Professionalism of BiH Civil Protection Teams in Slovenia a Testament to European Solidarity

By Johann Sattler and Damijan Sedar, Head of the EU Delegation and Ambassador of Slovenia to BiH

A little over a year ago, Bosnia and Herzegovina joined the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which pools expertise and resources from EU member states and ten other participating countries to ensure that, in the event of a disaster, the principle of solidarity and support for friends in times of need leads. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism reflects the very essence of the idea behind the creation of the European Union, where countries act together for the benefit of all. Meeting the standards and infrastructure requirements of Bosnia and Herzegovina's civil protection for full membership last year was a significant step forward.

In August this year, Slovenia was hit by catastrophic floods, the worst natural disaster in the country's history. Parts of Austria and Croatia were also affected. For the first time, the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina used the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and came to the aid of their neighbours. According to all available information, the BiH teams performed their duties with great professionalism and dedication.

Coincidentally, civil protection teams from Bosnia and Herzegovina were engaged in rescue and clean-up operations in the home region of Damijan Sedar, the Ambassador of Slovenia to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and we were able to witness firsthand the dedication and exceptional work of rescuers from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Rescue teams arrived from both BiH entities, demonstrating excellent cooperation in providing assistance to those in need. Slovenians are extremely grateful to Bosnia and Herzegovina for their support in these extremely difficult times.

Joining the EU Civil Protection Mechanism was one of the milestones that Bosnia and Herzegovina achieved on the path to being granted candidate status. Since then, Bosnia and Herzegovina has established full cooperation with EUROPOL, and progress is expected in establishing cooperation with FRONTEX and EUROJUST. These gradual steps, through which Bosnia and Herzegovina ensures its stronger engagement in EU structures on the path to membership, benefit all relevant parties.

The benefits of EU membership are clear for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and for this reason, all leading political actors are united that EU membership is a common strategic goal, with the support of the majority of Bosnia and Herzegovina's citizens. However, EU membership benefits all parties, and these benefits are mutually complementary.

For example, in the area of civil protection, while EU member states can receive support from expert teams from Bosnia and Herzegovina in critical moments, Bosnia and Herzegovina also benefits from this assistance. Furthermore, civil protection teams from Bosnia and Herzegovina are able to participate in training activities across Europe, as well as gain valuable experience in responding to disasters across our continent. The EU budget also provides significant financial support to teams operating whenever the Civil Protection Mechanism is activated to assist a Mechanism member where needed. Bosnia and Herzegovina will be reimbursed for almost three-quarters of the costs of its engagement in Slovenia.

What has been said about cooperation during disasters applies equally to cooperation in culture, research, education, economic growth, environmental protection, law enforcement, and all other areas where Europeans work together, which has proven its exceptional value. One of the key goals of the EU is to generate positive dynamics and opportunities for cooperation between countries to mutual satisfaction, and the very backbone of the project is the unification of the continent in peace and prosperity.

We sincerely thank the brave and dedicated teams from Bosnia and Herzegovina who provided assistance in Slovenia this summer and encourage BiH authorities to use this positive example to foster stronger cooperation with the EU at all levels. The new momentum for EU enlargement brings significant opportunities for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and every law adopted on the European path creates new opportunities and benefits. It is time for BiH authorities to follow the example of the heroes of the rescue operation in Slovenia and show a more decisive commitment to achieving results on the European path.