The EU Office in BiH commented on the BiH CoM’s approval of the Rules of Procedure for the EUROPOL Contact Point.

The EU Office in BiH welcomes the approval yesterday by the BiH Council of Ministers of the Rules of Procedure for the EUROPOL Contact Point.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently the only country in the Western Balkans without an operational EUROPOL Contact Point, and yesterday’s decision should allow for the operationalization of the Contact Point within 20 days.

One additional important step is however required for the Joint Contact Point to move towards full operationalization, and we urge the Council of Ministers to approve the necessary changes to the internal organization of the Ministry of Security, which would enable full administrative and technical support for the Joint Contact Point.

Putting into full operation the Joint Contact Point will allow direct cooperation between Europol and all law enforcement bodies in the country.

This will contribute to a more efficient fight against organized crime, terrorism and other forms of transnational serious crime.

The full operationalization of the Contact Point will be an important milestone in strengthening rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in view of the Commission’s recommendation to grant candidacy status to the country, stated the EU Delegation to BiH.