OSCE wrote to parliamentarians: Do not adopt the Law on Police Officers of FBiH under an urgent procedure

(Patria) - The Ambassador of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Rick Holtzapple, sent a letter to parliamentarians asking that the Bill on Amendments to the Law on Police Officers of FBiH be returned to the regular procedure, instead of the planned adoption under an urgent procedure.

While the FBiH Government insists on urgency due to, as they claim, a threatening personnel collapse in the Federal Police Administration (FUP), the international community warns that speed must not come at the expense of the rule of law.

In the letter addressed to the members of the House of Representatives, Ambassador Holtzapple emphasized that the proposed amendments could have a significant impact on the functioning of law enforcement agencies and the security situation. The OSCE believes that the urgent procedure, due to its limitations, is not an adequate framework for such important issues.

"The Mission calls on the House of Representatives of the FBiH Parliament to return this law for consideration in the regular procedure. This would enable constructive consultations with all relevant stakeholders, such as police unions, the professional public, and experts in the field," the OSCE letter states.

The goal of the intervention is, as they point out, to improve transparency, legal clarity, and strengthen public trust in police bodies.

The FBiH Ministry of Internal Affairs proposed that the working age be extended to 65 years of age by the decision of the manager, as well as to allow transfers from cantonal Ministries of Internal Affairs to the Federal Police Administration, as well as the possibility of extraordinary promotions.

The OSCE Mission concluded the letter by offering its assistance and expertise in case a consultation process is opened, making it clear that they expect an inclusive approach, not quick solutions behind closed doors.

Unions have warned in recent weeks that they were excluded from social dialogue and that these amendments actually benefit individuals, not all police officers.

The outflow of personnel can be compensated by an increased number of cadet admissions, and the lack of certain ranks within the FUP due to personnel retirements through intensive promotion processes.

Last week, the Security Commission also did not give the green light for this law. Given that the session of the House of Representatives of the FBiH Parliament is underway and the agenda has not yet been adopted, it is possible that the Bill on Police Officers of FBiH will be removed from the agenda.