FCO/HOME OFFICE WELCOME START OF EU POLICING MISSION TO BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

Minister for Europe Denis MacShane today welcomed the formal start of the European Union Police Mission (EUPM) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He said:

'I am delighted that the European Union Police Mission has today successfully taken over from the International Police Task Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is an historic occasion – the first EU operation carried out under the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP), an initiative launched by the Prime Minister and President Chirac in December 1998. A clear demonstration too of the EU’s willingness to assume responsibility for a key element of security reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and its continued commitment to the establishment there of the rule of law.

'I wish the mission every success.'

Bill Rammell, FCO Minister responsible for global issues, echoed MacShane’s wishes and added:

'The UK has made a significant contribution to EUPM. 56 UK police officers and 9 civilian personnel make up the UK contingent – 13% of the total force. I met some of the officers in November, and I was struck by their professionalism and commitment to the success of the mission.

'I am full of praise for the efforts of the International Police Task Force and the EUPM planning team. Their close cooperation has ensured a smooth handover.'

Home Office Minister for Police, John Denham, commented further, saying:

'The European Union Police Mission will play a vital role in the ongoing work to bring stability to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The strong UK presence within the mission is testament to the professionalism and success of the UK's police officers.

'Organised crime is an international problem and thrives where the rule of law is weak. By working hard to improve policing standards in Bosnia and by fighting organised crime at one of its sources we are also undermining the ability of criminals to export their crime to the UK.'

Notes for Editors

1. The European Union Police Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUPM) is the first EU civilian crisis management operation initiated under the European Security and Defence Policy. Deployment began in November 2002. The EUPM became operational on 1 January 2003, following the end of the mandate of the UN Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina's International Police Task Force. The EUPM will work until December 2005 on developing the Bosnia and Herzegovina police force to meet the highest European and international standards. The Mission will carry out monitoring, mentoring and inspection of the existing police managerial and operational capacities. Its aim will be to establish a fully independent police institution in Bosnia and Herzegovina which, with full respect for human rights, provides the necessary security to the society it serves.

2. All fifteen EU Member States are contributing personnel to the Mission. Seventeen non-EU countries are also contributing, including Canada, Switzerland, Turkey and many of those due to join the EU in 2004.

3. Fifty six police officers from thirty four UK constabularies will be joining the EUPM. All the UK police officers are volunteers, who have the full support of their Chief Constables and will return to their home forces at the end of their 12-month tour.

4. The European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) was an initiative of the Prime Minister and President Chirac at the British-French Summit in St-Malo in December 1998. It ensures that the EU can play its full role in crisis management operations, both civilian and military. The EUPM is the first civilian mission. On the military side of ESDP, we established at the Copenhagen European Council the essential linkages with NATO. These linkages mean that where NATO is not involved, the European Union can undertake peacekeeping operations using NATO planning, and has the option of using NATO headquarters and NATO assets as well. As a result, the European Union is working on a military operation in Macedonia in the Spring, following NATO’s current operation. The European Council also indicated its willingness to lead a military operation in Bosnia following SFOR and in consultation with NATO and other parties involved.

Further information

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