EU provides 12 vehicles worth BAM 790,000 to strengthen migration management and internal security in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

EU provides 12 vehicles worth BAM 790,000 to strengthen migration management and internal security in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The European Union has provided specialised vehicles worth BAM 790,000, to the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Ministry of the Interior and the Police Administration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Sarajevo Canton, further strengthening their capacities to address irregular migration, combat migrant smuggling and organized crime. The donation comprises of eight vehicles, two transporter vans and two off-road vehicles.

The equipment was formally handed over by Ambassador Luigi Soreca, Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, during his visit to the BiH Federation Ministry of the Interior and the Sarajevo Canton Ministry of the Interior today. The event was also attended by David Womble, Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which supported the procurement process.

"Border security and migration management are shared priorities for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union. Over the years, the European Union has consistently supported Bosnia and Herzegovina in strengthening migration management and border security capacities. Today's donation builds on that partnership and will help law enforcement authorities to manage responsibly irregular migration and to respond effectively to transborder organised crime, while improving safety and security of citizens. The European Union remains fully committed to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in meeting EU standards and advancing on its journey towards EU membership", said Ambassador Soreca.

The donated vehicles will improve the mobility and operational readiness of police services, enabling more effective field work, transport of personnel and equipment, and access to remote or hard-to-reach areas. The improved capacities will help better prevention, detection and response to irregular migration, migrant smuggling and other forms of organized crime, and improve internal security in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as to the overall safety of citizens and local communities.

"The Federal Police Administration is continuously working to strengthen its capacities in order to respond effectively to increasingly complex security challenges, including combating illegal migration, migrant smuggling, and organized crime. The donated vehicles will significantly improve our mobility and operational readiness in the field, especially in demanding and hard-to-reach areas. This support from the European Union represents a valuable contribution to strengthening the security system of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and confirms the successful cooperation between domestic institutions and international partners. By investing in equipment and capacity development for police bodies, the prerequisites are being created for more effective protection of citizens, the preservation of public security, and a more successful fight against all forms of organized crime," said Igor Marić, Director of the Federal Police Administration.

"The Police Administration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Sarajevo Canton is continuously working to improve its capacities, both human and material-technical, with the aim of responding more efficiently and effectively to migrant smuggling, illegal migration, and all other forms of crime that, as a rule, accompany these activities. This donation and the development of partnership relations will certainly contribute to our work and to the overall security of the citizens of Sarajevo Canton and Bosnia and Herzegovina," said the Head of the Uniformed Police Sector, Chief Inspector Salih Tufo.

The donation is part of the EU-funded project "Individual Measure to Strengthen Border Management Capacities in Bosnia and Herzegovina" which supports the country's efforts in strengthening integrated border management and improving migration management and security in line with European standards and full respect for fundamental rights.

The European Union remains Bosnia and Herzegovina's key partner in the areas of migration management, border security and the rule of law, providing continuous support to institutions responsible for ensuring security and safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people.