On Friday 11th of August a ceremony, presided over by Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner, marked the Change of Command of the EUFOR Multinational Battalion (MNBN). The Multinational Battalion is a group of soldiers comprising of 3 different nations Austria, Hungary and Turkey who combine to serve together within EUFOR.
The command of the Multinational Battalion was handed over from Lieutenant Colonel Harald Zagler to Lieutenant Colonel Michael Lippert, both members of the Austrian contingent in EUFOR. Lieutenant Colonel Michael Lippert stated in his speech, that the MNBN is the only reaction force within the area of operations of EUFOR and that it is ready 24 hours a day 7 days a week to face special challenges. Additional the new commander will utilise the special training opportunities within the region. The new Commander of the MNBN served in KFOR as a deputy Battalion Commander in 2006 and as a commander of the Combat Service Support Battalion of a European Battlegroup in 2012 and 2016.
The MNBN exercises regularly with the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH) and in autumn of this year another exercise alongside reserve troops from across Europe will take place. The exercise commonly known as Quick Response 17, will train EUFOR's capability to bring in reserve forces to assist BiH authorities in maintaining a safe and secure environment. The exercise happens every year, in co-operation with AFBiH and troops from contributing nations.
EUFOR Operation ALTHEA, currently made up of soldiers from 14 EU member states and 5 partner nations, works closely with the MoD, conducting capacity building and training throughout the country to promote a climate where the peace process can continue to move forward. The objective being that AFBiH will operate autonomously without the requirement for international assistance. EUFOR is fully committed to support BiH "on its path to a European future" and remains a vital enabling actor in the development and maintenance of a safe and secure environment.
