How much does HDZ BiH pay American lobbyists?

HDZ BiH pays Mercury Public Affairs $30,000 per month, totaling $90,000 for three months, or approximately 150,000 convertible marks. This amount does not include additional expenses.

What is the main goal of lobbying in the U.S.?

The main goal is to promote the constituent status of the three peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina and to strengthen HDZ BiH's relations with U.S. institutions, NATO, and the European Union.

Who leads Mercury Public Affairs?

The CEO of the firm is John Gallagher, who has 30 years of experience in crisis communications and public relations, and previously worked in the office of former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

World

HDZ BiH Pays $30,000 a Month to American Lobbyists

Q: Where was the lobbying contract published?

The contract was publicly disclosed in the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) registry.

A.D. · Prije 4h | 2 min

The contract with Mercury Public Affairs runs for three months, with the main goal of promoting the constituent status of the three peoples in Washington. The monthly fee does not include additional expenses.

Summary

HDZ BiH has hired American lobbying firm Mercury Public Affairs for $30,000 per month.
The contract runs from July 24 to October 24, 2026, with a total cost of $90,000.
Main tasks include promoting the constituent status of the three peoples and strengthening ties with U.S. institutions.
The contract is publicly available in the FARA registry, and the monthly fee does not include additional expenses.

The Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina (HDZ BiH) has hired the American lobbying firm Mercury Public Affairs to represent its interests in the United States. The contract has been publicly disclosed in the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) registry, with a monthly cost of $30,000, which does not cover additional expenses.

The contract was signed by HDZ BiH President Dragan Čović and Thomas Doherty, one of the executive directors of Mercury Public Affairs. Lobbying activities will run from July 24 to October 24, 2026, resulting in a total of $90,000 for the three-month period, or approximately 150,000 convertible marks.

What Will the Lobbyists Do for HDZ BiH?

According to the contract details, Mercury Public Affairs will be responsible for coordinating the dissemination of information and activities of HDZ BiH related to the obligations under the Dayton Peace Agreement. Special emphasis will be placed on promoting the constituent status of the three peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The firm will also work on strengthening the party's relations with institutions and representatives of the U.S., NATO, the European Union, and other international actors. The engagement includes organizing meetings with high-ranking U.S. officials, collaborating with journalists, analysts, and diplomats, preparing lobbying materials and political briefings tailored to Washington, as well as coordinating and supporting media interviews on behalf of the party.

Who Is Behind Mercury Public Affairs?

At the helm of the hired firm is CEO John Gallagher, who has been involved in crisis communications and public relations for 30 years. His biography includes experience working in the office of former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.