On Friday 29 April 2016, Chief of Staff (COS) European Union Force (EUFOR), Brigadier Zoltán MIHÓCZA (Hungarian Army) formally handed over COS EUFOR to Brigadier General Albert SÁFÁR. The ceremony took place in Camp Butmir. This event was attended by Commander EUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter and VIPs and delegates from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the European Union, and representatives of many other nations.
Commander EUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrӧtter (left) welcomes the incoming Chief of Staff EUFOR, Brigadier General Albert Sáfár (right). Photos: WOII Martin Austerhuber
On completion of the ceremony, Press Statements were provided. As the outgoing COS EUFOR, General MIHÓCZA said: “The EUFOR Mission has progressively shifted its focus to the Capacity Building and Training of the Armed Forces, supporting their move from a ‘Security consumer’ to a ‘Security provider’. The EUFOR Mission also ensures our mandated objectives are met in support of the continued stability and development of BiH.” He also stated: “I would like to congratulate the new Chief of Staff of EUFOR, Brigadier General Albert SAFAR. I hope your time here in this beautiful country is as enjoyable as mine in working to meet the continued important objectives of the EUFOR Mission.”
As the incoming COS EUFOR, General Albert SÁFÁR (Hungarian Air Force) stated: “In working to meet the important objectives of the EUFOR Mission, we will ensure the continued development of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina remains our key objective. However, the need to maintain a Safe and Secure Environment for all in BiH will continue to be a key function of our role.” He also stated: “The need for a continued supportive and coherent relationship between EUFOR and the Armed Forces of BiH is essential. This coordinated and joint approach develops their capabilities, through established training and exercises.”
General SÁFÁR joins EUFOR from a previous appointment in Hungary. With extensive aviation and senior staff Headquarters experience, since 2011 he held the appointment of Hungarian Air Chief of Joint Forces Command (JFC) / Deputy JFC Commander.
