17 April 2025 - Consultation Visit in Bosnia & Herzegovina

1. Introduction

As part of the Inception Phase of EU CBRN CoE Project 101, a consultation visit was conducted in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on 17 April 2025. The visit was led by Mr. Alexandre Custaud, Team Leader of the P101 project. This mission formed part of the activities under Work Package 1 (WP1), which focuses on national-level engagement, stakeholder mapping, and the collection of baseline data on CBRN Critical Infrastructure (CI) protection and security.

2. Objectives of the Visit

The primary objectives of the visit were to:

• Present the scope, methodology, and objectives of Project 101 to Bosnian stakeholders;

• Review institutional and regulatory frameworks relevant to CBRN Critical Infrastructure;

• Facilitate exchange on achievements during Phase 1 (2024–2025) and expectations for Phase 2 (2025–2028);

• Initiate dialogue on national needs, capacities, and future cooperation opportunities.

3. Summary of Meetings and Discussions

Welcome and Plenary Session

The day began with a welcome coffee and participant registration, followed by a plenary meeting. Mr. Alexandre Custaud opened the session with a presentation of the EU CBRN CoE Project 101, its strategic goals, and expected outcomes.

Stakeholders from relevant ministries, agencies, and institutions were present, including those responsible for civil protection, environmental monitoring, health safety, and national security. Participants expressed appreciation for the initiative and reaffirmed their willingness to actively engage in the next phases.

Discussion on Phase 1 Implementation

The plenary continued with an open discussion on the implementation of Phase 1. Participants shared national perspectives on CBRN infrastructure risk awareness, challenges in inter-agency coordination, and opportunities for improvement. Constructive feedback was provided on how the project could support Bosnia and Herzegovina in building long-term capabilities.

Presentation of Country Report and Phase 2 Outlook

In the afternoon, the P101 team presented the preliminary findings from the initial desk research on Bosnia and Herzegovina. The proposed roadmap for further engagement was discussed, including key elements of Phase 2, which will focus on methodology transfer, training, and exercises. Participants showed interest in contributing to regional best practices and receiving targeted support.

Wrap-Up and Conclusion

The mission concluded with a wrap-up session summarizing the key points from the day. Discussions focused on outlining next steps, including the development of the country report, identification of national priorities, and coordination for upcoming regional activities. The consultation successfully laid the foundation for deeper collaboration in the implementation phase of the project.

4. Observations and Conclusions

• Bosnia and Herzegovina demonstrated strong interest and institutional engagement in the objectives of Project 101.

• A wide range of stakeholders is actively involved in CBRN-relevant matters, offering a solid foundation for national coordination.

• Key priorities identified included inter-agency training, cybersecurity for critical infrastructure, and enhancement of risk assessment tools.

• The country is well-positioned to benefit from Phase 2 activities, including technical assistance, methodology adoption, and best practice sharing.

5. Next Steps

• Finalization of the Bosnia and Herzegovina country report under WP1, integrating feedback from the consultation visit;

• Identification of national experts and institutions to participate in technical activities under WP2–WP5;

• Continued coordination with the National Focal Point to align activities with national strategies and regional cooperation efforts.