EU donates equipment worth €715,000 to strengthen Bosnia’s border security

The donation package includes 25 short- and medium-range drones, 30 handheld thermal cameras, five heartbeat detectors, and specialised training for drone operators. Additionally, four trailers for transporting service dogs will be delivered in the coming week. According to the Border Police, this equipment will significantly boost surveillance and inspection capacities at both official border crossings and along the country’s green borders.

The equipment was officially handed over by Karel Lizerot, Head of the Section for Justice and Home Affairs, Migration, and Public Administration Reform at the EU Delegation to BiH, to Border Police Director Mirko Kupresakovic. The ceremony took place in the presence of Michael J.F. O’Mahony, Deputy Chief of Mission of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in BiH, which is managing the project’s procurement and implementation.

“Border security and migration management are joint priorities of the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The modern surveillance tools delivered today will contribute to curbing irregular migration and smuggling, while improving the overall effectiveness and coordination of border control. A secure border benefits everyone. The EU remains firmly committed to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path to EU membership, including through enhanced border and migration management aligned with EU standards,” said Lizerot.

Director Kupresakovic expressed appreciation for the EU’s ongoing partnership and support.

“We value the EU’s continuous assistance through various projects ranging from equipment, vehicles, and facilities to communications gear and officer training. These efforts have helped our agency meet many complex security challenges more effectively. With this donation, we can better manage the state border and contribute to a safer environment for citizens in BiH and the wider region,” he stated.

Recognising the complexity of migration management, the EU has committed to a comprehensive approach, combining humanitarian support with enhanced security measures. As part of this effort, the EU has funded a seven-month training program for 142 new Border Police cadets (12th generation) in 2025, worth 1 million marks (approx. €510,000), following last year’s training of 150 cadets from the 11th generation.

Over the last seven years, the EU has invested over €9 million to reinforce the capabilities of the BiH Border Police. This includes delivering equipment, vehicles, communications systems, and IT infrastructure, directly improving the agency’s operational readiness and professional standards.