The Interim Report for the first implementation phase of the project “EU Support to the Law Enforcement” was presented and adopted at the second meeting of the Project Steering Committee, held on 14 February in Sarajevo. The project was initiated in order to improve legislation, capacities, and capabilities of BiH police bodies, institutions and agencies involved in the fight against organized crime, terrorism and corruption. The EU is providing financial support in the amount of 7 Million EUR, from the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA 2010) and will continue until the end of April 2014.
“The Work plan for the period January-September 2013 was adopted today. This Plan enables cooperation with all law enforcement agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We are glad that we heard at today’s meeting that all our agencies are very satisfied with our services during the implementation of this project and that the project was indeed a bulls-eye. Halfway through the project, I can say that this was sorely needed in BiH since we are half way towards the Euro-Atlantic integration”, said Bakir Dautbasic, BIH Ministry of Security General Secretary.
The Project Steering Committee is comprised of high officials representing the Consortium partners from Austria, Slovenia, Hungary, Germany and Transparency International BiH, the EU Delegation to BiH and project beneficiaries.
“I am really impressed by the spirit of cooperation and partnership among all stakeholders involved in this project. This project is very significant for us, because this is a continuation of significant activity in the area of rule of law with the BiH authorities. This is truly one of the key issues for any country that wants to become an EU member. The goal of this project is ambitious because it is about reducing corruption and organized crime, but the systemic action and establishment of good strategy that are in line with European standards have to bring positive changes” said Holger Schroeder, Head of Operations at the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The meeting also discussed specific areas when it comes to building police capacity and identified the risks, challenges and possible solutions to provide international expertise for the benefit of law enforcement agencies and the citizens they serve.
