In June of this year, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) established full cooperation with Europol (the European Union – EU Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation) by opening new premises of the National/Joint Contact Point in the building of institutions of BiH.
This is an important milestone for BiH, which enables direct cooperation between Europol and all law enforcement agencies in our country, as well as the deployment of BiH liaison officer at Europol in The Hague.
Now, Europol has a contact point in BiH where it forwards information. Security is the most important segment in the EUbecause if there is no security, there are no sufficient conditions for economic development.
“We receive EU assistance that enables our police agencies to be better equipped and trained to carry out the most complex tasks,” said BiH Security Minister Nenad Nesic.
All of this greatly contributes to the efforts of BiH in strengthening the prevention and fight against organized crime and corruption, which is one of the 14 key priorities of the EUon BiH‘s path to the EU.
This is a big step in strengthening the common security of BiHand the EU, which has continuously advocated and supported the operationalization of the Contact Point, including assistance in drafting work regulations, renovating new premises and donating equipment necessary for its work.
During the official establishment of cooperation, the Head of the EU Delegation in BiH, Ambassador Johann Sattler, expressed his satisfaction that BiH has taken a step closer to full cooperation with Europol.
“Crime does not stop at borders, and cross-border cooperation in law enforcement is crucial for the safety and protection of citizens throughout Europe. As a candidate country for EU membership, BiH is expected to show credible results in the fight against organized crime and corruption,” said Sattler, Klix.ba reports.
E.Dz.
