EU-Funded Equipment Worth €440,000 Strengthens Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Fight Against Illegal Firearms
Sarajevo, 9 July 2025 – The EU and UNDP today delivered specialised equipment worth around €440,000 to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s authorities dealing with firearms related investigation in a continued effort to combat the illegal possession, misuse, and trafficking of firearms, ammunition, and explosives. Funded by the EU and implemented through UNDP’s South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, SEESAC, the donation includes advanced detection and forensic tools, all procured based on a detailed needs assessment carried out by Bosnia and Herzegovina’s authorities.
The Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Adebayo Babajide, emphasised the European Union’s ongoing support for strengthening public safety in the country. “The EU is a loyal and consistent partner to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and supporting efforts to build a safer, more resilient society remains a major priority. Stronger rule of law and public safety are essential components of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU path. The equipment donated today will help to combat the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons and is a concrete expression of our commitment to safety and security and future of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the EU”.
The handover ceremony, held in Sarajevo, was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA), Federal Police Administration (FUP), the Ministry of Interior of Republika Srpska, and Brčko District Police who presented the donated equipment and discussed its expected impact on operational performance.
“Thanks to EU’s support and joint efforts, through this donation, the capacities of SIPA, FUP, the RS Ministry of Interior, and the Brčko District Police have been enhanced to respond to the challenges of the modern security environment – from preventing the illegal arms trade, to combating organized crime, and protecting our citizens from all forms of violence.”. said Mr. Dautbašić, Secretary General of the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Renaud Meyer, UNDP Resident Representative, explained how the donated tools will enable more efficient detection of weapons, ammunition, and explosives, support forensic analysis, improve emergency response, and strengthen investigative capabilities of law enforcement institutions.
“Today’s handover complements our ongoing efforts to equip law enforcement agencies across Bosnia and Herzegovina at all levels to better address illicit arms trafficking,” said Renaud Meyer, UNDP Resident Representative. “All equipment procured is based on identified operational needs and delivered in close coordination with SEESAC to ensure effective support and avoid duplication, strengthening the overall capacity of institutions to respond to this persistent threat,” Meyer added.
This support is part of a broader European Union initiative to assist law enforcement agencies across South East Europe in preventing and combating illicit arms trafficking, implemented by UNDP through SEESAC