How to respond effectively when seconds decide lives? How to build a system that does not depend on improvisation, but on readiness? Experts from Slovakia and Bosnia and Herzegovina jointly sought answers to these questions at a two-day Expert Workshop on Interdepartmental Cooperation and National Coordination in Crisis Management, held on June 3 and 4 in Sarajevo. The workshop was followed by two-day meetings of the Slovak delegation with partners from Bosnia and Herzegovina directly in the field.
The workshop was organized by the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in BiH and the Ministry of Security of BiH, with strong support from the competent institutions of both countries.
This important event brought together 30 experts and representatives of key institutions of the Slovak Republic, including the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, the police, fire and rescue services, as well as other competent agencies.
Representatives of numerous relevant institutions at the state, entity, cantonal and local levels from Bosnia and Herzegovina participated in the workshop.
Through seven thematic panels, experts discussed key challenges and concrete solutions in the field of natural and other disaster management, with special emphasis on the effective use of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
“When we talk about crisis management, we are talking about protecting people. This workshop is not only an exchange of experiences, but also an investment in concrete cooperation that saves lives,” said Ivica Bošnjak, Deputy Minister of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Our goal is to build a system that will not depend on ad hoc solutions, but on clearly defined procedures, coordination and solidarity between institutions,” Bošnjak added.
Roman Hlobeň, the ambassador of the Slovak Republic to Bosnia and Herzegovina, also sent a strong message of partner support, emphasizing the strategic importance of such initiatives:
“In crises, there is no time for bureaucracy. Saving lives knows no jurisdictional boundaries. It requires that institutions, as well as countries, cooperate together, promptly and effectively,” said Ambassador Hlobeň.
Among the main organizers of the workshop was Alexandra Janečková, Head of the Crisis Management Department at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, who emphasized: “We learn from every crisis – pandemics, wars, natural disasters. Each of these disasters forces us to be more prepared, faster and more connected. We see Bosnia and Herzegovina as an important partner with great potential for strengthening cooperation in the field of crisis management, civil protection and security. This is the beginning of a long-term and strategic partnership that we want to further develop through concrete projects and support on the ground.”
The event was not only theoretical in nature – concrete examples from practice, discussions on national capacities and strategic use of EU mechanisms formed the backbone of each session. The workshop also served as a platform for creating joint recommendations that will be used in the development of operational plans for future crisis situations.
Special attention was paid to improving interdepartmental coordination, better communication and strengthening operational connectivity of all actors – from local teams to national crisis headquarters.
The true strength of a community is visible precisely in crisis situations. Therefore, this cooperation is more than just a protocol: it is proof of trust, solidarity and willingness to be there for each other when it matters most.
As part of this event, the delegation from Slovakia also delivered significant humanitarian aid worth over 230,000 BAM to the Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina, thereby demonstrating Slovakia’s concrete solidarity and readiness to support the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina in strengthening their resilience to crisis situations.
Humanitarian aid was provided in the form of materials needed in crisis situations, clothing, footwear, as well as an ambulance, which will serve for the needs of an emergency response in the affected areas.
