The handover included a package of equipment with specialized magnifiers for document inspection, heartbeat detectors for locating individuals in hidden compartments of trucks and other vehicles, in situations that often involve inhumane conditions and life-threatening risks, and a patrol boat for responding to incidents on rivers, including search and rescue operations.
This handover is part of a broader capacity-building assistance package that combines specialized equipment and training, with a total investment of around 200,000 euros, under the EU4FAST project.
"Effective border management today requires modern technology, skilled personnel, and strong institutions, and this support is designed to bolster all three aspects. This handover is an example of the practical and concrete support that the European Union, together with its member states, acting as 'Team Europe,' provides in Bosnia and Herzegovina in addressing the challenges of migrant smuggling, human trafficking, and border management as a whole. Strengthening the capacities of the Border Police also directly helps Bosnia and Herzegovina align with EU standards, particularly within the framework of Chapters 23 and 24 of the EU accession process," said Ambassador Luigi Soreca, Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in BiH.
He added that the EU remains committed to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina on its European path, through reforms that strengthen security, the rule of law, and regional cooperation.
He also emphasized the importance of Bosnia and Herzegovina updating its contingency plans and being prepared in the event of an increased influx of irregular migrants.
Director of the Border Police of BiH, Mirko Kuprešaković, highlighted the importance of the donated boat for the work of officers in the field.
"Modern equipment enables a faster, more efficient, and safer response by our officers to all the challenges they continuously face in their daily work. This support comes at the right time, when security challenges are increasingly complex and the need for modernization and strengthening of institutional capacities is ever more pronounced. I wish to express sincere gratitude to the European Union, the embassies of the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, France, and the Netherlands, as well as all partners who participated in the implementation of the EU4FAST project," said Kuprešaković.
He particularly highlighted the significant support from Frontex to the Border Police of BiH, which contributes to strengthening operational capacities and work efficiency.
The German Ambassador to BiH, Alfred Grannas, said that Germany is proud to contribute to this joint effort, combining national expertise with European resources to achieve concrete and sustainable results within the Team Europe approach.
"The engagement of GIZ and the German Federal Police particularly reflects Germany's commitment to sharing practical experience and operational knowledge with partner countries in the Western Balkans region, especially with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Last week, we had a good example of what this means in practice: experts from the German Federal Police conducted specialized training for Border Police officers in BiH. The main focus was on document inspection and the use of heartbeat detectors, directly linking the equipment with operational skills. Next week, the training will be repeated for another group of trainees, and I am delighted that we have established this practical and successful cooperation," said Grannas.
Oliver Janser, EU4FAST Project Manager, said that today's handover is not just a delivery of equipment.
"It reflects a sustainable partnership built over years of cooperation, trust, and shared responsibility. What we are witnessing today is the result of continuous joint efforts to strengthen capacities and respond to evolving challenges at the border. Our cooperation is strategic and forward-looking. We build on what works, learn from experience, and invest where it makes a real difference. Each contribution is designed to reinforce previous efforts, ensuring continuity, coherence, and measurable results," said Janser.
The support is provided under the EU4FAST project, a regional initiative supporting the fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling across the Western Balkans, worth over 50 million euros.
The project is funded by the European Union, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Italian Ministry of the Interior, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. It is implemented by a consortium of implementing partners, led by GIZ.