BiH Border Police reinforced with new border police officers with the support of the EU

A total of 142 cadets from the Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina have successfully completed their training as part of the XII generation of Border Police cadets. Today, 117 cadets with the rank of "Police Officer" officially took their oath of service, marking their formal entry into active duty, while 25 cadets with the rank of "Junior Inspector" already took their formal oath and joined active service earlier this year. The demanding seven-month training undergone by this new generation of officers was supported with over 500,000 euros in EU assistance, combining theoretical and practical components across three phases. 

Attending the ceremony today, the Head of EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Luigi Soreca said: “You, the new members of the Border Police, play a critical role: you will contribute to tackling irregular migration and fighting smuggling, making Bosnia and Herzegovina’s borders safer and hence enhance our collective European security. Migration management requires a comprehensive approach encompassing complex humanitarian and security aspects.  The EU will continue to support the Ministry of Security and Bosnia and Herzegovina as a whole in the in building a sustainable system of migration management – this is not an easy task and requires resources, political will and a long-term vision. You can count on the EU to remain a loyal and consistent partner.”

The EU also funded the training of 150 cadets who were part of the XI generation. Over the past seven years, the EU has provided over 8 million euros to strengthen the capacities of the Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including to supply specialized equipment, vehicles, communication systems, and IT infrastructure. This investment has directly enhanced the operational readiness and professionalism of border management institutions across the country.

The Director of Border police of BiH, Mirko Kuprešaković said: “Today we have the honour of promoting 117 police officers from the 12th class of cadets of the Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who have successfully completed basic first-level training and earned the rank of 'police officer'. The Border Police of BiH continuously places great importance on education and professional training, because only with professionally trained and educated personnel can we effectively face the growing challenges of border control and combating all forms of cross-border crime. We are also aware that only through significant investment and the dedicated efforts of all personnel in this area can we keep pace with modern European border police forces. We know which stage of the process we are currently in. We know that our goal is to meet the criteria for joining the European Union.”

Deputy Minister of Security of BiH, Ivica Bošnjak said: “This is a great success for all of you. After successfully completing your education, you are now ready to take on this important and responsible role. This is not only the first step in your future careers, but also a moment that will help determine your future path in life. The path you have chosen is challenging and carries great responsibility. You will be on the front line in preventing cross-border crime, and you will also serve as a reflection of our country to all guests who come to visit. This is an important moment for the security sector and for the Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well, as we welcome new police officers—educated and trained to take on important tasks in protecting our borders and ensuring the security of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our commitment is to be part of the European Union and the common European security system. With this in mind, we strive to be a reliable partner in maintaining collective security. Great responsibility lies ahead of you, along with the expectation that, through professional work, you will contribute to the safety of all citizens.”

Following the successfully completed training and taking the oath, new cadets have signed their respective contracts to start working for the Border police of BiH. 

The European Union, in cooperation with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) will continue to support the strengthening of Bosnia and Herzegovina's migration and border management systems through the procurement of equipment, capacity building, and provision of professional assistance to the Border police of Bosnia and Herzegovina.