The Political and Security Committee (PSC), with representatives from each of the 28 Member States of the European Union and from the European Commission, arrived in Bosnia and Herzegovina today for a two-day fact-finding visit. The PSC meets in Brussels at ambassadorial level as a preparatory body for the Council of the EU. Its main functions are keeping track of the international situation, and helping to define policies within the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).
The visit began with a briefing at Camp Butmir, the HQ of EUFOR-Operation ALTHEA. At a briefing hosted by General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, Operation Commander, and Major General Dieter Heidecker, Commander of EUFOR, ambassadors and members had the opportunity to hear more about EUFOR’s work in capacity building and training of the BiH Armed Forces. EUFOR-Operation ALTHEA monitors and supports the BiH authorities in carrying out tasks such as: counter-mines activities, military and civilian movement control of weapons, ammunition and explosive substances, and the management of weapons and ammunition storage sites. It supports BiH’s efforts to maintain the safe and secure environment in BiH.
The PSC then embarked on a series of official meetings with the highest officials of Bosnia and Herzegovina: members of the State Presidency, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Zlatko Lagumdzija.
In order to see the impact of EU funds in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the PSC visited the Sarajevo City Hall ‘Vijecnica’ which was restored with 9 million euro of EU funds as well as with important financial contributions from Austria, Hungary and Spain. This evening the PSC ambassadors will meet representatives of civil society, media and representatives of international organisations at a reception.
On Friday 21st November, the PSC will see work being done by the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina to improve ammunition storage. They will then proceed to the Job and Education Fair ‘Learn. Explore. Network’ in Zenica organised by the Office of the EU Special Representative and the Royal Norwegian Embassy. Finally, after a briefing with implementing partners of the EU Flood Recovery Programme the PSC will travel to Maglaj for the opening of a primary school rehabilitated with EU funds.
See the mandate and tasks of the PSC here
