EU provides protective equipment worth €130,000 to deminers in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Bosnia and Herzegovina Mine Action Centre (BHMAC) and the Civil Protection Administrations of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska today received a significant quantity of uniforms and safety equipment, further strengthening the safety and effectiveness of demining operations across the country. The equipment, valued at over €130,000 is provided by the European Union and includes 570 waterproof winter jackets, work pants, and spring/fall jackets, 760 men's long- and short-sleeve polo shirts, and 380 pairs of safety half-boots and safety shoes.

These uniforms and equipment are crucial for ensuring the protection and safety of the BHMAC demining teams and the Civil Protection Administrations, who operate in mine-affected areas throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. With approximately 1.6% of the country’s territory still contaminated by mines, proper protection and safety gear are essential to safeguarding the lives of deminers who risk their lives daily during demining operations.

This latest donation is part of the European Union’s ongoing support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s mine action efforts. Earlier this year, the EU donated 19 off-road vehicles for BHMAC and the Civil Protection Administrations of the two entities, to transport demining teams and equipment to remote and hard-to-reach demining sites. The vehicles, uniforms and safety equipment were procured within a €10 million EU-funded project, which also finances demining operations.

To date, the EU has provided more than € 50 million in support of mine clearance, survivor assistance, and local capacity building in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The European Union's support, including this donation of uniforms and safety equipment, plays a key role in the ongoing efforts to eliminate landmines in the country. Through numerous projects, direct support is provided to demining teams, and long-term strategic goals for mine action are supported, increasing the safety of all citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

EU assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s demining efforts is an integral part of a broader initiative that includes financial assistance, capacity building for BHMAC and Civil Protection Administrations as well as close cooperation with EUFOR, which provides mentoring and mine risk education as well as monitoring and quality control of performed demining operations.