12/09/2025

In cooperation with the French Embassy, a presentation was held today for officers from the Border Police of BiH, the Indirect Taxation Authority and other security services at the Agency for Education and Professional Training (AEPTM). The event focused on ANCHISE technological tools designed to enhance the protection of cultural heritage from theft and illegal trade.

Around 40 officers participated in practical training sessions using the ANCHISE tools in simulated operational environments. Feedback was provided to the tool developers (ICOM, EFA, ENSP, ULL2), contributing to the broader goal of building a comprehensive and sustainable European response to the protection of both ancient and modern cultural assets.

The ANCHISE project—"Applying New solutions for Cultural Heritage protection by Innovative, Scientific, social and economic Engagement"—is EU-funded and builds on successful methodologies from previous H2020 projects (NETCHER, PREVISION, MAGNETO). It promotes a bottom-up approach and aims to offer scalable solutions across Europe and beyond.

The training also marked ongoing collaboration between the French government and BiH security institutions. In his opening remarks, Director Marko Vujević thanked the French Embassy for its continued support, emphasizing the Agency’s commitment to educating officers on cultural heritage protection—developed through partnerships with OSCE and UNESCO.

French Ambassador François Delmas closed the event, highlighting the global scale of illegal art trade and the importance of interdisciplinary, international cooperation. He praised the ANCHISE program for merging technology with the humanities and encouraged participants to continue their work, noting that strong networks and information sharing are key to field success.

“I know today has been a rich day, full of activities. You had the opportunity to see the equipment and expertise, and to witness that the uniqueness of the ANCHISE program lies in the collaboration and bridging of new technologies with the humanities in the fight against counterfeiting and illegal trade in cultural goods. This program is interdisciplinary, international, and that is its added value. I am proud that my country offered this training and these solutions. I invite you to continue what you started today, because experience shows that training, relationship-building among people and institutions, sharing information, and good contacts enable effective action on the ground,” said the Ambassador.

During his first official visit to the Agency, Ambassador Delmas met with Director Vujević to learn about the Agency’s mission, capacities, and international partnerships. He reiterated France’s support for BiH’s EU path, particularly in the field of justice and internal affairs, and introduced Lieutenant Colonel Louis Boquien, the Embassy’s new Security Attaché, who will continue bilateral cooperation in the security sector.