the same principle, there should be no 'Wind Farms' company in Berkovići, since we don't have any wind turbines, yet we do. Agriculture is a strategic sector and the foundation of existence for a significant number of our residents, and instead of support, they are faced with administrative obstacles that make their work harder. I expect higher levels of government to reconsider this decision and finally show a genuine willingness to support underdeveloped municipalities," said Samardžić.

He reminded that the initiative for opening the APIF office was also sent to the Government of the Republic of Srpska, as well as to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management of the Republic of Srpska, emphasizing that although APIF is an independent legal entity, it remains a republic agency that submits its Work Plan and Annual Report to the Government of the Republic of Srpska for approval.

"I expect that the Government of the Republic of Srpska, or higher levels of government, will recognize the importance of this initiative and take steps to reconsider this decision in the interest of the citizens of Berkovići," concluded Samarđić.