An operational meeting with representatives of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Slovenia, dedicated to improving security and exchanging experiences regarding the organization of international sports events was held in the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
According to increasing number of international sports events in BiH, it was discussed about the need to strengthen cooperation between police agencies, faster exchange of operational information and ensuring a stable environment for citizens, athletes and fans. Special emphasis was placed on the security of football matches, which gather a large number of fans from the country and abroad.
As well, among the Directorate the representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Sarajevo Canton, the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, the Zenica-Doboj Canton and the Ministry of Civil Affairs of BiH attended the meeting. The Slovenian delegation, led by Mirko Nunić, Director of the Uniformed Police Administration of the GPU, consisted of six members, including members of specialized units for supporting public order and peace.
At the beginning of the meeting, the director of the Directorate, Enes Karić, welcomed the Slovenian delegation:
“Our common goal is to create a safe and stable environment for citizens, athletes and fans. Only through cooperation, exchange of knowledge and open dialogue we can respond to the challenges brought by the organization of major sports events. Such meetings are proof that regional cooperation is the best path to a safer sports environment, not only in our countries, but also in the entire region.”
During the meeting it was discussed on the organization and training of public order and peacekeeping units, cooperation with fan groups, and the implementation of security measures before, during and after sports events. A special segment of the discussion referred to cooperation within the NFIP network (contact points for the exchange of police information on football), the basis of which is the Council of Europe Convention No. 218 on an integrated approach to security, protection and services at sports events.
The participants emphasized that an integrated approach to security requires coordination at international, national and local levels and includes cooperation between the police, emergency services and other partners, not only for the purpose of physical security, but also for the prevention of discriminatory and violent behavior.
It was also emphasized that BiH and Slovenia have achieved successful cooperation in recent years through the exchange of information regarding UEFA competitions, regional leagues and friendly matches. As part of this cooperation, an exchange of visiting police delegations was also implemented, which enabled better operational preparation and more efficient security of sports events.
At the end of the meeting, Director Karić thanked the Slovenian delegation for their visit and contribution, emphasizing that such meetings strengthen trust and contribute to the common goal - a safer sports environment throughout the region.