The partnership agreement with associate membership between the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) and the Agency for Training and Professional Development of Personnel was signed on Friday by the Executive Director of Frontex, Hans Leijtens, and the Director of the Agency, Marko Vujević.
This officially confirmed the cooperation between AEPTM and Frontex, which began in 2019, when the curricula and basic training programs of the cadets of the Border Police of BiH were aligned with the Frontex CCC of 2017 for the first time, and practically applied.
The Director of the Agency for Training and Professional Development of Personnel, Marko Vujević, welcomed the high-level Frontex delegation led by Executive Director Hans Leijtens, representatives of the BiH Ministry of Security, directors of the Border Police and the Service for Affairs with Foreigners, and representatives of the EU delegation.
Vujević pointed out that this is the fourth generation of cadets of the BiH Border Police who are trained according to Frontex standards, stressing that the partnership with them raises the quality of education and strengthens the capacities of police structures.
“Our cadets are undergoing basic and specialist training with the professional support of Frontex instructors, with which we have achieved a significant step forward in the development of competences and protection of the state border,” said Vujević.
He added that cooperation with Frontex and domestic institutions, especially the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, will continue to be aimed at strengthening the knowledge and professional skills of police officers in order to successfully respond to contemporary security challenges.
“I thank everyone who contributed to this project with their work and dedication. This partnership represents a solid foundation for future cooperation, education and capacity building of our police structures,” said the director of the Agency.
According to Frontex, 511 cadets of the Border Police of BiH were included in the Agency’s harmonized curricula.
Frontex’s Common Core Curriculum comprises a set of common learning standards for members of the border and coast guard at the operational level in member states, establishing a solid basis for interoperability and cooperation in all border guard activities. The integration of CCC into national systems is assessed through the interoperability assessment program, which the delegated cadets from BiH successfully completed.
At the same time as the basic curricula, the necessary activities were carried out to harmonize nine specialist training curricula, which were attended by 163 police officers of the BiH Border Police.
The executive director of Frontex, Hans Leijtens, addressed the audience, expressing his gratitude to the hosts and telling the cadets that they are the future of security and the police profession.
“44 years ago I was in your place. And then, like you today, I chose to serve and contribute to the security of my country and its citizens,” said Leijtens, addressing the cadets of the BiH Border Police.
He emphasized that young police officers have chosen an honorable profession in which they become part of a large international police community.
“We swear to serve and protect, and that oath applies to each of you individually,” he added.
Leijtens pointed out that integrity is the basis of the police call, stressing that he does not show himself in front of his superiors, but in moments when no one is looking.
Speaking about the cooperation between Frontex and Bosnia and Herzegovina, he pointed out that Frontex officers and members of the Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina will soon work together at the border, side by side, sharing experiences and common values of professionalism and service to citizens.
“You are the future. I hope that one day some of you will become part of Frontex, and maybe stand in this place, addressing the new generations of police officers,” said Leijtens, wishing the cadets a successful career and many professional challenges.
Addressing those present at the ceremony at the Agency for Training and Professional Development of Personnel, Deputy Minister of Security of BiH Ivica Bošnjak emphasized his satisfaction at being present at the signing of important agreements and reminded them of the importance of continuous education in the police profession.
“It is my honor and pleasure to greet you on behalf of the Security Sector and on my own behalf. This Agency has a special place in my professional and emotional life. I put on a police uniform back in 1980 and during my career passed all levels, from police officer to manager, chief and commander,” said Bošnjak.
He emphasized the importance of constant learning and professional development, especially learning foreign languages, which, according to him, is of great importance for work in the border police.
By signing the contract, the Agency for Education and Professional Training of Personnel officially enters the Network of Frontex Partner Academies, i.e. the network of national educational institutions for the training of members of the border and coast guard – a key element for promoting excellence in the education and training of members of the border and coast guard, by maintaining effective cooperation with stakeholders from the field of law enforcement inside and outside the European Union, Fena writes.
