Mektić: I have the authority to send a liaison officer to Europol headquarters

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - BiH Security Minister Dragan Mektić told reporters today that BiH faces a suspension of cooperation with EUROPOL, which would set us back 100 years. Mektić said that the stumbling block is a completely trivial matter.

- This is classic, typical obstruction to prevent security institutions from functioning. The memorandum obliges me, I can send a liaison officer. I will use my authority because I must not and will not allow this agreement to be terminated - Mektić said. 

No agreement was reached today at the meeting with representatives of police agencies and interior ministers on establishing a joint contact point with EUROPOL. Directors and ministers from the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies of BiH, the State Investigation and Protection Agency, the Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Service for Foreigners' Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska, the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Police of Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and cantonal ministries of internal affairs were invited to the meeting. This is the last obligation that BiH needs to fulfill for the operational agreement between BiH and the European Police Office to enter into force.

Last week, the Head of the Department for BiH and Albania, Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations of the European Commission, Michella Matuela, visited Sarajevo and expressed concern over the delay in implementing the operational agreement between BiH and EUROPOL, as the implementation of this agreement represents a major step for BiH in establishing the rule of law and its European path.

Minister Mektić emphasized that he will undertake all measures to prevent the suspension of this agreement, as it would have a series of negative consequences for BiH, turning it into a black spot in the region and Europe, and the only country without full cooperation established with the European Police Office.

- This cooperation is very important for us in the fight against terrorism, extremism, organized crime, and corruption. Unfortunately, due to political influence, we do not have an agreed contact point for cooperation with EUROPOL, and we are the only country in the region that has not sent a liaison officer to EUROPOL headquarters in The Hague - Mektić said.

Incidentally, cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the main European police force should be coordinated by the state police of the country, i.e., the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies (DKPT), and not the Ministry of Security. This is also defined by the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Article 3. However, political circles from RS, as well as some from the Federation of BiH, who want a stronger position for RS or the cantons, oppose this.