Police officers Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina and European Border and Coast Guard Agency – Frontex today they were lined up on the occasion of the start of joint operations that will be carried out in accordance with Agreement on operational activities between BiH and the European Union.
The ceremony was held on Sarajevo International Airport in attendance European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner, Executive Director of Frontex, Hans Leijtens, Head of the Delegation of the European Union and Special Representative of the EU in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Luigi Soreca, Deputy Minister of Security of BiH Ivica Bošnjak and Director of the BiH Border Police, Mirko Kuprešaković.
This event represents the continuation of cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union in the area border managementas well as joint work of Frontex and the BiH Border Police on strengthening security and border control.
European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner he pointed out:
“After last year’s decision to open negotiations, Bosnia and Herzegovina is on the threshold of the European Union. The sovereignty of the Western Balkans is the sovereignty of Europe – our security and migration challenges are shared. Frontex now has forces on the ground in all countries of the Western Balkans, which contributes to the reduction of illegal border crossings by more than 90% in the past three years. Together we make Europe a safer continent.”
Deputy Minister of Security Ivica Bosniak he emphasized the importance of cooperation:
“I am proud that we are witnessing an example of full operational cooperation between the security agencies of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union in border control, suppression of illegal migration and the fight against cross-border crime. It is a significant step forward that contributes to collective European security.”
Executive Director of Frontex Hans Leijtens he said:
“Working together makes a real difference. Our officers will stand side by side with their colleagues from Bosnia and Herzegovina, helping to manage borders safely and fairly. This is what European cooperation looks like in practice.”
Director of the BiH Border Police Mirko Kuprešaković thanked the representatives of the European Union and Frontex:
“It is a great honor for me that today we have the opportunity to host high-ranking officials of the European Union and Frontex. The signing of the Agreement on Operational Activities marked an important step in strengthening the security of our borders and opening a new cooperation framework. The deployment of more than 100 members of Frontex to eight units of the BiH Border Police will significantly improve our capacities in the area of border checks and border surveillance.”
Kuprešaković added that the partnership with Frontex is not only technical, but also a symbol of trust and shared responsibility for European security.
“I thank Frontex and the institutions of the European Union for their support, training, technical assistance and common standards that contribute to the professionalization and modernization of the Border Police of BiH,” said director Kuprešaković.
After the ceremony in Sarajevo, delegations from Frontex and the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by Director Kuprešaković, visited BiH border police unit Doljaniwhere members of the BiH Border Police and Frontex are stationed.
During the day, delegations toured International border crossing Bijača and Agency for training and professional development of personnel in Mostarwhere they met with cadets who are studying according to Frontex training curriculum.
