The European Union has allocated EUR 13.5 million to strengthen Bosnia and Herzegovina’s response to irregular migration and organised crime. This assistance aims to empower state authorities to take the lead in migration management, align actions with EU standards, and foster social cohesion and will be implemented in partnership with IOM, UNHCR, and UNICEF.
The Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Luigi Soreca said, “Today is International Migrants Day, and this initiative marks an important step toward a locally owned and rights-based migration response in Bosnia and Herzegovina. With strengthened institutional capacities, authorities will better coordinate and manage migration flows, safeguard community interests, and contribute to social stability. This support will also help Bosnia and Herzegovina to align with European standards in migration management, which is essential on the EU path”.
Key state bodies, including the Ministry of Security, Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees, Ministry of Civil Affairs, and Service for Foreigners’ Affairs, will receive targeted support to assume full ownership over migration-related responsibilities. Strategic investments will help authorities better manage Temporary Reception Centres, align border management practices with EU standards, and ensure that assistance and registration procedures fully respect human rights.
The EU financial support will also strengthen the capacity of BiH institutions to coordinate and deliver essential humanitarian services, such as the provision of food, non-food items, water, sanitation, hygiene, and healthcare to migrants across the country. Support will extend to cantonal public health authorities, to ensure that people on the move have access to timely and adequate medical care.
The initiative will also support local communities and civil society organizations to strengthen social cohesion. Grants and technical assistance will help build cooperation and trust at the local level and encourage positive relationships between host communities and migrants.
Ultimately, this EU-funded project “Individual Measure to Strengthen Management Systems of Irregular Migration and Fight Against Organised Crime in Bosnia and Herzegovina” aims to enable Bosnia and Herzegovina to take full ownership of migration management while promoting stability, protection, and integration in line with EU values and international standards.
To date, EU support has provided shelter and vital assistance to over 200,000 migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees in BiH, demonstrating the EU’s ongoing commitment to partnership and solidarity, the EU Delegation in BiH writes.
Photo: EU Delegation in BiH
