07/04/2025

A training course Critical Infrastructure Protection has started in the Agency for Education and Professional Training (AEPTM) today. The training is a joint initiative of the NATO Brussels, NATO Headquarters in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Agency for Education and Professional Training. It is NATO-accredited and held under the patronage of the NATO Centre of Excellence (NATO Centre of Excellence Defence Against Terrorism – Ankara CEO-DAT). It focuses on the advanced aspects of critical infrastructure resilience, regulatory frameworks for the protection of critical assets, and risk assessments. The training is led by experts following NATO and EU best practices, with the aim of proposing ways in which Bosnia and Herzegovina could prepare, respond to threats, and
recover from the consequences of all types of incidents related to critical infrastructure.
In his opening address, the Deputy Commander of NATO Forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brigadier Muharrem Aydin, emphasized that NATO remains committed to supporting the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This event is part of the implementation of the NATO defense capacity-building package for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Critical infrastructure is the backbone of our daily life and the foundation of economic stability. Its protection requires a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach that brings together government agencies, the private sector, and international partners. This training provides an opportunity to deepen our understanding of risks, improve resilience strategies, and strengthen cooperation,” said Colonel Aydin.
“The participants of this training are representatives from ministries, agencies, and authorities at both the state and entity levels from 22 institutions, responsible for the protection of critical infrastructure,” said AEPTM Director Marko Vujević, highlighting the goals of this advanced training, which are based on maintaining critical infrastructure resilience and preventive action in the fight against terrorism. Vujević reminded that in late 2022, a basic training on this topic was held, which was the first time the CEO-DAT held such training in a country that is neither a NATO nor EU member. “We are proud of the cooperation achieved. Our partnership with NATO Headquarters and the successful education continues, as we have a common goal, which is organized counter-terrorism,” said Vujević.
Assistant Minister of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina Ivana Veselčić stated that this training represents another important step in the joint effort to strengthen the capacities of institutions at all levels of government in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the area of critical infrastructure protection, as well as to exchange experiences and improve mutual cooperation. “The security of critical infrastructure is of paramount importance for the stability of any country. Critical infrastructure is the foundation of modern states, consisting of facilities and systems that must function without interruption because their vulnerability can lead to serious destabilization and security threats to the entire community,” said Veselčić, adding that with the rapid technological development the vulnerability of these systems increases. “Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to make maximum efforts to ensure their resilience and protection. 
The Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina led the process of creating the Strategy for Prevention and Combating Terrorism, and this document testifies to the strong commitment of institutions at all levels of government in Bosnia and Herzegovina to effectively tackle the challenges of terrorism, which certainly includes the area of critical infrastructure protection,” emphasized Veselčić.
NATO representative from Brussels, Jake Collie, reminded everyone that NATO’s key task is cooperation with the allies and partners in strengthening collective security. Highlighting the numerous attacks by terrorist groups and their devastating impacts on critical infrastructure, Collie emphasized that the only effective way to reduce the likelihood and impact of such attacks is better preparedness, sharing experiences and best practices, and even closer and more intense cooperation.
Brigadier Marcel Horia Arama from the NATO-accredited Centre of Excellence for Defence Against Terrorism said ‘although the centre is accredited by NATO, its users are not only NATO members but also partner countries, which is beneficial for Bosnia and Herzegovina’. Brigadier Arama assisted in designing the training in Mostar. He presented the Centre with its activities and programmes, including the cooperation with international organizations and academic community on sensitive issues related to terrorism and counter-terrorism.
“You are all aware that terrorism is today a significant threat to global peace, especially since it uses modern technologies. In order to resist terrorism and effectively defend ourselves, we must build strong foundations in accordance with NATO standards. This training is the result of consultations between NATO and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through the prepared programme, we aim to strengthen understanding of this issue through case studies, exercises, and shared experiences from the training participants, analyzing threats, all with the goal of developing better cooperation among Bosnia and Herzegovina’s security agencies to effectively respond to emerging challenges,” said Brigadier Arama.