Full cooperation with Europol established, contact point comprises 16 people from police agencies and ministries of interior

(Patria) - Bosnia and Herzegovina has established full cooperation with the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (EUROPOL) by opening new premises for the BiH National/Joint Contact Point in the building of Friendship Greece and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which houses the BiH Ministry of Security.

This is an important milestone for Bosnia and Herzegovina, enabling direct cooperation between Europol and all law enforcement agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the deployment of BiH liaison officers to EUROPOL in The Hague. This will significantly contribute to BiH's efforts in strengthening the prevention and fight against organized crime and corruption, which is one of the 14 key priorities in the European Commission's Opinion on BiH's application for EU membership.

The BiH Minister of Security, Nenad Nešić, who, together with the Deputy Director-General of the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs of the European Commission, Olivier Onidi, opened the Contact Point, emphasized that he expects the fulfillment of this priority to be a strong impetus for further progress in the process of joining the European Union, the most important goal that BiH strives for.

"This process took 10 years, but still, this is a great milestone for all of us. Together, with the help and support of the European Union Delegation, with this achievement, we have accomplished a lot for BiH, both in the security sector and as a candidate for EU membership. Through international police cooperation, which is a priority for our country, via the Contact Point, where all competent bodies and institutions are visible and have their role, we are strengthening both internal trust and trust and cooperation with other peoples and states," said Nešić.

The Deputy Director-General of the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs of the European Commission, Olivier Onidi, emphasized that this is a big step in strengthening common security and that BiH and the EU are taking another step in integrating the response to terrorism and criminal activities.

The Head of the EU Delegation/EU Special Representative in BiH, Johann Sattler, expressed satisfaction with the fact that law enforcement agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina have joined the EUROPOL family.

"Today's world is increasingly interconnected, and this includes criminal activities. That is why cross-border law enforcement cooperation is so crucial. The launch of the contact point will improve the exchange of vital information that will lead to a stronger fight against economic crime, terrorism, cybercrime, human and drug trafficking, and child exploitation.

By establishing full cooperation with EUROPOL, law enforcement authorities in BiH will have full access to EUROPOL's analytical tools and databases, which will facilitate the exchange of valuable operational information between law enforcement agencies in the EU and BiH.

The Deputy Executive Director for Operations at EUROPOL, Jean-Philippe Lecouffe, emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina is a key partner in the fight against cross-border crime.

"We are working closely to address serious criminal threats, and Bosnia and Herzegovina and EUROPOL will jointly benefit from the establishment of the National Contact Point. We look forward to welcoming a liaison officer from Bosnia and Herzegovina, who will join the large network of countries represented at EUROPOL headquarters. This development allows Bosnia and Herzegovina and EUROPOL to cooperate even more closely in the fight against international crime and building a secure society for all our citizens," added Lecouffe.

The Coordinator of the BiH National/Joint Contact Point for Cooperation with EUROPOL, Irena Marelja, explained that the Contact Point currently consists of 16 police officers, so representatives of all police agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina are in one place.

"This is new for all of us, we are working in such an environment for the first time, which gives us a sense of success. Together, we have overcome the initial challenges of establishing this youngest state and police body, and new ones are at the door. But in order to continue this process and meet the expectations set, we need constant cooperation and support in strengthening this body, so that it can effectively respond to the challenges of the modern world and manage security risks, as a hub for timely information exchange with EUROPOL," said Marelja.

The EU has continuously advocated for and supported the operationalization of the Contact Point, including assistance in drafting its work regulations, renovating new premises, and donating IT equipment necessary for its operation.