STCU News and Announcements
STCU P100 Strengthens Frontline Biosafety and Biosecurity Measures in Southeast and Eastern European Region: Fact-Finding Visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina
414/49429 Mar 2024 - 08 Apr 2024
PRESS RELEASE
April 8, 2024 – Kyiv, Ukraine
In a dedicated effort to enhance frontline biosafety and biosecurity measures across the South East and Eastern Europe (SEEE) region, the STCU P100 Team conducted a fact-finding visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) on March 25-29, 2024, as part of the P100 initiative: Strengthening Front Line Biosafety and Biosecurity Measures in SEEE Region. The primary objective of the visit was to engage stakeholders, evaluate current practices, and identify collaboration opportunities aimed at reinforcing biosafety and biosecurity measures, particularly at border crossing points and customs zones.
Highlights of the Visit
• Day 1: Monday, March 25, 2024
The delegation convened an introductory meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of BiH to initiate discussions on the project objectives and the frontline biosafety and biosecurity measures currently available in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Subsequent engagements included a meeting at the Veterinary Office and the Plant Health Protection Administration of BiH, focusing on frontline defense mechanisms against biological threats. The day concluded with dinner and accommodation in the historic city of Mostar.
• Day 2: Tuesday, March 26, 2024
The discussions continued with meetings at the Food Safety Agency and the Institute for Public Health of the Federation of BiH, both located in the city of Mostar exploring current practices and challenges in the frontline biosafety and biosecurity measures and integrated border management. The discussions were followed by a visit to Bijača International Border Crossing Point (BCP) which provided valuable insights into border control procedures and their role in the organization and management of the frontline biosecurity management.
• Day 3: Wednesday, March 27, 2024
The delegation journeyed to Banja Luka for engagements with the Public Health Institute of Republika Srpska and the Indirect Taxation Agency of the BiH Federation, focusing on regional approaches to frontline biosafety and biosecurity.
• Day 4: Thursday, March 28, 2024
Day 4 continued with meetings at the University Clinical Center of Republika Srpska and visits to the Gradiška IBC and Customs Terminal providing a deeper understanding of frontline biosafety measures and integrated border management strategies.
• Day 5: Friday, March 29, 2024
The visit culminated with a final meeting at the Ministry of Defence of BiH, reaffirming the commitment to collaborative efforts in enhancing frontline biosafety and biosecurity management in BiH. The fact-finding visit provided valuable insights into the current state of the frontline biosafety and biosecurity measures in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation and knowledge exchange in safeguarding against biological threats.
The fact-finding visit to BiH, within the framework of Project P100, has provided invaluable insights into the prevailing status of frontline biosafety and biosecurity measures within the SEEE region. It highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in fortifying the country’s resilience against biological threats.
STCU together with the EU expresses its gratitude to the BiH authorities for their cooperation and commitment to strengthening the front-line biosafety and biosecurity measures in the SEEE Region. This initiative underscores STCU's and EU’s dedication to strengthening BS&S measures in the SEEE region and fostering international collaboration to mitigate biological threats effectively.