EU Delegation in BiH: Decision on RS reserve police carries risk of deepening divisions

(Patria) - The EU Delegation in BiH told Radio Free Europe (RSE) that it regrets the adoption of amendments to the law that pave the way for the introduction of a reserve police force in the RS.

"This step in the current environment is unnecessary and counterproductive, and carries the risk of further deepening divisions in Bosnia and Herzegovina," the EU Delegation said in a comment to RSE.

The RS National Assembly yesterday passed a law allowing the formation of an auxiliary police force in that BiH entity, despite calls from the EU and the Office of the High Representative (OHR) not to do so.

The RS authorities justified this by citing a shortage of more than 1,000 police officers in the RS, claiming that the auxiliary force would assist in cases of natural disasters, securing gatherings, and regulating traffic.

The EU Delegation told RSE that the European Union encourages the competent authorities to find systemic solutions for the large number of vacant positions in police agencies across BiH.

These solutions must "ensure long-term sustainability, while simultaneously working to improve mutual cooperation and coordination of all police agencies, with the aim of strengthening security and fighting organized crime and corruption."

"Following the EU Council's decision to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, the EU expects all political actors in the country to focus their efforts on the reforms needed for progress on the European path," the EU Delegation stated.