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Today (5th June 2013) a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between EUFOR and the 17 Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) was signed at EUFOR Headquarters, Camp Butmir, Sarajevo at 11:00 hrs.

This agreement formalizes the co-operation between EUFOR and all 17 BiH LEAs. EUFOR is delighted to have senior representatives from all the key law enforcement agencies here for the signing ceremony:

  • Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Directorate for Coordination of the Police Bodies of Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA)
  • Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Federation of Bosnia and
  • Herzegovina
  • Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republika Srpska
  • Cantonal Ministries of Internal Affairs of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Police of Brcko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

EUFOR enjoys good working level relationships with BiH LEAs. Since the closure of the European Police Mission in 2012, information sharing has not reached the previous level attained. Hence a platform was needed to facilitate an efficient method of information sharing with all agencies.
The agreement signed today is therefore significant in terms of enhancing levels of co-operations at all levels and building common awareness of security issues and challenges. 
The Memorandum is underpinned legally by Annex 1 A of General Framework for Peace in BiH and UNSCR 2074 and covers the following key areas: 

  • The exchange of classified and unclassified information between EUFOR and BiH LEA agencies.
  • The requirement for all participating agencies to establish effective procedures, communication channels and appropriate safe guards for data protection of the information exchanged.

The agreement comes into force with immediate effect.
The following statements were made at the signing ceremony:

COM EUFOR

I would like to express my gratitude to all BiH LEAs for their excellent cooperation and continued interest in developing our relationship with them. As a result of this, today we are signing the MOU for exchange of classified/unclassified information and intelligence, which is an important step in formalizing our existing collaboration.
The entire flow of information and intelligence between EUFOR and BiH LEAs was carried out via the EU Police Mission, which was closed on 1 July 2012. However, a basic requirement for EUFOR is to be able to liaise with the various police agencies in BiH and to get timely access to accurate and up to date classified/unclassified information and intelligence. An important stipulation within EUFOR’s mandate is to maintain readiness to intervene in support of BiH authorities to maintain a Safe and Secure Environment.
For that reason, we initiated the preparation of a MoU with BiH LEAs, with the aim of formalizing rules under which EUFOR and BiH LEAs exchange classified/unclassified information and intelligence in relation to our common work. 
Finally, I would like to emphasize that not only this MOU will strengthen our relations, but it will also enable the BiH LEAs to take part in the future exercises organized by EUFOR, for example the upcoming Operational Rehearsal  2.3., scheduled between 2 – 13 September 2013.
Today we accomplished an important step in inter-agency co-operation and I would thank the Minister and all of the agencies here for the positive commitment and co-operation shown. The diligence and perseverance shown by all parties in working together to reach this shared goal is most welcome. It provides us with a strong foundation to build enhanced levels of co-operation on security matters.
Statements were also made welcoming the agreement by Fahrudin RADONCIC the Minister of Security of BiH, Henrik VILLADSEN representing the EUSR, Predrag KURTES the Minister of Interior Affairs of FBiH, Fahrudin SELIMOVIC representing the Police of Brcko District of BiH and Gojko VASIC, representing the Minister of Interior Affairs for Republika Srpska. 

Chief Press Officer:            
Lt Col Otmar Lindner
00387 (0)33 49 5214
00387 (0)61 131 579

Spokesperson:                    
Lt Cdr Gareth Jones RN
00387 (0)33 49 5216
00387 (0)61 177 943