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  • EUFOR – Strong Partner to BiH

    EUFOR continues to be a strong Partner for BiH:
    • By supporting the marking and registering of more than 70.000 weapons
    • By providing advice to increase security in nearly 300 Locations where weapons and ammunition are stored...


On 22 December 2020, two days after the historical election in Mostar, a patrol by the Austrian company of EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion visited LOT House in this historical town. On the way to Mostar the patrol passed by the memorial Bridge on the Neretva River in Jablanica.

On 22 December 2020, two days after the historical election in Mostar, a patrol by the Austrian company of EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion visited LOT House in this historical town. On the way to Mostar the patrol passed by the memorial Bridge on the Neretva River in Jablanica.

Today, the United Kingdom marked the end of its 16 year contribution to EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina with a flag lowering ceremony at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, led by COM EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak.

25 years have passed since the Dayton Peace Agreement was finally signed in Paris on 14 December 1995. As the Commander of EUFOR’s mission in BiH, it is my responsibility, not only deliver on the terms of our Mandate that is derived from the Dayton Peace Agreement, but also to ensure that those under my command are ready and able to respond to any contingent requirement.

This week, the Slovakian contingent of EUFOR teamed up with the Red Cross to donate blood to support hospitals in the area.

Commander EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, led a ceremony unveiling a new memorial dedicated to the remembrance of all fallen soldiers of the Bosnian War.

Commander EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, led a ceremony unveiling a new memorial dedicated to the remembrance of all fallen soldiers of the Bosnian War.

This week has been busy for the Multinational Battalion of EUFOR. In partnership with the EU Delegation in BiH and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), they have been facilitating the logistical arrangements to deliver medical supplies.

Commander EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, has conveyed his congratulations to the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina as they celebrate the 15th anniversary of their formation.

Today in Čajniče, the Slovakian contingent to EUFOR based at LOT Foča donated parcels to the local kindergarten. The Slovakian Soldiers donated toys, books, blankets and drawing stationary to the children. In these confusing times for children so young it was a welcome surprise.

Today in Čajniče, the Slovakian contingent to EUFOR based at LOT Foča donated parcels to the local kindergarten. The Slovakian Soldiers donated toys, books, blankets and drawing stationary to the children. In these confusing times for children so young it was a welcome surprise.

On November 21, The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, visited EUFOR headquarters at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, as part of his visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina on the 25th Anniversary of the agreement of the Dayton Accords.

On November 21, The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, visited EUFOR headquarters at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, as part of his visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina on the 25th Anniversary of the agreement of the Dayton Accords.

A specialist EUFOR countermines team visited the OLOVO municipality recently, monitoring a demining site of the BiH Armed Forces Demining Battalion. As part of the ‘Land Release Project’, the Demining Battalion has already cleared 88 mines at the location, and has now switched its focus to the issue of cluster munitions.

COS EUFOR, Brigadier General Ernő Baráth joined members of the United Kingdom element of EUFOR to pay their respects to those killed during all global conflict.

On 5 November, the 15-member UN Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2594 (2020) under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, welcoming the continued presence of EUFOR ALTHEA and the EU’s readiness at this stage to continue an executive military role to support Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities to maintain the safe and secure environment.

COM EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak was joined today by the Ambassador of Romania to BiH, Mrs. Dana-Manuela Constantinescu at the Memorial Park within Camp Butmir.

An event in the Armed Forces of BiH Army Hall in Sarajevo today celebrated the anniversary of a landmark UN Resolution. Hosted by the Minister of Defence, Dr Sifet Podžić and attended by Armed Service and civilian agencies, the event aimed to shine a light on the auspicious milestone.

EUFOR’s mine risk education teams had a busy week in and around Sarajevo. The education programme delivered by Liaison Observation Team (LOT) Novo Sarajevo has been restricted by the COVID pandemic, but EUFOR understands the importance of these classes.

Commander EUFOR, Major General Trischak, and the Head of EU Delegation to BiH and Special Representative in BiH, Ambassador Johann Sattler were in Banja Luka yesterday. The visit was to hand over a significant amount of protective equipment donated by the EU to the Republika Srpska Health Institute in Banja Luka.

COM EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak was today given the opportunity to witness the skills and drills of the Multi National Battalion based at Camp Butmir.

Soldiers from Austria, Hungary and Turkey are joined by the Armed Forces of BiH to witness the destruction of some old ammunition at a remote site near Glamoč, 130km west of Sarajevo.

The EU Council reiterates its commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina and welcomes the continued presence of Operation Althea.

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A company of soldiers from EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion have been living with and training with their partners from the Armed Forces of BiH. The 5 day period of cooperation builds on relationships fostered during the annual EUFOR exercise involving soldiers from 20 nations. Joining up this time in the south of the country near Bileća, the two teams shared ideas to coordinate a complex serial in challenging conditions.

A company of soldiers from EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion have been living with and training with their partners from the Armed Forces of BiH. The 5 day period of cooperation builds on relationships fostered during the annual EUFOR exercise involving soldiers from 20 nations. Joining up this time in the south of the country near Bileća, the two teams shared ideas to coordinate a complex serial in challenging conditions.

COM EUFOR Major General Reinhard Trischak made the journey to Ante Bruno Bušić Barracks Livno today to present a donation cheque raised from a gala dinner.

Soldiers, airmen and sailors based at the EUFOR Headquarters and throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina received their deployment medal on a sunny autumn morning at Camp Butmir. The formal ceremony was presided by Commander EUFOR Major General Reinhard Trischak, who thanked the the troops on parade for their effort and dedication to maintain a safe and secure environment.

The Senior National Representative from Turkey, working at EUFOR Head Quarters, Colonel Selim Gökçegöz, has been busy traveling around BiH schools.
Funding donated by Turkey has been used to renovate and improve the learning experience for elementary schools particularly in the area of computer systems.

The Senior National Representative from Turkey, working at EUFOR Head Quarters, Colonel Selim Gökçegöz, has been busy traveling around BiH schools.
Funding donated by Turkey has been used to renovate and improve the learning experience for elementary schools particularly in the area of computer systems.

Sarajevo International Airport sees the arrival of a Royal Airforce C-17 Globemaster. The long-range strategic transport aircraft used by the UK’s RAF for worldwide combat, peacekeeping or humanitarian missions picks up equipment used during EUFOR’s Exercise Quick Response.

Sarajevo International Airport is once again visited by giant transport aircraft. On this occasion, they arrive to return the last troops and vehicles that were deployed on EUFOR’s Exercise Quick Response 2020.

On Thursday 24th of September the Austrian Company from the EUFOR Multinational Battalion (MNBN) conducted helicopter boarding training, exercising their ability to quickly move personnel to areas around Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Commander EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, visited SIPA today where he met with Director Darko Ćulum. Since this was the first visit by COM EUFOR to SIPA since Darko Ćulum was appointed Director, they discussed the priorities for the work of SIPA and future plans, as well as the current security challenges in BiH and the world.

Commander EUFOR Major General Reinhard Trischak and Minister of Security of BiH Selmo Cikotić travelled today to the Border Crossing Point in Zvornik. After EUFOR and its reserve forces again successfully cooperated with the BiH Ministry of Security and BiH Law Enforcement Agencies during Exercise Quick Response 2020, Minister Cikotić invited Major General Trischak to an on-site visit of the Border Police at one of the most frequented crossing points with Serbia. This reiterates the high level of cooperation between EUFOR and the BiH Law Enforcement Agencies.

Camp Butmir, Sarajevo today saw the Change of Command for EUFOR's Multinational Battalion (MNBN). COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, handed the colours of the MNBN from Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Steingress to Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Wilfing to signify the Change of Command.

COM EUFOR Major General Reinhard Trischak, welcomed the Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to BiH, Martin Kačo to EUFOR Head Quarters at Camp Butmir today. The sombre occasion marked the unveiling of a memorial to the Armed Forces of The Slovak Republic – for all who have served in the service of peace and stability.

After operating in different areas of BiH during EUFOR’s annual Exercise Quick Response 2020, a Company of Austrian and a Company of UK soldiers decide to join forces to test their combined military ability.

The Commander of EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak met with Mr Aleksandar Đorđević, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to BiH at Camp Butmir yesterday afternoon.

The Commander of EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak joined up for a ride with some of the quick-reaction forces who are in the country for Exercise Quick Response 2020.

Camp Butmir, 10 September 2020 – EUFOR Chief of Staff Brigadier General Ernő Baráth welcomed members of the military attaché corps in Bosnia and Herzegovina for a debriefing on EUFOR’s biggest annual exercise Quick Response 2020. While the military diplomats had been briefed ahead of the exercise about scenario and expectations, the post exercise review showed how the European Union Forces succeeded and proved that the system functions.

Saturday 5th September marked the occasion for the closing ceremony of Exercise Quick Response 2020.

“COM EUFOR Major General Reinhard Trischak visited Sarajevo yesterday for a meeting with Mirsad Vilić; who heads up the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies.

EUFOR troops have been deployed right across BiH over the last week on Exercise Quick Response 2020 as part of Operation Althea.

EUFOR troops have been deployed right across BiH over the last week on Exercise Quick Response 2020 as part of Operation Althea.

Exercise Quick Response 2020 is taking place concurrently in multiple locations across BiH. In the afternoon of Wednesday 2 September, as part of Exercise Quick Response 2020, a dynamic exercise took place at Sarajevo International Airport, which rehearsed the simulation of attempted airplane hijacking and terrorist attack. This is the fourth year in a row that SIA is taking part in the exercise. Acting Director of the Airport Alan Bajić said that airplane hijacking is one of the hardest terrorist acts and one of the most complex crisis situations and continued: “Airport staff and other participants invested a lot of effort to make sure that exercise is conducted properly. I want to thank everyone who participated in the exercise. Although we hope that we would never have this situation in a real life, it is good to know that we have well trained personnel and procedures”.

Exercise Quick Response 2020 is taking place concurrently in multiple locations across BiH. In the afternoon of Wednesday 2 September, as part of Exercise Quick Response 2020, a dynamic exercise took place at Sarajevo International Airport, which rehearsed the simulation of attempted airplane hijacking and terrorist attack. This is the fourth year in a row that SIA is taking part in the exercise. Acting Director of the Airport Alan Bajić said that airplane hijacking is one of the hardest terrorist acts and one of the most complex crisis situations and continued: “Airport staff and other participants invested a lot of effort to make sure that exercise is conducted properly. I want to thank everyone who participated in the exercise. Although we hope that we would never have this situation in a real life, it is good to know that we have well trained personnel and procedures”.

Action starts early at Camp Butmir for a demonstration of various military skills practiced by EUFOR Multinational troops during Exercise Quick Response 2020.

The EUFOR Liaison Observation Team (LOT) in Brčko dealt today with a protest in front of their house. The LOT Commander started negotiations with the interpreter but the negotiations failed and the protesters became more and more aggressive.

The action from EUFORs Exercise Quick Response 2020 continues at pace on day 2 with an attempted raid on a weapon storage facility near Ustikolina. Armed rioters with automatic weapons and hand thrown explosive devices demand entry. Undeterred by the aggression, the EUFOR soldiers from Hungary quickly neutralized the threat and arrested all the protesters.

The first day of action from EUFOR’s Exercise Quick Response 2020 showed that the troop integration has worked very well.

The first day of action from EUFORs Exercise Quick Response 2020 showed that the troop integration training has worked very well.

The first day of action from EUFORs Exercise Quick Response 2020 showed that the troop integration training has worked very well.

Sunday 30th August 2020 marked the opening ceremony for EUFOR’s Exercise Quick Response 2020. The annual exercise tests EUFOR’s capability to call up and deploy over-the-horizon reserve forces held at high readiness by contributing nations.

Sunday 30th August 2020 marked the opening ceremony for EUFOR’s Exercise Quick Response 2020. The annual exercise tests EUFOR’s capability to call up and deploy over-the-horizon reserve forces held at high readiness by contributing nations.

A Training and Co-Operation Plan between EUFOR and the Armed Forces Bosnia and Herzegovina was signed on 25th August 2020 in Sarajevo.
The training plan was signed by EUFOR Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Ernő Baráth, and Major General Ivica Jerkić, Deputy Chief Joint Staff Operations for Armed Forces Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A Training and Co-Operation Plan between EUFOR and the Armed Forces Bosnia and Herzegovina was signed on 25th August 2020 in Sarajevo.
The training plan was signed by EUFOR Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Ernő Baráth, and Major General Ivica Jerkić, Deputy Chief Joint Staff Operations for Armed Forces Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Travelling by road after isolating in their own country, the main body of Austrian soldiers arrive at Camp Butmir to join Exercise Quick Response 2020.

Captain Vladimir Satka from EUFOR’s Liaison Observation Team (LOT) based in Foča, donates a box of medical supplies to the local Medical Centre.

Captain Vladimir Satka from EUFOR’s Liaison Observation Team (LOT) based in Foča, donates a box of medical supplies to the local Medical Centre.

Captain Vladimir Satka from EUFOR’s Liaison Observation Team (LOT) based in Foča, donates a box of medical supplies to the local Medical Centre.

COM EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak met with BiH Minister of Security Selmo Cikotić at Camp Butmir on Monday afternoon.

COM EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak met with BiH Minister of Security Selmo Cikotić at Camp Butmir on Monday afternoon.

EUFOR’s annual exercise to test the readiness of its quick-reaction forces receives 100 soldiers of the UK’s élite Parachute Regiment.

Exercise Quick Response 2020 receives its first load of equipment and vehicles at Sarajevo International airport.
Soldiers from the UK’s elite Parachute Regiment landed with their payload of food and equipment on-board a Royal Air Force C130. Having spent the last 2 weeks in COVID isolation in the UK and a medical screening at Camp Butmir, they quickly got straight to work unloading specialist vehicles from the giant Antonov 124 following close behind.

A contingent of troops from The United Kingdom arrived in Camp Butmir today in preparation for Exercise Quick Response 2020. The soldiers from the elite Parachute Regiment will be temporarily based at Camp Butmir to prepare for the arrival of their main force and specialist vehicles later this month.

EUFOR Camp Butmir was proud to hold an International Medal Parade for 180 Service personnel from 14 different Nations.
The soldiers, sailors and airmen based at Butmir and serving throughout BiH were addressed at the formal ceremony by the Commander of EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak. He thanked all attending for their effort and dedication and the service they have provided in supporting local authorities to deliver a safe and secure environment.

The Minister of Security of BiH Selmo Cikotic spoke with Commander EUFOR Major General Reinhard Trischak about BiH's security challenges and the cooperation of his ministry with the EU-led international peacekeeping force. The Force Commander of the European Union Forces in BiH was the first international official who met Minister Cikotic in his office.

The General Hospital Abdulah Nakas in Sarajevo today added to the list of hospitals cooperating with EUFOR. These agreements are of mutual benefit: the healthcare sector receives funds when services are required and EUFOR does not need to set up specialised facilities as long as the situation in BiH permits.

Two runners from EUFOR's Polish contingent finished the recent Two Cities Marathon Sarajevo-East Sarajevo in an outstanding manner with one reaching the third place in the women category in 3:44:58. The race was organized under specific preventative measures due to the current pandemic.

COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, visited two EUFOR Liaison Observation Team (LOT) houses in the area of Eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina. He spent time with soldiers who man the LOT houses in Visegrad and Foca.

COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, visited two EUFOR Liaison Observation Team (LOT) houses in the area of Eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina. He spent time with soldiers who man the LOT houses in Visegrad and Foca.

COM EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak had the pleasure of hosting BiH Ministers and BHMAC representatives today at a demining site near Kalesija 120km north of Sarajevo. The delegation landed in the area close to Tuzla by EUFOR helicopter and were able to witness demining operations first hand.

COM EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak had the pleasure of hosting BiH Ministers and BHMAC representatives today at a demining site near Kalesija 120km north of Sarajevo. The delegation landed in the area close to Tuzla by EUFOR helicopter and were able to witness demining operations first hand.

EUFOR mine clearance experts based at Camp Butmir joined up with a team from the Federal Department of Civil Protection (FUCZ) to make safe some newly discovered devices. The mines were discovered near a hiking trail in a remote part of the Pašina Mountain where access by vehicle is impossible. EUFOR used one of its helicopters for the 8 minute flight to winch the teams in close enough so they could walk to the mined area and begin making it safe.

EUFOR mine clearance experts based at Camp Butmir joined up with a team from the Federal Department of Civil Protection (FUCZ) to make safe some newly discovered devices. The mines were discovered near a hiking trail in a remote part of the Pašina Mountain where access by vehicle is impossible. EUFOR used one of its helicopters for the 8 minute flight to winch the teams in close enough so they could walk to the mined area and begin making it safe.

Of the 20 nations that contribute to the make-up of EUFOR troops based at Camp Butmir, it was the first time this year that forces from Hungary and Turkey have combined to patrol together. The Turkish Liaison and Observation Team (LOT) base themselves in Livno, 100km west of Sarajevo and were pleased to host their Hungarian colleagues for the routine patrol.

Medical facilities in Bihać, Sarajevo, Zenica and Tuzla were pleased to host two EUFOR Doctors to share their experience of treating COVID-19. Major Pasquale Giannelli and Major Marino Trivisani both have extensive first-hand knowledge of diagnosing and treating Corona Virus back in their native Italian hospitals, where the pandemic has sadly claimed many lives.

COM EUFOR Major General Reinhard Trischak met with the BiH Minister of Defence Dr Sifet Podžić and Deputy Minister of Security Mr Nedeljko Jović, today in Sarajevo. The routine calls were an opportunity for COM EUFOR to discuss planning arrangements prior to the start of Exercise Quick Response 2020 (QR2020) in August this year and to talk over engagement and cooperation with AFBiH on wider themes.

COM EUFOR Major General Reinhard Trischak met with the BiH Minister of Defence Dr Sifet Podžić and Deputy Minister of Security Mr Nedeljko Jović, today in Sarajevo. The routine calls were an opportunity for COM EUFOR to discuss planning arrangements prior to the start of Exercise Quick Response 2020 (QR2020) in August this year and to talk over engagement and cooperation with AFBiH on wider themes.

This year sees the twentieth anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution which gives focus to Women, Peace and Security. Recognising the upcoming anniversary allows EUFOR to reinforce the significance of gender-based violence within conflict and reflect on how far we have come in acknowledging its importance.

EUFOR troops at Butmir today remembered the tragic accident that claimed 4 lives on 19th June 2008. The 2 Spanish crew and 2 German passengers were all killed when the BO-105 helicopter suffered difficulties and crashed during a routine flight in a mountainous area near Travnik, 90km NW of Sarajevo.

Lieutenant General Olivier Rittimann, the EUFOR Operation Commander, has given the green light for exercise Quick Response 2020. The decision has been made after visiting EUFOR at Butmir witnessing first-hand the preparations and safety measures generated to make the exercise as safe and effective as possible.

Two Italian military doctors, who joined EUFOR last month bringing their extensive experience of working with COVID-19 in Italy, have begun working with members of the BiH healthcare system.

On 10-11 June 2020, Lieutenant General Olivier Rittimann, the EU Operation Commander for Operation EUFOR Althea, visited Camp Butmir to gain first-hand situational awareness of the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will be vital in informing the decision of whether to proceed with Exercise Quick Response 20. This visit comes ahead of the Final Coordination Conference next week.

On 2 June 2020, COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, wrote to thank the former BiH Minister of Security, Fahrudin Radončić, for his “close and friendly cooperation” during his period of service.

On 29 May 20, EUFOR reached an important milestone with the conclusion of the Main Planning Conference for this year’s annual Exercise Quick Response 20.

Speaking recently of EUFOR’s relationship with the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH), its members and capabilities, Commander EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak said: “I have met no more dedicated and professional soldiers and Officers than those within the AFBiH. ” EUFOR sees the AFBiH as a partner, enjoying a high level of mutual cooperation and support.

On 25 May 2020, the 3rd Platoon of the Hungarian Company of EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion, as the current Quick Reaction Force (QRF) platoon, conducted a checkpoint training exercise.

On 25 May 2020, the 3rd Platoon of the Hungarian Company of EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion, as the current Quick Reaction Force (QRF) platoon, conducted a checkpoint training exercise.

On 20 May 2020, in torrential rain, members of the Austrian Company of EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion carried out a mandatory test of their fitness, proving that they are battle-ready.

On 18 May 2020, the Polish Military Contingent of EUFOR took delivery of medical resources to support the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina against the COVID-19 pandemic at Sarajevo International Airport.

On 15 May 2020, in a Transfer of Authority ceremony held at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, Brigadier General László Szabó relinquished his position of EUFOR Chief of Staff (COS) to his successor, Brigadier General Ernő Baráth, following the completion of a 13-month tour of duty.

On 15 May 2020, in a Transfer of Authority ceremony held at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, Brigadier General László Szabó relinquished his position of EUFOR Chief of Staff (COS) to his successor, Brigadier General Ernő Baráth, following the completion of a 13-month tour of duty.

On 13 May 2020, COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, took part in a ceremony of remembrance at Camp Butmir in honour of the 23 Spanish soldiers who have lost their lives in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On 11 May 2020, COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, travelled to Lipa to visit the migrant camp recently established by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). COMEUFOR was welcomed at the camp by officials of the IOM, including Mr. Vladimir Mitkovski who is responsible for the area.

On 6 May 2020, two Italian military doctors arrived at Sarajevo International Airport by C-130 aircraft. They were met by the Italian Ambassador to BiH, H.E. Nicola Minasi, the BiH Minister of Civil Affairs, Ms. Ankica Gudeljević, and the Senior National Representative for the Italian contingent in EUFOR, Lieutenant Colonel Mauro Nazzi.

On 6 May 2020, two Italian military doctors arrived at Sarajevo International Airport by C-130 aircraft. They were met by the Italian Ambassador to BiH, H.E. Nicola Minasi, the BiH Minister of Civil Affairs, Ms. Ankica Gudeljević, and the Senior National Representative for the Italian contingent in EUFOR, Lieutenant Colonel Mauro Nazzi.

On 4 May 2020, COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, visited Srebrenica. He was welcomed by the Mayor of Srebrenica, Mladen Grujičić, after which they held a meeting.

Last week, EUFOR conducted its largest series of tests to date, covering in excess of 500 people. Final results of the latest series were double checked and have shown that only one EUFOR member in theatre has tested positive. He is currently being treated with mild symptoms University Clinical Centre Sarajevo. Personnel who have been in close contact with the individual have been identified and are now in quarantine, until they receive clearance from medical personnel.

On 27 April 2020, a patrol by the Turkish company of EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion visited Foča. While in the area the patrol also visited the Scepan Polje border crossing point.

On 27 April 2020, a patrol by the Turkish company of EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion visited Foča. While in the area the patrol also visited the Scepan Polje border crossing point.

A specialist team from Austria deployed to Camp Butmir last week in order to carry out the largest series of testing for EUFOR personnel so far. Arriving on Monday 20 April 2020, the team carried out testing at Camp Butmir and locations around Bosnia and Herzegovina, before departing on Friday 24 April 2020.

On 23 April 2020, the Turkish company of EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion (MNBN) mounted a patrol to Doboj. Whilst in Doboj, they linked up with the Liaison Observation Team (LOT) House, manned by members of the Polish contingent.

0n 22-23 April 2020, EUFOR extends its preventative testing series for COVID-19 to include deployed elements around BiH. These tests are purely a preventive measure, to survey the health of EUFOR’s deployed elements and exclude any risk to local communities. There have been no indications that any deployed personnel have displayed symptoms at any time.

On 16 April 2020, epidemiological experts from the Public Health Institute of Sarajevo Canton were invited to meet with senior EUFOR medical personnel at Camp Butmir. The aims of the meeting were to share information and identify improvements in processes, building trust and transparency in the preventative measures employed to combat the corona virus.

Medical repatriations of all remaining cases of EUFOR personnel infected with COVID-19 to their home countries took place over the weekend. It is now possible to report that there are currently no (0) confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Camp Butmir.

EUFOR confirms that in the late evening of 16 April 2020 a member of the EU Delegation to BiH with confirmed COVID-19 infection was brought to Camp Butmir by medical personnel of the Kosevo Clinic in Sarajevo. The individual was received at the gate by medical staff and military police with the utmost caution and transferred to a prepared isolation building on camp.

For the safety of everyone at EUFOR, our cooperation partners and BiH citizens, the extensive test series at the EUFOR Headquarters has continued. So far almost 250 tests have already been conducted, representing roughly a quarter of EUFOR’s combined military and civilian workforce. One of the main aims of the testing at Camp Butmir is to create a safer environment for everyone, including the local BiH community.

“We are learning more every day in a rapidly developing set of circumstances, where we do not know exactly where we will be next week,” said Major General Reinhard Trischak, Commander of EUFOR, on 7 April 2020 at Camp Butmir.

EUFOR can confirm that six (6) individuals have tested positive for COVID-19, following an extensive test series carried out at Camp Butmir on 8 April 2020. These persons have been immediately placed in isolation at Camp Butmir upon receipt of the results today, under the supervision of EUFOR medical staff. Personnel who have been in close contact with the individuals are being placed in quarantine, until they receive clearance from medical personnel.

On 3 April 2020, Austrian and Hungarian members of Headquarters of EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion, took part in a live firing exercise, at the firing range located near Pazarić. This exercise was part of a regular programme of activities designed to ensure the maintenance of soldiers’ military skill set.

With the medical repatriations that have taken place during the last week, there are currently no EUFOR personnel at Camp Butmir with a confirmed COVID-19 infection. As a precautionary measure, individuals that were in close contact with the previous cases remain in isolation at Camp Butmir until medical clearance is given, and to date none are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 at this time.

On 31 March 2020, two EUFOR members were repatriated by helicopter to their home country for medical reasons. One soldier had a confirmed case of COVID-19 and one soldier was suspected to be infected with the virus. The flight was a preventative measure organised between EUFOR and the troop contributing country.

On 31 March 2020, a Hungarian Air Force helicopter flew to Camp Butmir to repatriate two members of EUFOR personnel back to Hungary for medical reasons. One soldier had a confirmed case of COVID-19 and one soldier was suspected to be infected with the virus.

On 28 March 2020, the EUFOR member with a confirmed COVID-19 infection from last week, was transferred to Austria by helicopter. The soldier has been taken to a military hospital facility for medical supervision and further treatment.

EUFOR can confirm that a new confirmed case (1) of COVID-19 occurred in Camp Butmir. The individual concerned had followed all medical guidance and was isolated immediately on feeling the first symptoms and has been under the care of EUFOR medical personnel. Personnel who have been in close contact with the individual will be isolated until receving clearance from medical personnel.

On 26 March 2020, the Turkish Company of EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion conducted a patrol to the border crossing points at Zvornik, Karakaj and Sepak. The Commander of the Multinational Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Steingresz, joined the patrol to witness his troops conducting their operational tasking.

On 26 March 2020, the Turkish Company of EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion conducted a patrol to the border crossing points at Zvornik, Karakaj and Sepak. The Commander of the Multinational Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Steingresz, joined the patrol to witness his troops conducting their operational tasking.

EUFOR can confirm that one (1) individual is currently in isolation at Camp Butmir with a confirmed case of COVID-19.

On 21 March 2020, the Hungarian company of EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion (MNBN) conducted an exercise in Rajlovac, to prove that they had reached Full Operating Capability. The exercise was based on a scenario simulating civil unrest and was observed by EUFOR Chief of Staff, Brigadier General László Szabó, and Commander MNBN, Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Steingresz.

EUFOR Commander, Major General Reinhard Trischak, met with the Director of the Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zoran Galić, on 16 March 2020. They discussed the activities of the Border Police, the migrant situation and maintaining the work of the EUFOR mission during the unprecedented situation presented by the Corona Virus.

On 13 March 2020, COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, and the Hungarian Ambassador in Bosnia and Herzegovina, His Excellency Krisztián Pósa, gathered at the Memorial Park in Camp Butmir to unveil a Memorial Stone in honour of all the Hungarian Soldiers who have served in Peacekeeping Missions throughout the World.

EUFOR Commander Major General Reinhard Trischak met with the Chairman of the BiH Council of Ministers, Zoran Tegeltija on 11 March 2020 to discuss the need for the Council of Ministers to appoint the new Demining Commission.

Swift action by the BiH Council of Ministers is required to appoint the new Demining Commission, Head of the EU Delegation to BiH and EU Special Representative Ambassador Johann Sattler and EUFOR Commander Major General Reinhard Trischak have warned. The Demining Commission is the country’s only body authorized to accredit and re-accredit demining organisations. With its mandate expiring, 89 percent of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s demining capacity and the entire capacity for the removal of explosive remnants of war outside registered mine suspected areas is set to be lost by the end of March.

The international Women’s day was marked worldwide on the 8th of March 2020. In course of this event COMEUFOR Major General Reinhard Trischak hosted this Monday in Camp Butmir a reception inviting all females working for EUFOR.

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On 25 February 2020, the change of command of EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion (MNBN) was marked with a military ceremony and parade at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, handed the colours of the MNBN from Lieutenant Colonel Manfred Leitner to Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Steingresz to signify the Change of Command.

On 25 February 2020, the change of command of EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion (MNBN) was marked with a military ceremony and parade at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, handed the colours of the MNBN from Lieutenant Colonel Manfred Leitner to Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Steingresz to signify the Change of Command.

On 25 February 2020, the change of command of EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion (MNBN) was marked with a military ceremony and parade at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, handed the colours of the MNBN from Lieutenant Colonel Manfred Leitner to Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Steingresz to signify the Change of Command.

On 21 February 2020, COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, visited three EUFOR Liaison Observation Team (LOT) houses in the area of Central Bosnia and Herzegovina. He spent time with soldiers who man the LOT houses in Zavidovići, Zenica and Travnik.

On 21 February 2020, COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, visited three EUFOR Liaison Observation Team (LOT) houses in the area of Central Bosnia and Herzegovina. He spent time with soldiers who man the LOT houses in Zavidovići, Zenica and Travnik.

On 19 February 2020, EUFOR personnel from Camp Butmir took part in the International Military Sports Council (CISM) ‘Run for Peace’ to mark the International Day of Military Sports.

On 5 February 2020, the newly appointed Ambassador of Greece to BiH, H.E. Dimitrios Papandreou, visited Camp Butmir for an inaugural meeting with COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak.

Between 11-13 February 2020, Lieutenant General Olivier Rittimann, the Operation Commander for Operation EUFOR Althea, and Lieutenant General Antonio Vittiglio, Head of the European Union Command Element, visited the EUFOR mission in BiH. COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, welcomed Lieutenant General Rittimann to Camp Butmir and gave an update EUFOR’s latest activity and the current situation in BiH.

Between 11-13 February 2020, Lieutenant General Olivier Rittimann, the Operation Commander for Operation EUFOR Althea, and Lieutenant General Antonio Vittiglio, Head of the European Union Command Element, visited the EUFOR mission in BiH. COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, welcomed Lieutenant General Rittimann to Camp Butmir and gave an update EUFOR’s latest activity and the current situation in BiH.

On 11 February 2020, Lieutenant General Olivier Rittimann, the Operation Commander for EUFOR Althea began a 3-day visit to Sarajevo and the EUFOR mission in BiH. COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, welcomed Lieutenant General Rittimann to Camp Butmir and gave an update EUFOR’s latest activity and the current situation in BiH.

On 11 February 2020, COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, welcomed Lieutenant General Antonio Vittiglio, Head of the European Union Command Element, to Camp Butmir.

On 5 February 2020, the Swedish Ambassador to BiH, H.E. Johanna Strömquist, visited Camp Butmir to meet with COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak.

On 4 February 2020, COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, welcomed the Swiss Chief of Joint Operation Command and Deputy Chief of the Swiss Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Aldo C. Schellenberg, accompanied by the Commander of the Swiss Armed Forces International Command SWISSINT, Colonel Alexander Furer, to Camp Butmir.

A patrol of the EUFOR Multinational Battalion (MNBN) had an eventful day on 30 January 2020, as they provided roadside assistance to not one, but two cars that left the road in the vicinity of Tuzla.

A patrol of the EUFOR Multinational Battalion (MNBN) had an eventful day on 30 January 2020, as they provided roadside assistance to not one, but two cars that left the road in the vicinity of Tuzla.

On 28-30 January 2020, EUFOR representatives from the Joint Military Affairs (JMA) Countermines Team attended a three-day workshop, jointly organised by Bosnia and Herzegovina Mine Action Centre (BHMAC) and Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), as an integral part of the Project “Country Assessment of Mine Suspected Areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina”.

An International Medal Parade for 222 EUFOR soldiers, sailors, and airmen from 12 countries was held at Camp Butmir on Tuesday 28 January 2020.

On 27 January 2020, COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, made an inaugural visit to BiH Minister of Civil Affairs, Ankica Gudeljević, at the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH, Sarajevo, following her recent appointment to the Council of Ministers of BiH.

One of the many tasks of the EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion (MNBN) is to work in close coordination with the various Liaison Observation Team (LOT) houses situated across Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was for this purpose that the Commander of the MNBN (COMMNBN), Lieutenant Colonel Manfred Leitner, visited the Slovakian LOT house in Višegrad on 22 January 2020.

One of the many tasks of the EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion (MNBN) is to work in close coordination with the various Liaison Observation Team (LOT) houses situated across Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was for this purpose that the Commander of the MNBN (COMMNBN), Lieutenant Colonel Manfred Leitner, visited the Slovakian LOT house in Višegrad on 22 January 2020.

One of the many tasks of the EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion (MNBN) is to work in close coordination with the various Liaison Observation Team (LOT) houses situated across Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was for this purpose that the Commander of the MNBN (COMMNBN), Lieutenant Colonel Manfred Leitner, visited the Slovakian LOT house in Višegrad on 22 January 2020.

Join us in taking a look back at EUFOR in 2019 with this short video. 2019 was a busy year for Operation EUFOR Althea and has left us with much to be proud of. Some of the highlights of the year are described below.

On 21 January 2020, COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, and Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative, Ambassador Johann Sattler, held a New Year’s reception at Camp Butmir for the key leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the International Community and diplomatic corps in BiH.

On 21 January 2020, COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, and Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative, Ambassador Johann Sattler, held a New Year’s reception at Camp Butmir for the key leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the International Community and diplomatic corps in BiH.

On 20 January 2020, COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, met with the Deputy Minister of Defence of BiH, Mr Mirko Okolić, at the Ministry of Defence in Sarajevo.

On 20 January 2020, COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, took time out to congratulate a solider from the EUFOR Multinational Battalion, based at Camp Butmir, who won the 2nd Unusual Marathon, Sarajevo.

COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, held a meeting with the Irish Ambassador to BiH, His Excellency Myles Geiran, during an official office call at Camp Butmir on 20 January 2020.

On 16 January 2020, COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, witnessed the Multinational Battalion (MNBN) conduct an exercise securing the weapon storage site (WSS) in Rajlovac against a fictitious, increased terrorist threat.

On 15 January 2020, EUFOR Chief of Staff, Brigadier General László Szabó, and Chief Joint Military Affairs, Colonel Johann Jamnig, visited AFBiH ASS Krupa to witness progress on the upgrade of the ammunition storage facility. They received a brief on the project and current activities.

A ceremony of remembrance was held on 13th January 2020 at Camp Butmir to mark the 12th anniversary of a helicopter crash which claimed the lives of 11 EUFOR personnel from the Republic of North Macedonia.

A ceremony of remembrance was held on 13th January 2020 at Camp Butmir to mark the 12th anniversary of a helicopter crash which claimed the lives of 11 EUFOR personnel from the Republic of North Macedonia.

On 7 January 2020, COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, made an inaugural visit to BiH Minister of Security, Fahrudin Radončić, at the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH, Sarajevo, following his recent appointment to the Council of Ministers of BiH.

On 7 January 2020, COMEUFOR met with the newly appointed Minister of Defence for BiH for an inaugural office call, thereby continuing the good cooperation between EUFOR and the AFBiH.

Carrying on a 15-year tradition, on 16 December 2019, EUFOR provided an escort for Santa Claus to visit a children’s charity event held at the barracks of the 4th Infantry Brigade Command AFBiH in Čapljina, Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, FBiH.

On 19 December 2019, members of the EUFOR Joint Military Affairs Countermines (JMA CM) team travelled to Travnik to receive a brief at the BiH Mine Action Centre (BHMAC) Regional Office on progress made in emergency minefield marking of Suspect Hazardous Areas (SHA). They also visited recently marked areas in the municipality of Donji Vakuf.

On 13 December 2019, The Minister of Defence of the Slovak Republic, Mr Peter Gajdoš, met with EUFOR HQ staff and Slovakian soldiers serving with the mission on a visit to Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.

On 13 December 2019, The Minister of Defence of the Slovak Republic, Mr Peter Gajdoš, met with EUFOR HQ staff and Slovakian soldiers serving with the mission on a visit to Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.

On 10 December 2019, personnel from the EUFOR Liaison Observation Team in Foča, in close connection with the Association of High School Students of BiH, gave a presentation to raise awareness of Operation EUFOR Althea.

On 10 December 2019, personnel from the EUFOR Liaison Observation Team in Foča, in close connection with the Association of High School Students of BiH, gave a presentation to raise awareness of Operation EUFOR Althea.

On 9 December 2019, the Hungarian Minister of Defence, Dr. Tibor Benkő, visited Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, accompanied by the Deputy Commander of the Hungarian Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Gábor Böröndi. Commander EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, his Hungarian Chief of Staff, Brigadier General László Szabó, and other members of the Hungarian contingent welcomed them to the camp.

COM EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, visited Vojkovici State Prison with H.E. Mr Drahoslav Štefánek, Special Representative of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and Head of the Council of Europe Office in BiH, on 3 December 2019 in order to gain a first-hand impression of the facility.

On Monday 9 December 2019, the Prime Minister of Slovenia, Mr Marjan Šarec, visited Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, to meet EUFOR HQ staff and Slovenian soldiers working at the mission.

On Monday 9 December 2019, the Prime Minister of Slovenia, Mr Marjan Šarec, visited Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, to meet EUFOR HQ staff and Slovenian soldiers working at the mission.

On 5 December 2019, Austrian Federal Minister for Defence, Thomas Starlinger, and the Chief of Defence, General Robert Brieger, visited Camp Butmir. The Commander of EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, and other members of the Austrian contingent welcomed them to the camp. During an office call they discussed the security situation and the valuable contribution the Austrian troops make to helping create a safer more secure BiH.

On Thursday 5 December 2019, EUFOR marked the 15-year anniversary of the formation of Operation EUFOR Althea at an event held at the Hall of the Armed Forces BiH, Sarajevo.

On Thursday 5 December 2019, EUFOR marked the 15-year anniversary of the formation of Operation EUFOR Althea at an event held at the Hall of the Armed Forces BiH, Sarajevo.

The Commander of EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, held a meeting with the Swiss Ambassador, Her Excellency Andrea Rauber Saxer, and Head of the Department for Eastern Europe, Eastern Asia, Council of Europe and the OSCE within the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Anna Ifkovits Horner, during an official office call at Camp Butmir on Tuesday 3 December 2019.

From 25-29 November 2019, EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion conducted their quarterly Command Post Exercise at Camp Butmir.

Members of the Turkish Company of EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion conducted essential training on tactical satellite communications equipment at Camp Butmir on 27 Nov 19.

On 27 November, EUFOR Chief of Staff, Brigadier General László Szabó, visited Sarajevo International Airport to meet with the Head of Security, Senad Malić.

EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion, Turkish Company, received certification from COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, on 21 November to mark their achievement of Full Operational Capability.

On 18 November 2019 the EU Special Representative (EUSR) and Head of the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Johann Sattler, arrived for a briefing series at the EUFOR Headquarters in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. The visit was part of the close coordination between the main EU instruments in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Commander EUFOR, Major General Trischak, and the Chairman of the BiH Presidency, Željko Komšić, met in Sarajevo on Monday 18 November 2019. They discussed the current political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the close cooperation between EUFOR and local authorities, law enforcement agencies and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Commander of EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, spent Thursday 14 November visiting the Vitezit explosives factory in Vitez, along with representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the relevant State and Federation level Ministries who are all taking a keen interest in the potential security implications of the factory’s bankruptcy.

The Commander of EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, spent Thursday 14 November visiting the Vitezit explosives factory in Vitez, along with representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the relevant State and Federation level Ministries who are all taking a keen interest in the potential security implications of the factory’s bankruptcy.

EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion, Hungarian Company, conducted a life firing event in Pazaric, on 12 November, in order to keep their shooting skills at a high standard. During the live firing event COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak and the Commander of the Multinational Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Manfred Leitner, joined the company to observe the soldiers skills and also to take the opportunity to fire the SZVD 7.62mm and the Gepárd M1 12.7mm rifles.

Between the 05-06 November, EUFOR’s International Military Police Detachment conducted training for 13 members of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina Military Police Battalion who are preparing for a deployment to Afghanistan.

EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion, Turkish Company, was put through a challenging range of tests at Rajlovac, on Saturday 9 November, to ensure their new joiners were up to the high standard of competence needed to be judged “fully operationally capable”.

On 4 November, Commander EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, held a meeting with Major General Radovan Ilić, the Operation Command Commander for the AFBiH.

On 31 October, members of EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion, Austrian Company, held a live firing exercise at Pazaric range.

On 31 October, members of the EUFOR Liaison and Observation Team houses in Foca and Novo Sarajevo donated blood at the Red Cross Clinic in Novo Sarajevo in order to help those who most need it within Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On 31 October, members of the EUFOR Liaison and Observation Team houses in Foca and Novo Sarajevo donated blood at the Red Cross Clinic in Novo Sarajevo in order to help those who most need it within Bosnia and Herzegovina.

COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, attended the opening of the ‘Building Resilient and Sustainable Ombuds Institutions for the Armed Forces Conference’ which is being held in the BiH Parliament building in Sarajevo between 28-30 October.

On the week of the 21-25 October EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion travelled to Zenica to train alongside their partners in the AFBiH 5th Infantry Brigade, 1st Battalion.

On the week of the 21-25 October EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion travelled to Zenica to train alongside their partners in the AFBiH 5th Infantry Brigade, 1st Battalion.

COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak flew to Livno and Jablanica on Wednesday 23 October in order to visit the Liaison and Observation Team houses in those locations. Whilst at the houses he spoke with the Turkish soldiers who run them and gained valuable update briefings about the security situation in each of the regions.

COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak flew to Livno and Jablanica on Wednesday 23 October in order to visit the Liaison and Observation Team houses in those locations. Whilst at the houses he spoke with the Turkish soldiers who run them and gained valuable update briefings about the security situation in each of the regions.

EUFOR’s troops in the Liaison and Observation Team house (LOT house) in Foca in conjunction with other Slovakian soldiers in BiH made a donation of 500KM to go towards medical treatment for a Foca man who was seriously injured earlier this year. Nemanja Starović ,who is 26 years old, was injured in Montenegro when jumping into the sea.

An International Medal Parade for troops from 8 nations was held on Friday 18 Oct at Camp Butmir. EUFOR’s Commander, Major General Reinhard Trischak presided over the event.

Slovakian members of EUFOR’s Liaison and Observation Team house in Foca helped hand over humanitarian aid to Red Cross representatives in Foca and Cajnice. Two lorry loads of supplies which consisted mostly of clothing, personal hygiene kits, shoes, toys and cleaning articles were delivered from the Slovakian government organization SlovakAid.

Slovakian members of EUFOR’s Liaison and Observation Team house in Foca helped hand over humanitarian aid to Red Cross representatives in Foca and Cajnice. Two lorry loads of supplies which consisted mostly of clothing, personal hygiene kits, shoes, toys and cleaning articles were delivered from the Slovakian government organization SlovakAid.

COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, was welcomed to Dubrave barracks near Tuzla by the Commander of the 5th Brigade AFBiH, Brigadier Emir Kliko, on the morning of Tuesday 15 October.

On Monday 14 October, COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak paid a visit to Brcko in order to receive a comprehensive update and situational briefing from the soldiers living in the EUFOR Liaison and Observation Team house there.

Exercise Quick Response 2019 was completed today, successfully demonstrating that EUFOR in cooperation with its contributing nations are able to conduct large scale Peace Support Operations should it be required.

Exercise Quick Response 2019 was completed today, successfully demonstrating that EUFOR in cooperation with its contributing nations are able to conduct large scale Peace Support Operations should it be required.

On Thursday the 10 October, as part of Exercise Quick Response 2019, EUFOR troops, in conjunction with units from the RS gendarmerie, SIPA, Border Police and the RS Ministry of the Interior anti-terrorist unit demonstrated their ability to secure Banja Luka International Airport and deal with a range of threats to the Safe and Secure Environment.

In the early hours of Thursday 10 October, as part of Exercise Quick Response 19, EUFOR troops demonstrated their ability to secure Sarajevo International Airport and deal with a range of threats to the Safe and Secure Environment. After commercial flying had ceased for the day, the Multinational Battalion in conjunction with LEAs quickly moved into the airport, setting up checkpoints and securing key infrastructure.

In the early hours of Thursday 10 October, as part of Exercise Quick Response 19, EUFOR troops demonstrated their ability to secure Sarajevo International Airport and deal with a range of threats to the Safe and Secure Environment. After commercial flying had ceased for the day, the Multinational Battalion in conjunction with LEAs quickly moved into the airport, setting up checkpoints and securing key infrastructure.

Date: Thursday 10 October 2019
Time: 00:00 – 04:00
Venue: Sarajevo International Airport

Date: Friday 11 October 2019
Time: 10:45 - 12:50
Venue: Camp Butmir, Sarajevo

Date: Thursday 10 October 2019
Time: 10:00 – 11:45
Venue: Banja Luka Airport, Banja Luka

Exercise Quick Response is the annual test of EUFOR’s capability to rapidly reinforce its troops in BiH with part of its reserve forces which are held at high-readiness. The exercise runs in cooperation with BiH authorities, Armed Forces BiH and Law Enforcement Agencies and will take place in locations all over BiH between the 7-11 October 2019.

EUFOR soldiers in conjunction with a unit of the RS Ministry of Interior Gendarmerie and Banja Luka police carried out a high speed civilian evacuation exercise of OSCE personnel in Banja Luka on Tuesday the 8 October 2019, as part of exercise Quick Response 2019. Under the eyes of EUFOR’s Chief of Staff Brigadier General László Szabó, the EUFOR troops from the Austrian contingent allowed the gendarmerie to secure the surrounding area first before they entered the OSCE building and “rescued” the civilians. Then in cooperation with the gendarmerie they quickly withdrew from the area in a convoy of vehicles using a high speed blue light escort provided by the police.

Following the successful opening ceremony held at Camp Butmir on the afternoon of Sunday the 6 October, the troops taking part in exercise Quick Response 19 started deploying to locations all over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday 7 October.

On the afternoon of Sunday the 6 October the opening ceremony for exercise Quick Response 19 was held at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. Quick Response is the longstanding annual test of EUFOR’s capability to rapidly reinforce its troops in BiH with part of its reserve forces which are held at high-readiness in partner nations. It is a large scale exercise demonstrating the EU’s resolve and commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On the afternoon of Sunday the 6 October the opening ceremony for exercise Quick Response 19 was held at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. Quick Response is the longstanding annual test of EUFOR’s capability to rapidly reinforce its troops in BiH with part of its reserve forces which are held at high-readiness in partner nations. It is a large scale exercise demonstrating the EU’s resolve and commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Commander of EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak held a meeting with the British Ambassador, His Excellency Matthew Field during an official office call at Camp Butmir on Friday 4 October.

On Thursday 3 October the 1st Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles, who are here to take part in Quick Response 2019 (QR19), completed integration training with EUFOR’s helicopter crews.

Date: Sunday 6 October 2019
Time: 16:00 - 17:00
Venue: Camp Butmir, Sarajevo

Exercise Quick Response is the annual test of EUFOR’s capability to rapidly reinforce its troops in BiH with part of its reserve forces which are held at high-readiness in partner nations. The exercise runs in cooperation with BiH authorities, Armed Forces BiH and Law Enforcement Agencies and will take place in locations all over BiH between the 7-11 October.

The opening ceremony will comprise an address from COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak to the media and other guests giving details of the exercise. Members of State Level organisations and International Embassies will also be present.

Media representatives are kindly requested to arrive at the main entrance to Camp Butmir no later than 1530. You are kindly requested to announce your participation no later than 1600 on Friday 4 October either by telephone or e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. For further enquiries please call Mrs Elma Robovic on 033 495 393 or 061 219 097.

There is further information on Exercise Quick Response 19 and pictures on our home page www.euforbih.org/QR19 as well as our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

Public Affairs Office: Mrs Elma Robovic
Office: 00387 (0) 33 495 393
Mobile: 00387 (0) 61 219 097
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Spokesperson: Lt Cdr Tim Leckey
00387 (0) 3349 5216
00387 (0) 61 472 931
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Pozivnica svim predstavnicima medija na ceremoniju otvaranja vježbe EUFOR-a Brzi odgovor
datum: nedjelja 6.10.2019. godine
vrijeme: 16:00 - 17:00
mjesto: Baza Butmir, Sarajevo
Vježba Brzi odgovor je godišnja provjera osposobljenosti EUFOR-a da izvrši brzo pojačavanje snaga u BiH, s dijelom svojih rezervnih snaga koje se u visokoj pripravnosti nalaze u zemljama partnerima. Vježba se provodi u saradnji s vlastima BiH, Oružanim snagama BiH i agencijama za provođenje zakona, a provodit će se na lokacijama širom BiH od 7. do 11. oktobra.
Tokom ceremonije otvaranja vježbe Komandant EUFOR-a, generalmajor Reinhard Trischak, obratit će se medijima i drugim gostima, te će predstaviti pojedinosti u vezi vježbe. Članovi državnih organizacija i međunarodnih ambasada će također biti prisutni. Ova ceremonija će također biti i prilika za fotografiranje.
Molimo predstavnike medija da najkasnije do 15:30 dođu na glavni ulaz u bazu Butmir. Molimo Vas da najkasnije do petka, 4.10. do 16:00, Vaše prisustvo najavite telefonom ili e-poštom na adresu This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Za sva pitanja molimo da se obratite gđi Elma Robović, tel: 033 495 393 ili 061 219 097.
Više informacija i fotografije možete naći na Internet adresi: www.euforbih.org/QR19 kao i na našim Facebook, Twitter i Instagram stranicama.
Ured za odnose s javnošću: gđa Elma Robović
ured: 00387 (0) 33 495 393
mobilni: 00387 (0) 61 219 097
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
glasnogovornik: kapetan korvete Tim Leckey
00387 (0) 3349 5216
00387 (0) 61 472 931
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Pozivnica svim predstavnicima medija na ceremoniju otvaranja vježbe Brzi odgovor EUFOR 19
datum: nedjelja 6.10.2019. godine
vrijeme: 16:00 - 17:00
mjesto: Baza Butmir, Sarajevo
Vježba Brzi odgovor je godišnja provjera osposobljenosti EUFOR-a da izvrši brzo pojačavanje snaga u BiH, s dijelom svojih pričuvnih snaga koje se u visokoj pripravnosti nalaze u zemljama partnerima. Vježba se provodi u suradnji s vlastima BiH, Oružanim snagama BiH i agencijama za provođenje zakona, a provodit će se na lokacijama širom BiH od 7. do 11. listopada.
Tijekom ceremonije otvaranja vježbe zapovjednik EUFOR-a, general-bojnik Reinhard Trischak, obratit će se medijima i drugim gostima, te će predstaviti pojedinosti u svezi vježbe. Članovi državnih organizacija i međunarodnih veleposlanstava također će biti prisutni. Ova ceremonija također će biti i prilika za fotografiranje.
Molimo predstavnike medija da najkasnije do 15:30 dođu na glavni ulaz u bazu Butmir. Molimo Vas da najkasnije do petka, 4.10. do 16:00, Vaše prisustvo najavite telefonom ili e-poštom na adresu This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Za sva pitanja molimo da se obratite gđi Elma Robović, tel: 033 495 393 ili 061 219 097.
Više informacija i fotografije možete naći na Internet adresi: www.euforbih.org/QR19 kao i na našim Facebook, Twitter i Instagram stranicama.
Ured za odnose s javnošću: gđa Elma Robović
ured: 00387 (0) 33 495 393
mobilni: 00387 (0) 61 219 097
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
glasnogovornik: kapetan korvete Tim Leckey
00387 (0) 3349 5216
00387 (0) 61 472 931
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Позивница свим представницима медија на церемонију отварања вјежбе ЕУФОР- а Брзи одговор 19
датум: недјеља 6.10.2019. године
вријеме: 16:00 - 17:00
мјесто: База Бутмир, Сарајево
Вјежба Брзи одговор је годишња провјера оспособљености ЕУФОР-а да изврши брзо појачавање снага у БиХ, с дијелом својих резервних снага које се у високој приправности налазе у земљама партнерима. Вјежба се проводи у сарадњи с властима БиХ, Оружаним снагама БиХ и агенцијама за провођење закона, а проводиће се на локацијама широм БиХ од 7. до 11. октобра.
Током церемоније отварања вјежбе командант ЕУФОР-а, генералмајор Рајнхард Тришак, обратиће се медијима и другим гостима, и представиће појединости у вези вјежбе. Чланови државних организација и међународних амбасада ће такође бити присутни. Ова церемонија ће такође бити и прилика за фотографисање.
Молимо представнике медија да најкасније до 15:30 дођу на главни улаз у базу Бутмир. Молимо Вас да најкасније до петка, 4.10. до 16:00 Ваше присуство најавите телефоном или е-поштом на адресу This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. За сва питања молимо да се обратите гђи Елма Робовић, тел: 033 495 393 или 061 219 097.
Више информација и фотографије можете наћи на Интернет адреси: www.euforbih.org/QR19 као и на нашим Фејсбук, Твитер и Инстаграм страницама.
Канцеларија за односе с јавношћу: гђа Елма Робовић
канцеларија: 00387 (0) 33 495 393
мобилни: 00387 (0) 61 219 097
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
портпарол: капетан корвете, Тим Леки
00387 (0) 3349 5216
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The Commander of EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak addressed the ‘EU Challenges and the Enlargement Process’ conference, which was held in Sarajevo, on Saturday 28 September. Organised by the Pan European Union of BiH and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation the conference’s aim was for the delegates to discuss the current situation in the EU, its future and European integration for the countries of South East Europe.

On Friday 27 September part of EUFOR’s Austrian reserve arrived at Camp Butmir, bringing in over 100 troops from the Austrian 6th Mountain Warfare Brigade for EUFOR’s largest annual exercise, Quick Response 2019 (QR19).

On Friday 27 September part of EUFOR’s Austrian reserve arrived at Camp Butmir, bringing in over 100 troops from the Austrian 6th Mountain Warfare Brigade for EUFOR’s largest annual exercise, Quick Response 2019 (QR19).

A EUFOR patrol stopped to help a man and his son who were involved in a car accident on Monday 23 September. Eight soldiers from EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion Turkish Company were returning to Sarajevo from a patrol when they saw a car which had crashed off the road and fallen down an embankment.

A EUFOR patrol stopped to help a man and his son who were involved in a car accident on Monday 23 September. Eight soldiers from EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion Turkish Company were returning to Sarajevo from a patrol when they saw a car which had crashed off the road and fallen down an embankment.

On Thursday 26 September another Antonov 124 and a Royal Air Force Voyager aircraft arrived at Sarajevo International Airport bringing in over 120 British troops from the 1st Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles and their final pieces of equipment for EUFOR’s largest annual exercise, Quick Response 2019 (QR19).

On Thursday 26 September another Antonov 124 and a Royal Air Force Voyager aircraft arrived at Sarajevo International Airport bringing in over 120 British troops from the 1st Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles and their final pieces of equipment for EUFOR’s largest annual exercise, Quick Response 2019 (QR19).

The Commander of EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak and the US Ambassador, His Excellency Eric Nelson, flew to the ammunition destruction site at Glamoč, on Tuesday 24 September. They received a briefing on the work going on there and took part in the destruction of some excess ammunition, which if not disposed of properly can, as it deteriorates, become a significant safety risk to the population of BiH.

Troops and equipment continued to arrive at Sarajevo International Airport on Tuesday 24 September in preparation for EUFOR’s largest annual exercise, Quick Response 2019 (QR19).

The Commander of EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, held his first meeting with the new EU Special Representative and Head of EU Delegation, Ambassador Johann Sattler, on Monday 23 September in the EU Office in Sarajevo.

On Monday 23 September the first Antonov 124 flight arrived at Sarajevo International Airport bringing in troops and equipment for EUFOR’s largest annual exercise, Quick Response 19 (QR19).

On Monday 23 September the first Antonov 124 flight arrived at Sarajevo International Airport bringing in troops and equipment for EUFOR’s largest annual exercise, Quick Response 19 (QR19).

On Friday 20 September, EUFOR received a request from the personnel in their Liaison and Observation Team house in Mostar, to help a female hiker who had collapsed near the village of Krusevljani. Two of EUFOR’s Agusta Bell 212 helicopters were launched with winching capability and medical supplies.

On Friday 20 September, EUFOR received a request from the personnel in their Liaison and Observation Team house in Mostar, to help a female hiker who had collapsed near the village of Krusevljani. Two of EUFOR’s Agusta Bell 212 helicopters were launched with winching capability and medical supplies.

On Monday 16 September, COM EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, presented the incoming Multinational Battalion (MNBN) troops with their EUFOR badges during a ceremony to mark them achieving full operational capability.

On Monday 16 September, COM EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, presented the incoming Multinational Battalion (MNBN) troops with their EUFOR badges during a ceremony to mark them achieving full operational capability.

The members of EUFOR’s LOT house in Visegrad took part in the food festival “Drinski kotlič 2019” at the Mehmed Pasa Sokolovic Bridge on Saturday the 14 September. The event, which ran with cooperation from the Municipal Tourist Organisation, attracted 15 teams from the Visegrad area.

On Friday 13 September, Brigadier General László Szabó, EUFOR’s Chief of Staff attended a parade put on by the departing Hungarian contingent at Camp Butmir.

On the week of the 2-6 Sep EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion trained alongside their partners in the AFBiH 4th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Battalion.

On the week of the 2-6 Sep EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion trained alongside their partners in the AFBiH 4th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Battalion.

EUFOR’s Chief of Staff Brigadier General László Szabó and AFBiH Deputy Chief Joint Staff Operations, Major General Ivica Jerkic, signed the Training and Cooperation plan 2020 today. This demonstrates the intent of EUFOR and AFBiH to continue their long association and continually strive for improvement by training together across a wide range of scenarios.

EUFOR’s Chief of Staff Brigadier General László Szabó and AFBiH Deputy Chief Joint Staff Operations, Major General Ivica Jerkic, signed the Training and Cooperation plan 2020 today. This demonstrates the intent of EUFOR and AFBiH to continue their long association and continually strive for improvement by training together across a wide range of scenarios.

On the 3- 4 September EUFOR’s Chief of Staff, Brigadier General László Szabó, attended a conference on the topic of “Taking measures on strengthening the professionalism, integrity and efforts on the fight against corruption in the MoD BiH and Armed Forces of BiH”.

The Commander of EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak was welcomed to the Peace Support Operations Training Centre (PSOTC) by its Commandant, AFBiH Colonel Edin Bajramović, on Thursday 29 August.

During his visit to EUFOR, Lieutenant General Olivier Rittimann presided over the International Medal Parade held at Camp Butmir on Wednesday 28 August. 116 soldiers from eleven troop contributing countries were eligible to receive the Operation Althea Service Medal.

From 26-28 August, the Operation Commander for EUFOR Operation Althea Lieutenant General Olivier Rittimann, visited Bosnia and Herzegovina to visit the EUFOR mission and to meet with international and BiH officials. He was welcomed by the Force Commander of EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak. The two Generals met with the High Representative, the Head of EU Delegation and EU Special Representative, the BiH presidency, the BiH Ministers for Defence and for Security, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) and BiH Armed Forces Chief of Joint Staff.

From 26-28 August, the Operation Commander for EUFOR Operation Althea Lieutenant General Olivier Rittimann, visited Bosnia and Herzegovina to visit the EUFOR mission and to meet with international and BiH officials. He was welcomed by the Force Commander of EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak. The two Generals met with the High Representative, the Head of EU Delegation and EU Special Representative, the BiH presidency, the BiH Ministers for Defence and for Security, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) and BiH Armed Forces Chief of Joint Staff.

EUFOR Operation Althea and the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina organized a workshop for Armed Forces BiH (AFBiH) experts in a Technical Workshop for Repair and Destruction of Ammunition (TROM Doboj) from 20 to 22 August 2019 in Doboj.

On 20 August 2019, Commander EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, handed over the colours of the Multinational Battalion (MNBN) from Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Sanz to Lieutenant Colonel Manfred Leitner. The new commanding officer of EUFOR’s primary operational arm, the MNBN, has previously served in Kosovo and Chad. He takes over a united, cohesive and very capable military unit from Lieutenant Colonel Sanz, operating under the motto “One Mission, One Team”, committed to the multinational culture, values and spirit of EUFOR Operation Althea.

On 20 August 2019, Commander EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, handed over the colours of the Multinational Battalion (MNBN) from Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Sanz to Lieutenant Colonel Manfred Leitner. The new commanding officer of EUFOR’s primary operational arm, the MNBN, has previously served in Kosovo and Chad. He takes over a united, cohesive and very capable military unit from Lieutenant Colonel Sanz, operating under the motto “One Mission, One Team”, committed to the multinational culture, values and spirit of EUFOR Operation Althea.

On 20 August 2019, Commander EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, handed over the colours of the Multinational Battalion (MNBN) from Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Sanz to Lieutenant Colonel Manfred Leitner. The new commanding officer of EUFOR’s primary operational arm, the MNBN, has previously served in Kosovo and Chad. He takes over a united, cohesive and very capable military unit from Lieutenant Colonel Sanz, operating under the motto “One Mission, One Team”, committed to the multinational culture, values and spirit of EUFOR Operation Althea.

Major General Reinhard Trischak visited Rajlovac on Wednesday 14 August, to receive a briefing on the progress made by the BiH Ministry of Defence (MoD), and the AFBiH, in weapons marking, registration and management. He was accompanied by EUFOR Special Ammunition and Weapons Advisor (SAWAD), Colonel Martin Trachsler, who explained what EUFOR had helped the AFBiH to achieve so far and what remained to be done.

The Commander of EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak met for the first time with the incoming Deputy Commander of KFOR, Brigadier General Laurent Michaud during an official office call at Camp Butmir on Tuesday 13 August.

EUFOR received a request for support from the East Sarajevo Fire Brigade on Saturday 10 August, an old factory facility near Lukavica was burning out of control and due to the challenges in getting a large enough water supply there, extra fire engines were needed.

The Commander of EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak held his first meeting with the German Ambassador Her Excellency Margret Uebber during an official office call at Camp Butmir on Monday 12 August.

On Thursday 8 August, a delegation from EUFOR lead by the Chief of Staff, Brigadier General László Szabó met with Ankica Tomić, the Head of the International Cooperation Department and representatives of BiH’s Law Enforcement Agencies and airports to discuss plans for Exercise Quick Response 19.

On Monday 5 August, EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion, Turkish Company, sent out a 2 vehicle, 8 man patrol under the command of 1st Lieutenant Ali Karabas. Covering a total distance of 310km in one day, the patrol’s main aim was to link up with the troops stationed in the LOT house at Zavidovici.

On Friday 2 August, Lieutenant General Philippe Rebord, the Chief of the Swiss Armed Forces visited Camp Butmir. The Commander of EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, as well as representatives from the Swiss contingent, welcomed him to the camp. During an office call the two Generals discussed the security situation and the valuable contribution the Swiss troops make to helping create a safer more secure BiH.

The Commander of EUFOR, Major General Trischak, met with the RS Minister of the Interior, Dragan Lukac during an office call in Banja Luka on Wednesday  31 July 19.

EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion completed mine disposal training as part of a Quick Response Exercise at Mount Igman earlier this month. Using a range of specialist equipment and protective clothing the force demonstrated its capability to travel to the scene of an unexpected event quickly and deal with whatever challenge awaits.

EUFOR’s Joint Military Affairs (JMA) department organised a demonstration of the AFBiH demining battalion for a delegation from the European Union Staff Group (EUSG) at Olovo on Wednesday 24 Jul. Colonel Marek Golan who headed the visitors from the EUSG was welcomed to the demining site at Olovo by Major General Major General Radovan Ilić, the Operation Command Commander for AFBiH.

The Commander of EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak met with Presidency Member, Sefik Dzaferovic during an office call at the Presidency building in Sarajevo on Tuesday 23 Jul.

The Commander of EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak met with the Principal Deputy High Representative (PDHR), Michael Scanlan during an office call at Camp Butmir on Monday 22 July.

EUFOR’s LOT House in Foča ran a stand at Foča’s 12th annual Gastro Fest in July. Many exhibitors from the area attended to display food, drink and handmade craft products; the event was well attended with many local dignitaries present.

EUFOR’s LOT House in Foča ran a stand at Foča’s 12th annual Gastro Fest in July. Many exhibitors from Foča and the surrounding area attended to display food, drink and handmade craft products; the event was well attended with many local dignitaries present.

On Thursday 18 July, Major General Reinhard Trischak paid an office call to the BiH Minister of Security, Dragan Mektic.

The area around Skakavac waterfall echoed to the sound of a EUFOR Agusta Bell 212, carrying out winching operations with the Federal Administration of Civil Protection (CPA), on Wednesday 17 July. Training was carried out for three rescue scenarios: a climber stuck on a cliff, a hiker with a broken leg and a person injured in a minefield. Each scenario was flown twice by the helicopter to ensure maximum training benefit was gained by both the aircrew and the CPA.

On Wednesday 17 July Dr István Balogh, Deputy State Secretary and Political Director of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, paid an office call to Commander EUFOR Major General Reinhard Trischak.

COMEUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak and the Chairman of the BiH Presidency, Milorad Dodik met for the first time in Sarajevo on Tuesday 16 July. Discussing a wide range of political and military matters they agreed that EUFOR's co-operation with the AFBiH and other agencies in BiH is extremely good, due in part to their political neutrality.

His Excellency Guillaume Rousson, the French Ambassador to BiH, attended a belated Bastille Day celebration at Camp Butmir on Monday 15 July. On his arrival he spoke with COM EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, discussing the contribution France makes to the mission, both politically and militarily.

EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion held a military skills competition on Saturday 13 July at Camp Butmir and Pazaric firing range. The games were open to infantry soldiers from Turkey, Austria and Hungary, with teams of three soldiers taking part in 5 different disciplines.

EUFOR’s Commander, Major General Trischak, met with the BiH Minister of Defence, Marina Pendes, on Monday 15 July. They discussed a wide range of military issues and Major General Trischak reemphasised that he sees EUFOR's main role in supporting the country on the path towards EU accession, as being a "reassurance force".

Lieutenant Armend Haxhosaj of EUFOR’s Mostar LOT House, was observing the protest of the Aluminij workers, who had gathered in front of the HDZ building in Mostar on Thursday 11 July, when he was able to use his first aid skills to help an injured female.

Major General Trischak spent Wednesday 10 July visiting the migrant camps at Bihac and Vucjak and speaking to key officials from the region as well as representatives of International Organisations who are providing support to the migrants.

Six members of EUFOR’s LOT house in Banja Luka competed in Gradiska’s first 10Km night run which was held along the banks of the Sava River and through the city center on Friday 5 July. Over 300 people had signed up to run in the event from a wide range of countries but EUFOR’s team from Chile had travelled from furthest afield to complete!

On Monday 8 July, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of Turkey visited Camp Butmir. The Commander of EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, as well as Colonel Ali Tanis, the Senior Turkish Representative, welcomed the President to the camp, where a superbly turned out honour guard of Turkish troops paraded in front of their national building to show the President their respect.

Major General Reinhard Trischak was invited by Major General Radovan Ilić, the Operation Command Commander for AFBiH, to attend a live artillery firing exercise at Manjaca on Saturday 6 July. Watching the artillery from an observation post Major General Ilić described the finer details of the event to Major General Trischak.

COM EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, met with the Military Commissioner of BiH, Boško Šiljegović in Sarajevo today.

Major General Reinhard Trischak, the new COM EUFOR, held his first official meeting with the BiH Chief of Joint Staff Lieutenant General Senad Mašović in Sarajevo today.

To honour the outgoing Commander of EUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer, the EU Operation Commander, Operation Althea, Lieutenant General Olivier Rittimann and the Head of the EUCE, Lieutenant General Luciano Portolano, visited EUFOR at Camp Butmir, on Wednesday 26 June.

On Tuesday 25 June, Lieutenant General Johann Luif, the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Austrian Armed Forces arrived at Camp Butmir in order to pay a farewell visit to Major General Martin Dorfer and attend COM EUFOR’s Change of Command ceremony the following day.

On Wednesday the 26 June a Change of Command ceremony was held at Camp Butmir where Major General Martin Dorfer handed over authority for the mission to Major General Reinhard Trischak.

On Wednesday the 26 June a Change of Command ceremony was held at Camp Butmir where Major General Martin Dorfer handed over authority for the mission to Major General Reinhard Trischak.

On Friday 21 June, Major General Dorfer met with the BiH Minister of Defence Marina Pendes at the Ministry of Defence building in Sarajevo. MG Dorfer thanked her for the trust she had placed in him and also the spirit of co-operation in which they had worked together.

An International Medal Parade for 144 troops was held on Friday 21 June at Camp Butmir. EUFOR’s Chief of Staff, Brigadier General László Szabó presided over the event.

On 14 June, EUFOR’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, co-ordinated by the Joint Military Affairs Countermines Section, worked together with Sarajevo’s Federation Civil Protection Agency to conduct demolition training at an approved site in the vicinity of Vares.

Date: Wednesday 26 June 2019
Time: 09:30 - 12:30
Venue: Camp Butmir, Sarajevo

The Chief of Joint Operations Command / Deputy Chief of the Swiss Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Aldo C. Schellenberg, visited EUFOR at Camp Butmir, on Friday 14 June, spending time with the Swiss troops.

As part of his visit to BiH, the Turkish Chief of Defence, General Yasar Guler, visited EUFOR at Camp Butmir, on Saturday 15 June.

On Friday 31 May Juraj Majer, a member of the EUFOR LOT house in Foča, came first in the men’s senior category of the traditional night time street race held in the centre of Foča.

On Tuesday 28 May the sound of a mine exploding and anguished screams coming from the trees disturbed the otherwise peaceful scene on Mount Igman; this marked the beginning of a mine training exercise for the Austrian contingent of the EUFOR Multi National Battalion (MNBN).

On Wednesday 29 May, in Rajlovac, a briefing was given by EUFOR Special Ammunition and Weapons Advisors (SAWAD) to a NATO delegation in order to summarise the progress made by the BiH Ministry of Defence (MoD), and the AFBiH, in weapons marking, registration and management

On Wednesday 22 May, Major General Martin Dorfer, who is approaching the end of his tenure as Commander of the EUFOR mission, paid office calls to the EU Special Representative, the High Representative, and the Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On Wednesday 22 May, Major General Martin Dorfer, who is approaching the end of his tenure as Commander of the EUFOR mission, paid office calls to the EU Special Representative, the High Representative, and the Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On Tuesday 14 May, in a Transfer of Authority ceremony held at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, Brigadier General Gábor Horváth relinquished his position of EUFOR Chief of Staff (COS) to his successor, Brigadier General László Szabó.

On Tuesday 14 May, in a Transfer of Authority ceremony held at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, Brigadier General Gábor Horváth relinquished his position of EUFOR Chief of Staff (COS) to his successor, Brigadier General László Szabó.

EUFOR continues to act under its UN Charter Article VII mandate to support the local authorities, which includes the AFBiH, in maintaining a safe and secure environment for all people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

An International Medal Parade for 56 EUFOR soldiers, sailors, and airmen from 10 countries was held at Camp Butmir on EU Day, Thursday 9 May.

The sound of an explosion rocked the abandoned Olympic hotel on Mount Igman, then as smoke billowed from the empty windows, voices screaming in panic cut through the warning sirens; thankfully this was all part of a training exercise with Red Cross volunteers playing the part of injured teenagers on Sunday 28 April.

On the request of Military Police of Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, paid to COM EUFOR, International Military Police Detachment conducted training for members of Military Police of AF BiH who are preparing for their deployment to Afghanistan.

The President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, visited EUFOR at Camp Butmir, on Monday 15 April, spending several hours with the Polish troops.

The President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, visited EUFOR at Camp Butmir, on Monday 15 April, spending several hours with the Polish troops.

The Chairman of the Austrian National Council, Mr Wolfgang Sobotka, visited EUFOR at Camp Butmir, on Thursday 11 April.
After inspecting the Honour Guard, provided by EUFOR's Multinational Battalion, Chairman Sobotka met with COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer, during an office call.

The Chairman of the Austrian National Council, Mr Wolfgang Sobotka, visited EUFOR at Camp Butmir, on Thursday 11 April.
After inspecting the Honour Guard, provided by EUFOR's Multinational Battalion, Chairman Sobotka met with COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer, during an office call.

On 5 April 2019 a round table on the contribution of women to peace support operations was held in the Army Hall, Sarajevo, in cooperation with the Ministries of Security and Defence.

On 5 April 2019 a round table on the contribution of women to peace support operations was held in the Army Hall, Sarajevo, in cooperation with the Ministries of Security and Defence.

Date: Friday 5 April 2019
Time: 1100
Venue: Army Hall, Sarajevo

The new EUFOR Operation Commander, Lieutenant General Olivier Rittimann, visited EUFOR at Camp Butmir, from Monday 1 to Thursday 4 April.
Also visiting was Lieutenant General Esa Pulkkinen, Director General of the EU Military Staff, who visited 1 - 3 April.

The new EUFOR Operation Commander, Lieutenant General Olivier Rittimann, visited EUFOR at Camp Butmir, from Monday 1 to Thursday 4 April.
Also visiting was Lieutenant General Esa Pulkkinen, Director General of the EU Military Staff, who visited 1 - 3 April.

Despite the heavy clouds over Sarajevo, spirits were high in Camp Butmir on Wednesday 27 March with the official flag-raising ceremony to mark the occasion of Portugal re-joining EUFOR.

Despite the heavy clouds over Sarajevo, spirits were high in Camp Butmir on Wednesday 27 March with the official flag-raising ceremony to mark the occasion of Portugal re-joining EUFOR.

COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer, met with Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Presidency Member Željko Komšić, in Sarajevo on Wednesday 27 March during a formal office call to the elected member of the BiH Presidency.

An International Medal Parade for 36 soldiers, sailors, and airmen from 6 countries was held at Camp Butmir on Monday 25 March with COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer, presiding over the event.

Helicopter airmount drills in riot gear and live firing on the rifle ranges gave the Austrian and Turkish soldiers of EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion (MNBN) a busy week during 18-22 March.

On Thursday 7 March, Péter Sztáray, State Secretary for the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, paid an office call to COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer, in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.

On Wednesday 6 March COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer, participated in discussions at the two-day NATO conference for Women in Peace and Security.

On Wednesday Commander EUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer, presided over an international Medal Parade at Camp Butmir. Soldiers from 6 nations were decorated with the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal 'Althea' in recognition of their service in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On Tuesday, his Excellency Eric George Nelson, the new US Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), paid his first official visit to the Headquarters of the European Union Force (EUFOR) in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. He was received by Commander EUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer who informed him personally on the EUFOR mission and the importance of the ongoing EU military presence in BiH.

On 26 February 2019 Commander EUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer, handed over the colours of EUFOR's Multinational Battalion (MNBN) from Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Pilles to Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Sanz. The ceremony marked the official change of command of the EUFOR maneuver element consisting of troops from Austria, Hungary and Turkey.

On 26 February 2019 Commander EUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer, handed over the colours of EUFOR's Multinational Battalion (MNBN) from Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Pilles to Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Sanz. The ceremony marked the official change of command of the EUFOR maneuver element consisting of troops from Austria, Hungary and Turkey.

Police Attaches accredited in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and liaison officers of international Law Enforcement Agencies were invited to the EUFOR Headquarters in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, where they received an update on EUFOR and its activities in supporting the Safe and Secure Environment. EUFOR Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Gabor Horvath and selected subject matter experts gave an insight into EUFOR's tasks, the political situation and developments in the field of ammunition, weapons and explosives as well as the demining progress in BiH.

On Thursday 14 February EUFOR hosted the heads of 21 EU missions to Bosnia and Herzegovina at Camp Butmir.
COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer, and EUFOR staff, briefed the Ambassadors on the current security situation in the country, demining, and the Masterplan for management, storage and disposal of Ammunition, Weapons, and Explosives of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A team from the EUFOR LOT House Mostar visited the United World College (UWC) in Mostar to brief Bosnian and international students on the work of EUFOR on Monday 11 February.

A team from the EUFOR LOT House Mostar visited the United World College (UWC) in Mostar to brief Bosnian and international students on the work of EUFOR on Monday 11 February.

Despite the cold, misty conditions, the snowy peak of Trebević Mountain was the venue for specialist, emergency training on Wednesday 6 February for the Gorska Služba Spašavanja (GSS - Mountain Rescue Service) Trebević, and the Multi National Battalion (MNBN) from EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR BiH) on Wednesday 6 February.

The EUFOR Operation Commander, General Sir James Everard, visited EUFOR at Camp Butmir, from Sunday 3 to Tuesday 5 February.
The Operation Commander spent 2 days at Camp Butmir where he met with COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer, and COM NATO HQ Sarajevo, Brigadier General Marti Bissell.

The EUFOR Operation Commander, General Sir James Everard, visited EUFOR at Camp Butmir, from Sunday 3 to Tuesday 5 February.
The Operation Commander spent 2 days at Camp Butmir where he met with COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer, and COM NATO HQ Sarajevo, Brigadier General Marti Bissell.

A unique medal presentation took place on Monday 4th February when EUFOR Operation Commander, General Sir James Everard, and COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer, presented each other's medals in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.

On Friday 1 February 2019, EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina signed a second Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for clinical care, this time with Mostar Cantonal Hospital and Mostar University Clinical Hospital.

On Friday 1 February 2019, EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina signed a second Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for clinical care, this time with Mostar Cantonal Hospital and Mostar University Clinical Hospital.

On Thursday 31st January, Her Excellency Ulrike Hartmann, the new Austrian Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, paid her first office call to Major General Martin Dorfer, COMEUFOR in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.

On 24th January COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer, visited LOT house Bratunac to receive updates and meet new staff members.
LOT house commander, Captain Gernot Marschnig of the Austrian Army, welcomed COMEUFOR and introduced him to the 8-man team.

On 24th January COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer, and a small EUFOR team from the Joint Military Affairs branch in Camp Butmir, undertook an inspection of the defence company TRB (Tehnicki Remont, Bratunac*) in accordance with the EUFOR executive mandate.

On 17th January COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer, held a New Year's reception at Camp Butmir for the international community and diplomatic corps in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On Tuesday 22 January 2019, a vital Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Zenica Cantonal Hospital and EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On Tuesday 22 January 2019, a vital Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Zenica Cantonal Hospital and EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

COM EUFOR Major General Martin Dorfer met for the first time with BiH Presidency Member Sefik Dzaferovic, in Sarajevo on Wednesday for an introductory visit to the elected member of the BiH Presidency and to discuss Bosnia and Herzegovina’s progress in the security and defence sector. Other key topics were the demining activities and the destruction of surplus weapons and ammunition.

On 12 January 2019 EUFOR personnel gathered in Camp Butmir for a remembrance ceremony marking 11 years since the deaths of 11 servicemen from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia who were killed in a helicopter accident.

On 12 January 2019 EUFOR personnel gathered in Camp Butmir for a remembrance ceremony marking 11 years since the deaths of 11 servicemen from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia who were killed in a helicopter accident.

On 10th January a special project in Kalinovik reached its conclusion with 33 Holstein cows being added to livestock herds for breeding and milk production.
The project was initiated in September 2018 by Major General Martin Dorfer, COMEUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and delivered by the CIMIC team in the Austrian National element supporting EUFOR.

On Friday 4th January, a delegation headed by Mariusz Błaszczak, Polish Minister of Defence, visited EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.

On Thursday 20th December, a delegation headed by Mario Kunasek, Austrian Minister of Defence, visited EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.

On Thursday 20th December, a delegation headed by Mario Kunasek, Austrian Minister of Defence, visited EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.

Historic moment for Armed Forces Bosnia and Herzegovina and EUFOR with the signing of a Collective Training Plan for 2019
A Training and Co-Operation Plan between EUFOR and the Armed Forces Bosnia and Herzegovina was signed on Wednesday 19th December at Joint Staff, Sarajevo.

Historic moment for Armed Forces Bosnia and Herzegovina and EUFOR with the signing of a Collective Training Plan for 2019
A Training and Co-Operation Plan between EUFOR and the Armed Forces Bosnia and Herzegovina was signed on Wednesday 19th December at Joint Staff, Sarajevo.

On Wednesday 19th December, Brigadier General Milan Zurman, Chief of Staff Forces Command for the Slovenian Army, visited COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer, at Camp Butmir.

On Tuesday 18th December, an International Medal Parade for soldiers from 6 nations was held at Camp Butmir with COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer, presiding over the event.

Military Defence Attaches (DAs) from 14 nations were hosted by COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer, on Friday 14th December in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.

On Monday 10th December, Brigadier General (BG) Günter RUDERSTALLER, Austrian Landforces Command, met with COMEUFOR, Major General (MG) Martin DORFER, at Camp Butmir.

From Concept to Conclusion - Capacity Building and Training for the Armed Forces Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH) achieves its aims.
During the Assessment Conference on 5th December, held in Army House, Sarajevo, it was agreed that the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH) have now achieved the standards for individual training outlined in the 2010 EUFOR Capacity Building and Training (CB&T) concept.

The Hungarian Minister of Defence, Dr Tibor BENKŐ, visited EUFOR HQ, at Camp Butmir, on 6th December 2018.
COMEUFOR, Major General (Maj Gen) Martin DORFER, welcomed Dr BENKŐ to Camp Butmir, where he inspected the Honour Guard and met senior EUFOR HQ staff.

The Hungarian Minister of Defence, Dr Tibor BENKŐ, visited EUFOR HQ, at Camp Butmir, on 6th December 2018.
COMEUFOR, Major General (Maj Gen) Martin DORFER, welcomed Dr BENKŐ to Camp Butmir, where he inspected the Honour Guard and met senior EUFOR HQ staff.

Clear skies welcomed Peter Gajdoš, Minister of Defence for the Slovak Republic, on Wednesday 6th December, during his visit to EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Clear skies welcomed Peter Gajdoš, Minister of Defence for the Slovak Republic, on Wednesday 6th December, during his visit to EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On Monday 3rd December 2018, the Chief of the Joint Staff for Armed Forces Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH), Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Senad Masovic, visited Camp Butmir to meet COMEUFOR and senior staff.

On Monday 3rd December 2018, the Chief of the Joint Staff for Armed Forces Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH), Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Senad Masovic, visited Camp Butmir to meet COMEUFOR and senior staff.

From Wednesday 28th to Friday 30th November, the EU Political and Security Committee (PSC) visited Bosnia and Herzegovina, their visit included briefings at HQ EUFOR in Camp Butmir, LOT House Novo Sarajevo, and Rajlovac Barracks.

Monday 26th November saw the start of a 6-day programme of Manual Handling training for over 200 EUFOR civilian staff at camp Butmir.
The course was delivered to the EUFOR civilian staff with a mix of presentations and practical activity and focused on improving safety and productivity in the workplace.

On Monday 26th November, Rear Admiral (OF-7) Luis Sanchez Perez DJO (Chile), visited Camp Butmir. He was met by Major General Dorfer, COMEUFOR, with a full Honour Guard.

On Tuesday, 27th November 63 soldiers from 3 troop contributing nations (Austria, Czech Republik, Switzerland and Turkey) received the Security and Defence Policy Medal Althea in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.

A bright and sunny winter's day was the setting for a flag raising ceremony held at Camp Butmir on Wednesday 14th November.
The occasion was the return of France as a troop contributing nation to EUFOR after a gap of three years.

A bright and sunny winter's day was the setting for a flag raising ceremony held at Camp Butmir on Wednesday 14th November.
The occasion was the return of France as a troop contributing nation to EUFOR after a gap of three years.

On 31 October members of EUFOR Joint Military Affairs (JMA) conducted a successful visit of an Ammunition Storage Site near Rudo. The purpose of the inspection was to check on the progress of a 100 percent inspection being carried out by the Armed Forces of BiH teams.

On 01 November soldiers from the Turkish Company from the EUFOR Multinational Battalion (MNBN) took part in a combined training exercise near Bihać at the Adil Bešić barracks, home of the AFBiH 6TH Brigade.

On Tuesday 30th October an International Medal Parade (IMP) took place at Camp Butmir with COMEUFOR presiding over the event. This parade was smaller than most with 7 EUFOR personal receiving their Operation Althea medals, three from Austria and two each from Hungary and the UK.

COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer spent the last days of October visiting a number of the EUFOR LOT houses in BiH.

COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer spent the last days of October visiting a number of the EUFOR LOT houses in BiH.

From 24th to 26th of October 2018 soldiers from the EUFOR’s International Military Police (IMP) Detachment from Camp Butmir in Sarajevo, conducted training for Armed Forces BiH (AFBiH) Military Police soldiers in preparation for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

The pinnacle of the combined training of members of the 3rd Battalion of the 4th Infantry Brigade of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH) and members of the EUFOR's Austrian contingent took place in the area of Ustikolina from 15-19 October. Firstly in the barracks at Kosova, then later in the area of Grebak mountain where the shooting range of AFBIH 4th brigade is located.

On the evening of Thursday 18th October members of Charlie Company, 3 Para returned home to the UK and the end of their deployment.
The ‘Paras’ arrived in August to begin their training as part of the EUFOR Multinational Battalion (MNBN) in preparation for Exercise Quick Response 2018.

On Monday 15th October in perfect conditions, the Mountain Rescue Team from Novi Grad, Sarajevo arrived at Camp Butmir to practice their skills and enhance their cooperation with EUFOR by taking part in a combined training day with the EUFOR Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter. They were joined by colleagues from the IIidža rescue team, Civilian Protection Agency of municipality Novi Grad, and the Federation BiH Civilian Protection Agency.

On Monday 15th October in perfect conditions, the Mountain Rescue Team from Novi Grad, Sarajevo arrived at Camp Butmir to practice their skills and enhance their cooperation with EUFOR by taking part in a combined training day with the EUFOR Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter. They were joined by colleagues from the IIidža rescue team, Civilian Protection Agency of municipality Novi Grad, and the Federation BiH Civilian Protection Agency.

On consecutive beautiful autumn days, EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion (MNBN) took advantage of beautiful autumn weather in BiH to work on their physical fitness in the mountains.

On consecutive beautiful autumn days, EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion (MNBN) took advantage of beautiful autumn weather in BiH to work on their physical fitness in the mountains.

On Friday 5th October, during the 'Justice for David' rally in Banja Luka, SRNA (Srpska Republika Press Agency) published an article on their webpage which was taken up by other news outlets. The article stated:
"EUFOR drone is currently above the Krajina Square in Banja Luka where the rally of 'Justice for David' group is about to start. According to EUFOR's estimates, there are now approx. 7,000 supporters of the group 'Justice for David.'"

On Wednesday 10th October an International Medal Parade (IMP) took place at Camp Butmir.
Presiding over the parade was General Sir James Everard, the Operation Commander of Operation Althea. General Everard was visiting Camp Butmir as part of a number of meetings in Sarajevo and presented medals to the soldiers.

Today the Chairman of the EU Military Committee (CEUMC), General Michail Kostarakos visited Camp Butmir and completed an Office Call with COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer.

Monday 1st October saw the departure of the Pilatus Porter PC6 aircraft from Camp Butmir. The aircraft has been used as a Tactical Air Transport (TAT) asset since the spring and will return home to Austria for the winter months.

Today saw the end of the ‘Live’ phase of Exercise Quick Response 2018. The finale was held at Camp Butmir where COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer presided over a dynamic scenario and demonstration within the grounds of the camp.

Today saw the end of the ‘Live’ phase of Exercise Quick Response 2018. The finale was held at Camp Butmir where COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer presided over a dynamic scenario and demonstration within the grounds of the camp.

Day three of Exercise Quick Response 2018 saw the scenarios take place in Kalinovik and Brcko with the Turkish and Austrian Companies taking the lead.

Day two of Exercise Quick Response 2018 saw the exercise scenarios move to Mrkonjic Grad and Tuzla and concentrated on troop movements and cooperation with the Armed Forces of BiH and Law Enforcement agencies.

Day one of Exercise Quick Response 2018 saw training scenarios in the regions of Sarajevo International Airport, Pazaric and Camp Butmir.

Commander EUFOR ALTHEA, Major General Martin Dorfer, will give a statement to media giving details of the exercise. Members of State Level organisations and International Embassies will also be present.

Monday 3rd September saw the opening ceremony of Exercise Quick Response 2018. COMEUFOR was joined by the BiH Minister for Defence Mrs Marina Pendeš and Minister for Transport and Communication Mr Ismir Jusko as well as distinguished guests from the Armed Forces of BiH, Law Enforcement Agencies and Defence Attaches from a number of Embassies in Sarajevo.

The event will take place on Monday 3th September 2018 at 16.00 at Camp Butmir.
Commander EUFOR ALTHEA, Major General Martin Dorfer, will give a statement to media giving details of the exercise. Members of State Level organisations and International Embassies will also be present.

A contingent of troops from Romania arrived in Camp Butmir over the weekend in order to take part in Exercise Quick Response 2018.

In the early hours of Tuesday 28th August the next batch of troops that will take part in EUFOR’s Exercise Quick Response 2018 crossed the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This weekend saw the arrival of the new Austrian Company to Camp Butmir. The company travelled from the Khevenhüller barracks in Klagenfurt, Carinthia after a long road trip lasting 12 hours. Most of the soldiers are from the 25th (airborne) infantry battalion, but some are from other units across Austria. The 25th infantry battalion is the only one within the Austrian Armed Forces which is specialized in air movement particularly by helicopter.  Additionally the soldiers of this battalion are trained as paratroopers.

On Friday 24th August COMEUFOR paid a visit to a Mine Detection Dogs training centre at Vogošća near Sarajevo. The centre, which is run by the Norwegian Peoples Aid organisation, trains Belgian Shephard dogs to act as mine detection and explosives detection dogs all around the world.

'Quick Response 2018' will practice EUFOR's capability to call in reserve forces to reinforce and maintain a safe and secure environment in support of local authorities, law enforcement agencies and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

'Quick Response 2018' will practice EUFOR's capability to call in reserve forces to reinforce and maintain a safe and secure environment in support of local authorities, law enforcement agencies and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On Friday 17th August Major General Martin Dorfer paid a visit to the EUFOR Fire Department to see for himself how they train to deal with any emergency presented to them in Camp Butmir.

On Wednesday 15th August COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer visited the Mayor of Sarajevo, Mr Abdulah Skaka at the impressive setting of the Sarajevo City Hall.

In camp BUTMIR on 14th August 2018 the command of the multinational battalion was forwarded from Lieutenant Colonel Markus Schwaiger to Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Pilles. During the ceremony Commander EUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer, handed over the colours of the Multinational Battalion from the outgoing commander, LTC Markus Schwaiger, to the new commander LTC Oliver Pilles. Receiving the flag of the MNBN is symbolic for taking over the command and the responsibilities of the battalion.

In camp BUTMIR on 14th August 2018 the command of the multinational battalion was forwarded from Lieutenant Colonel Markus Schwaiger to Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Pilles. During the ceremony Commander EUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer, handed over the colours of the Multinational Battalion from the outgoing commander, LTC Markus Schwaiger, to the new commander LTC Oliver Pilles. Receiving the flag of the MNBN is symbolic for taking over the command and the responsibilities of the battalion.

In the last few days, the first advance party of troops from the UK started to arrive in camp Butmir after landing at Sarajevo International Airport in order to take part in the annual exercise ‘Quick Response 2018’.

On Thursday 9th August, EUFOR Chief of Staff (EUFOR COS), Brigadier General Horvath, paid a visit to a demining site and an ammunition storage site both of which are under the control of the Armed Forces of BiH.

On Wednesday 8th August 2018, the Minister of Defence for Poland, Mr Mariusz Błaszczak, visited Camp Butmir to meet EUFOR staff and to meet Polish soldiers working at the mission.

On Wednesday 8th August 2018, the Minister of Defence for Poland, Mr Mariusz Błaszczak, visited Camp Butmir to meet EUFOR staff and to meet Polish soldiers working at the mission.

On Wednesday 01 Aug 18, EUFOR Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Gabor Horvath presided over an International Medal Parade at Camp Butmir.

Ahead of Exercise Quick Response 18, General Sir James Everard KCB CBE from the EU Operation Headquarters in Mons, Belgium, visited Sarajevo in his role as the Operation Commander for EUFOR Operation Althea. Commander EUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer, and his multinational staff briefed the 4 star General on the EUFOR mission and in particular on the preparations for the EUFOR Exercise Quick Response 18.

On Thursday 19th July COMEUFOR, Major General Dorfer, attended the official opening ceremony of the Laboratory for Chemical and Thermal Analysis of Ammunition in TROM Doboj as part of the SAFE-UP project.

On Wednesday 18th July, COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer visited a demining site at Delilovac within the municipality of Travnik.

On Thursday 12th July the Minister of Defence for Ireland, Mr Paul Kehoe, visited Camp Butmir. He was met by Major General Dorfer, COMEUFOR, with a full Honour Guard.

On Thursday and Friday 5-6th July, Lieutenant General Luciano Portolano, Head of the EU Command Element (EUCE) and Chief of Staff Joint Force Command (Naples) visited EUFOR headquarters.

On Wednesday 4th July the Minister of Defence for Turkey, Mr Nurettin Canikli met with COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer, at Camp Butmir as part of a visit to Sarajevo.

From 04 to 29 June 2018 a road construction project in the Military Training Area Manjača took place. The Engineering Battalion from Armed Forces BiH together with an EUFOR mentoring team from Slovenia and Austria completed this field project for temporary military roads.

EUFOR retains its presence throughout BiH through teams of soldiers living in EUFOR LOT houses across the country. In the past week COMEUFOR, Major General Martin DORFER, has been continuing his visits to meet the staff of the houses and people in the local communities.

EUFOR retains its presence throughout BiH through teams of soldiers living in EUFOR LOT houses across the country. In the past week COMEUFOR, Major General Martin DORFER, has been continuing his visits to meet the staff of the houses and people in the local communities.

From 18th to 20th of June, the Multinational Battalion (MNBN) conducted their forward command post exercise, ZENITH. A very realistic overall scenario was chosen and provided a good opportunity to challenge the troops at every level.

From 18th to 20th of June, the Multinational Battalion (MNBN) conducted their forward command post exercise, ZENITH. A very realistic overall scenario was chosen and provided a good opportunity to challenge the troops at every level.

This week saw both COMEUFOR and EUFOR Chief of Staff take part in memorial services for 23 Spanish soldiers who lost their lives protecting BiH.

On Monday 18 June 2018 EUFOR's Multinational Battalion (MNBN) deployed for an exercise in the area of Pazaric. After arrival at the barracks the first job was to erect the forward command post.

A busy day of community visits took place on Wednesday 13th June. The EUFOR Liaison and Observation Team (LOT) houses at Novo Sarajevo and Visegrad were the destinations for COMEUFOR. The purpose of the two visits was to meet the EUFOR staff working in the houses and to get an update on their work in the community. The EUFOR LOT houses are the ‘eyes and ears’ of EUFOR throughout BiH, they provide situational awareness and are vital for engagement with key local leaders.

On Monday 11 June 2018 COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer visited Rajlovac Barracks to meet with the Commander of the Tactical Support Brigade, Colonel Mirzet Lubenović.

In accordance with its mandate under Chapter 7 of the United Nations Charter, EUFOR works closely with the authorities of BiH and Law Enforcement Agencies to maintain a safe and secure environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina, promoting a climate of peace and stability.

On Friday 08 June 2018 COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer, invited representatives of the Military Defence Attaché Corps in BiH for an afternoon briefing in EUFOR HQ, Camp Butmir.

On Thursday 7 June 2018 COMEUFOR continued his planned visits to the Armed Forces BiH by beginning the day with a visit to the Military Training Area Manjača where Hungarian troops from the EUFOR Multinational Battalion were taking part in combined training exercise with 6th Brigade AFBiH. COMEUFOR was joined on the visit by Lieutenant General Senad Mašović, Chief of the Joint Staff AFBiH and Colonel Radovan Jović, Commander of the 6th Infantry Brigade. The successful exercise was based around a Peace Support Operations scenario and demonstrated excellent teamwork between EUFOR and AFBiH soldiers.

On Wednesday 6 June 18 COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer visited a number of units from the Armed Forces of BiH. The first visit was to the museum of the 3rd regiment at Kozara barracks, Banja Luka, where he met with Lieutenant Colonel Radojčić. They discussed the regiment’s duties and COMEUFOR was impressed with how all the artefacts on display at the museum are donations.

On Monday 4 June 2018 COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer welcomed the Deputy Commander of Joint Force Command Naples, Lieutenant General Christian Juneau to Camp Butmir.

Following COMEUFOR's informative and successful visit to Kosovo Force (Enduring Commitment) last week, it was EUFOR's turn to host a delegation from KFOR to continue the well-established cooperation between the Operations. EUFOR Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Gábor Horváth, welcomed Deputy Commander KFOR (DCOM KFOR) Brigadier General János Csombók for a flying visit to Camp Butmir on Wednesday.

On Tuesday 29 May 18, COMEUFOR Major General Martin Dorfer presided over an International Medal Parade at Camp Butmir.
Thirty four military personnel were awarded the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal for Operation ALTHEA. Awarding the medal, COMEUFOR told participants that each and every one of them had contributed to the success of the EUFOR mission, and represents the practical and positive affirmation of your government's commitment to the people of BiH. He spoke of the sacrifice made by families whose loved ones serve far from home, saying "I am sure that your absence from home has been worthwhile. I wish you every success for the future."

Major General Martin Dorfer, Commander EUFOR, paid a courtesy call to the President of the Federation of BiH Marinko Čavara on 23 May. During that visit, they discussed the security situation in BiH and COMEUFOR expressed EUFOR’s ongoing support to the safe and secure environment in the country. COMEUFOR did not, as some news outlets have incorrectly stated, give any political statement or express support for any political party or political position, as this would be beyond his remit as Commander European Union Force, Operation ALTHEA.

EUFOR Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Gábor Horváth, received Major General Zoltán Mihócza at EUFOR HQ for a two day visit 21-22 May 18. Major General Mihócza is currently the Chief of Staff of the Joint Force Command of the Hungarian Defence Forces.

On 15 May 2018 Commander EUFOR, Major General Martin DORFER, visited the Operational Command (OC) of the Armed Forces of BiH (AFBiH) located in Camp Butmir.

One of the main tasks of EUFOR Operation Althea is to work with the authorities and Armed Forces of BiH (AFBiH) to maintain a Safe and Secure Environment (SASE). On 11 May 2017, the EUFOR Multinational Battalion (MNBN) with AFBiH undertook an exercise to regain an occupied Weapon Storage Site, which (in the exercise) had been occupied by a hostile group.

One of the main tasks of EUFOR Operation Althea is to work with the authorities and Armed Forces of BiH (AFBiH) to maintain a Safe and Secure Environment (SASE). On 11 May 2017, the EUFOR Multinational Battalion (MNBN) with AFBiH undertook an exercise to regain an occupied Weapon Storage Site, which (in the exercise) had been occupied by a hostile group.

EUFOR's Mobile Training Team 'Ammunition and Weapon Storage Management' concluded a Basic Weapon Storage Management Course for the Armed Forces of BiH (AFBiH). The course took place from 11 to 27 April in Čapljina transferring knowledge to 13 AFBiH armourers and stockkeepers from all over the country.

On Friday 27 April 2018, in a ceremony held at EUFOR Headquarters near Sarajevo, Brigadier General József Szpisják relinquished his position of Chief of Staff EUFOR. His successor, Brigadier General Gábor Horváth, who is also from the Hungarian Armed Forces, assumes the position with immediate effect.

On Friday 27 April 2018, in a ceremony held at EUFOR Headquarters near Sarajevo, Brigadier General József Szpisják relinquished his position of Chief of Staff EUFOR. His successor, Brigadier General Gábor Horváth, who is also from the Hungarian Armed Forces, assumes the position with immediate effect.

Invitation to media representatives to attend the Ceremony for Transfer of Authority for the Chief of Staff EUFOR. A formal parade of EUFOR personnel, and the official ceremony transferring the authority of Chief of Staff EUFOR from Brigadier General József Szpisják to Brigadier General Gábor Horváth, will commence at 1100.

On Thursday 5 April, the Armed Forces of BiH Barracks in Rajlovac, just outside Sarajevo, was the location for an important EUFOR exercise. The exercise was designed to test the ability of the Multinational Battalion to undertake complex and interrelated public order missions, in realistic scenarios.

On Thursday 5 April, the Armed Forces of BiH Barracks in Rajlovac, just outside Sarajevo, was the location for an important EUFOR exercise. The exercise was designed to test the ability of the Multinational Battalion to undertake complex and interrelated public order missions, in realistic scenarios.

Early in the morning of Thursday 29 March, the Finnish flag was lowered for the final time at EUFOR HQ. After 14 years of unbroken representation in the peace-keeping missions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the small ceremony marked the formal withdrawal of the Republic of Finland.

On 28 March, Major General Anton Waldner, relinquished his position as Commander EUFOR (COMEUFOR) in a Change of Command Ceremony held at Camp Butmir near Sarajevo. General Sir James Everard, as the Operation Commander, passed the authority of Commander European Union Force to Major General Martin Dorfer who begins his period of command immediately.

On 28 March, Major General Anton Waldner, relinquished his position as Commander EUFOR (COMEUFOR) in a Change of Command Ceremony held at Camp Butmir near Sarajevo. General Sir James Everard, as the Operation Commander, passed the authority of Commander European Union Force to Major General Martin Dorfer who begins his period of command immediately.

On Tuesday 27 March at Camp Butmir, Commander EUFOR Major General Anton Waldner presided over his final International Medal Parade and awarded the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal 'Althea' to 90 military personnel.

Invitation to media representatives to attend the Ceremony for the Change of Command of Commander EUFOR. A formal parade of EUFOR personnel, and the official ceremony handing command from Major General Anton Waldner to Major General Martin Dorfer will commence at 1100.

General Claudio Graziano, Chief of the Italian Defence General Staff, was welcomed to EUFOR Headquarters in Sarajevo on Tuesday by Major General Anton Waldner, Commander EUFOR.

On Friday 16 March, Commander EUFOR Major General Anton Waldner welcomed Senator Denis O'Donovan, Chairman of the Upper House of the Parliament of the Republic of Ireland, to EUFOR Headquarters in Sarajevo.

Minister of Defence for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Marina Pendeš, and Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner hosted a conference at Army Hall on Friday entitled "Recruiting and Retaining the Best Women (and men) in the Defence and Security Sector" to mark International Women's Day.

Minister of Defence for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Marina Pendeš, and Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner hosted a conference at Army Hall on Friday entitled "Recruiting and Retaining the Best Women (and men) in the Defence and Security Sector" to mark International Women's Day.

NATO Headquarters Sarajevo (NHQ Sa) and European Union Force (EUFOR) Joint Press Statement
NHQ Sa and HQ EUFOR are continuously mindful of their responsibilities as employers. With regard to the social contribution claims, NHQ Sa and HQ EUFOR strive to optimize future proceedings.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Austria, Karin Kneissl, visited the EUFOR Headquarters in Camp Butmir on the 22nd of February. On arrival she was greeted with an Honour Guard of the Multinational Battalion and introduced to several key EUFOR staff members from Austria. She met with Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner, to be briefed on Operation Althea and the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

On 22 Feb 2018 the Austrian Minister of Defence, Mario Kunasek, visited EUFOR Headquarters in Camp Butmir. He was accompanied by the Chief of Defence of the Armed Forces of Austria, General Othmar Commenda. On arrival they were greeted with an Honour Guard from the Multinational Battalion, the EUFOR manoeuvre element in theatre. They met with Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner, to receive an update on Operation Althea.

On Thursday 22 February, Commander EUFOR (COMEUFOR) Major General Anton Waldner hosted the Minister of Defence and Minister of Foreign Affairs from the Federal Republic of Austria on official visits to EUFOR Headquarters at Camp Butmir near Sarajevo.

General Sir James Everard KCB CBE, in his role as EUFOR Operation Commander, made a visit alongside Admiral James Foggo, Commander of Joint Forces Command (NATO) Naples, to Sarajevo on Wednesday 21 February 2018 in order to discuss EU, NATO and Armed Forces BiH (AFBiH) cooperation at the highest levels.

On 20 Feb 2018 in EUFOR Headquarters at Camp Butmir near Sarajevo, 164 military personnel from EUFOR received their Op ALTHEA medals from EUFOR's Operation Commander General Sir James Everard.

Personnel from every EUFOR nation joined EUFOR Chief of Staff and dignitaries from the Slovak Republic for the solemn repatriation ceremony of Major Peter Pavlovský at Sarajevo International Airport on Friday 16 February.

Personnel from every EUFOR nation joined EUFOR Chief of Staff and dignitaries from the Slovak Republic for the solemn repatriation ceremony of Major Peter Pavlovský at Sarajevo International Airport on Friday 16 February.

It is with great sadness that I must confirm the death of Major Peter Pavlovský, a Slovakian member of EUFOR. He passed away in hospital yesterday after suddenly being taken ill, despite the efforts of EUFOR medical specialists and the local hospital staff to save him. On behalf of all EUFOR personnel, I would like to express our most sincere condolences to his family at this difficult time.

On 13 Feb 18, at a ceremony held at EUFOR HQ in Camp Butmir, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Lippert, officially handed over his command of EUFOR's Multinational Battalion (MNBN) to Lieutenant Colonel Markus Schwaiger and was awarded the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal 'Althea' in recognition of his service in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On 13 Feb 18, at a ceremony held at EUFOR HQ in Camp Butmir, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Lippert, officially handed over his command of EUFOR's Multinational Battalion (MNBN) to Lieutenant Colonel Markus Schwaiger and was awarded the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal 'Althea' in recognition of his service in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

EUFOR personnel conducted a mountain march training exercise on Mount Trebevic today. Troops from the Multinational Battalion (MNBN), which is EUFOR’s in-theatre manoeuvre unit, marched a total of 19km on the mountain while wearing protective equipment and carrying their weapons as part of their routine training to maintain their high level of readiness.

EUFOR personnel conducted a mountain march training exercise on Mount Trebevic today. Troops from the Multinational Battalion (MNBN), which is EUFOR’s in-theatre manoeuvre unit, marched a total of 19km on the mountain while wearing protective equipment and carrying their weapons as part of their routine training to maintain their high level of readiness.

EUFOR personnel and members of the international community in Sarajevo attended a presentation and discussion with Mr Christopher Bennett, a renowned political scientist who specialises in the Balkans.

The man with overall responsibility to the EU and NATO for Operation ALTHEA, Operation Commander EUFOR ALTHEA and Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (NATO) General Sir James Everard KCB CBE, made a routine working visit to EUFOR HQ in Sarajevo on 29-30 January 2018.

The man with overall responsibility to the EU and NATO for Operation ALTHEA, Operation Commander EUFOR ALTHEA and Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (NATO) General Sir James Everard KCB CBE, made a routine working visit to EUFOR HQ in Sarajevo on 29-30 January 2018.

On Tuesday 30 January, 83 EUFOR personnel received their European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal 'Althea' in recognition of their service in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner presided over the parade which saw 6 nations of EUFOR represented.

On Tuesday 30 January, 83 EUFOR personnel received their European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal 'Althea' in recognition of their service in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner presided over the parade which saw 6 nations of EUFOR represented.

Chief of Staff EUFOR (COS EUFOR) had a busy week of visits to Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH) Battalions, where he consolidated existing ties between EUFOR and AFBiH, and discussed future plans with the Battalion Commanders.

As part of his routine schedule as COMEUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner visited the EUFOR LOT Houses in Cazin and Livno to get the latest information face-to-face from the personnel who live as part of their local communities in the two most westerly EUFOR locations. During these visits, he also met local mayors and dignitaries, in order to ensure EUFOR and local authorities cooperate closely at every level.

As part of his routine schedule as COMEUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner visited the EUFOR LOT Houses in Cazin and Livno to get the latest information face-to-face from the personnel who live as part of their local communities in the two most westerly EUFOR locations. During these visits, he also met local mayors and dignitaries, in order to ensure EUFOR and local authorities cooperate closely at every level.

On 16 Jan Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner, welcomed the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia, Andreja Katič, to EUFOR Headquarters in Sarajevo.

On 16 Jan Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner, welcomed the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia, Andreja Katič, to EUFOR Headquarters in Sarajevo.

On Monday 15 January, Commander EUFOR and the Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative held a New Year's Reception for national and international politicians and distinguished guests. They both took the opportunity to express their intentions for the year ahead and their hope of progress towards European accession for BiH.

On 12 Jan 2008, a military helicopter carrying troops home from the EUFOR peace-keeping mission in BiH crashed near its final destination of Skopje, killing all 11 personnel on board. Those personnel were from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*. Ten years later EUFOR Chief of Staff and EUFOR personnel joined the Deputy Minister of Defence as well as dignitaries and military personnel from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, to remember the lives lost in the tragedy.

Invitation to media representatives to attend the New Year’s Reception of the Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina / European Union Special Representative (HoD/EUSR) and Commander EUFOR (COMEUFOR). COMEUFOR and EUSR will address attendees at a joint New Year’s Reception at 1900 on Monday 15 Jan 18 in Camp Butmir.

Her Excellency Mrs Hala El Bishlawy visited Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner, at EUFOR Headquarters near Sarajevo on 10 Jan 18.

On 9 Jan 18 Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton WALDNER, hosted Brigadier General Alain VUITEL from the Armed Forces of Switzerland.

The seventeen EUFOR LOT Houses throughout BiH have been looking back over their work in 2017. The EUFOR LOT Houses form a key component in EUFOR's maintenance of a safe and secure environment in BiH through regular interaction with local populations.

The seventeen EUFOR LOT Houses throughout BiH have been looking back over their work in 2017. The EUFOR LOT Houses form a key component in EUFOR's maintenance of a safe and secure environment in BiH through regular interaction with local populations.

On 20 Dec 17, Brigadier General József SZPISJÁK, Chief of Staff EUFOR (COS EUFOR), received a certificate of appreciation from the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies of BiH (DCPB) for his 'excellent cooperation and support'.

Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner visited the towns of Doboj, Derventa, Banja Luka and Travnik in order to see for himself the valuable co-operation between EUFOR personnel and the local community.

Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner visited the towns of Doboj, Derventa, Banja Luka and Travnik in order to see for himself the valuable co-operation between EUFOR personnel and the local community.

On 19 December 2017 Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner, presided over an international medal parade at EUFOR Headquarters in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. Forty-eight service personnel received the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal 'Althea' in recognition of their service in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On 14 December 2017 EUFOR Chief of Staff Brigadier General József Szpisják and the Deputy Chief of Joint Operations of the Armed Forces of BiH (AFBiH), Major General Mirko Tepšić, signed the Joint Integrated Capacity Building and Training (CB&T) Plan 2018. This was to confirm the planned CB&T activities EUFOR will provide to the AFBiH throughout the next year. EUFOR has in the past enabled a significant range of capability-enhancing training events.

On 13 December 2017 the Chief of Defence of the Slovak Republic, General Milan Maxim, visited the EUFOR Headquarters in Camp Butmir. He was accompanied by the commander of the Slovakian Strategic Crisis Management Centre, Colonel Jan Bujnak. They discussed the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), the EUFOR mandate and the cooperation with the Armed Forces of BiH with Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner.

On 11 December 2017 members of the international diplomatic community in BiH met at the EUFOR Headquarters in Camp Butmir by the invitation of Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner. The meeting gathered the Heads of Mission from EU countries in Bosnia and Herzegovina headed by the European Union Special Representative in BiH, His Excellency Lars-Gunnar Wigemark.

On 11 December 2017 members of the international diplomatic community in BiH met at the EUFOR Headquarters in Camp Butmir by the invitation of Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner. The meeting gathered the Heads of Mission from EU countries in Bosnia and Herzegovina headed by the European Union Special Representative in BiH, His Excellency Lars-Gunnar Wigemark.

Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton WALDNER, welcomed Her Excellency Ms Zorica Bukinac the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to EUFOR Headquarters in Sarajevo.

On 8 Dec at Rajlovac Barracks, ten members of the Air Force and Air Defence Brigade of the Armed Forces of BiH received certificates from Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton WALDNER, for successful completion of the Flight Operations Course.

On 07 Dec the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Hungary, General Tibor Benkő, visited EUFOR HQ, Camp Butmir for a meeting with the Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner. General Benkő inspected an Honour Guard under the command of the of Command Sergeant Major Bruno Planer comprising one Hungarian platoon along with Austrian and Turkish soldiers from the Multinational Battalion (MNBN) .

On Tuesday 5 December, members of the Military Diplomatic Corps from over 18 countries gathered at EUFOR Headquarters at the invitation of Commander EUFOR Major General Anton WALDNER to receive a EUFOR Operation Althea update.

Lieutenant General Luciano Portolano, the head of the European Union Command Element, accompanied Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner and EUFOR Chief of Staff, Brigadier General József Szpisják as honoured guests at the 12th anniversary celebration of Armed Forces in BiH. They joined representatives from NATO, Embassies and the Government of BiH at a parade and military display to acknowledge the progress that Armed Forces of BiH have made.

On 28 November 2017 EUFOR Chief of Staff, Brigadier General József Szpisják, presided over a medal parade at the EUFOR Headquarters in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. He presented the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal "Althea" to 35 service personnel from 8 different nations and thanked them for their dedicated service in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On 23 November 2017 the annual assessment conference to evaluate EUFOR's Capacity Building and Training Programme and identify the training needs of the Armed Forces of BiH (AFBiH) took place in the Army Hall in Sarajevo. The conference was not only designed to evaluate conducted training but also to provide a future outlook on the cooperation between EUFOR and the AFBiH including potential ways of improvement.

On the 21 November Rear Admiral Jorge Rodríguez-Urria , Director of Operations and Joint Administration of the Joint Staff of the Chilean Armed Forces, visited Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner in Sarajevo. It was the Rear Admiral's first visit to EUFOR's HQ in Camp Butmir. He was welcomed by an Honour Guard comprising of Turkish, Hungarian and Austrian soldiers from EUFOR's Multinational Battalion. After the ceremonial arrival COM EUFOR and the Rear Admiral discussed the current situation in BiH and EUFOR's involvement in supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina's Law Enforcement agencies maintain a safe and secure environment.

On 20 November EUFOR organised a workshop in Camp Butmir to exchange experiences with Armed Forces of BiH (AFBiH). Opening remarks were given by EUFOR Chief of Staff Brigadier, General József Szpisják, and Brigadier General Ivica Jerkić representing the AFBiH Operational Command.

On the 9 November 2017, Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner, visited the EUFOR LOT House in Bratunac. The visit allowed the Major General to gain valuable situational awareness of the area. The Major General received briefings from the Liaison Observation Team based in Bratunac as well as touring the local community to experience the EUFOR LOT house involvement with the community first hand.

On the 9 November 2017, Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner, visited the EUFOR LOT House in Bratunac. The visit allowed the Major General to gain valuable situational awareness of the area. The Major General received briefings from the Liaison Observation Team based in Bratunac as well as touring the local community to experience the EUFOR LOT house involvement with the community first hand.

Recently the EUFOR LOT House in Doboj joined forces with police officers from Doboj East Police Station and the EUFOR International Military Police based in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, to raise awareness of road safety with school children in the local area. This EUFOR House initiative was in response to a series of road accidents involving children that has occurred in the area recently and was aimed at improving road safety and raising awareness of safe movement on the way to and from school.

Recently the EUFOR LOT House in Doboj joined forces with police officers from Doboj East Police Station and the EUFOR International Military Police based in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, to raise awareness of road safety with school children in the local area. This EUFOR House initiative was in response to a series of road accidents involving children that has occurred in the area recently and was aimed at improving road safety and raising awareness of safe movement on the way to and from school.

A badminton tournament was held in Camp Butmir over the 6 and 7th of November. It was a EUFOR's Headquarters Camp Commandant and MWA event. The Badminton Tournament, was open to all personnel in Camp Butmir and was broken into Male, Female and Mixed categories for a Singles and Doubles competition. The standard was exceptionally high with a considerable number of entries.

On the 7 November several soldiers from EUFOR joined with members of the Operational Command of the AF BiH to form a team to participate in a five-a-side memorial Football tournament. The football tournament is held in memory of the members of the Military Police Battalion of the Tactical Support Brigade, Corporal Nedeljko Radić and Private 1st Class Armin Salkić who were killed in a terrorist attack on 18 November 2015 in Rajlovac. The tournament "Let us play for Nedeljko Radić and Armin Salkić" was held at Rajlovac Barracks.

On 1 November 2017 EUFOR Chief of Staff, Brigadier General József Szpisják, presided over a medal parade at the EUFOR Headquarters in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. He presented the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal “Althea” to 31 service personnel from 6 different nations and thanked them for their dedicated service in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On 1 November 2017 EUFOR Chief of Staff, Brigadier General József Szpisják, presided over a medal parade at the EUFOR Headquarters in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. He presented the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal “Althea” to 31 service personnel from 6 different nations and thanked them for their dedicated service in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On 26th October a delegation of the Bulgarian government headed by the Prime Minister Mr. Boyko Borissov visited Headquarters of the European Union Force (HQ EUFOR) in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo for the first time. He was accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister for Public Order and Security and Minister of Defence Mr. Krasimir Karakachanov, Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Tomislav Donchev, Head of the Prime Minister’s Political Cabinet Mrs. Rumiana Bachvarova and Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Bosnia Herzegovina Mrs. Avgustina Tzvetkova-Karabascheva. The delegation was welcomed by Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner with an Honour Guard made up of two platoons of Turkish soldiers from the EUFOR Multinational Battalion (MNBN) under the command of Command Sgt. Maj. Lajos Soós.

On 20th October 2017 Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner, along with Brigadier General Ilić, Commander 6th Brigade, AFBiH, presided over the closing ceremony of a combined training package that was designed to increase interoperability between EUFOR and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH).

On 19th October 2017 the EUFOR Chief of Staff, Brigadier General József Szpisják, was a guest at the AFBiH Basic Soldier Training Opening Ceremony held at the Basic Training Center AFBiH, Pazaric. During the ceremony the welcome address was delivered by Major General Tursunovic, Commander of the Support Command, AFBIH; as well as Brigadier General Ahmic, Deputy Commander Operational Command AFBiH and Colonel Petrovic, Commander Training and Doctrine Command.

On 18th October 2017 the EUFOR Chief of Staff, Brigadier General József Szpisják, visited the AFBiH Mine Action and EOD Training Center in Rajlovac. The Chief of Staff was given a short presentation by Lieutenant Colonel Miljan Jankovic, the Commander of the Training Center, which outlined the main tasks and capabilities of the center, which was established in 2016.

The Deputy Chief of Staff and Operations and Intelligence Directorate of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) Major General Scott A. KINDSVATER visited Commander EUFOR Major General Anton Waldner on 17 October in EUFOR HQ, Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.

On 17th October 2017 the Chief of Staff (COS) EUFOR, Brigadier General József Szpisják, visited the Ammunition Storage Site (ASS) Car Dušan near Rudo, He was escorted by EUFOR’s Joint Military Affairs Chief and Ammunition Technical Advisor. The aim of the visit was to familiarise COS EUFOR with the problems associated with the storage of the large quantities of surplus ammunition held by the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH) and to see for himself the condition of the ammunition storage and the environment in which the ammunition is stored. He was met at the site by Colonel Djukanović, Head of the Logistics Command Logistics Planning and Operations Branch of the AFBiH. Also present was the Commanding Officer of the 4th Logistic Battalion of the AFBiH, Major Raguž. The 4th Logistic Battalion is responsible for the running of the site.

Today witnessed the closing ceremony of Exercise QUICK RESPONSE 2017. This ceremony concluded months of planning and cooperation between EUFOR, the Ministry of Security and the Ministry of Defence for BiH.

Today witnessed the closing ceremony of Exercise QUICK RESPONSE 2017. This ceremony concluded months of planning and cooperation between EUFOR, the Ministry of Security and the Ministry of Defence for BiH.

The final day of Exercise Quick Response took place on the 14 October with the complexities of the scenarios increasing at all locations. The Turkish troops from EUFOR's Multinational Battalion had to support SIPA in securing some important infrastructure for Sarajevo International Airport.

Today's scenario's featured Sarajevo International Airport come under attack from fictitious terrorist outbreaks with hostages taken. The training covered the cooperation of SIPA, the Border Police and EUFOR's British contingent to defuse the situation and regain order. The Minister of Security of BiH was also present to witness the teamwork.

The first day of exercise Quick Response 17 is underway. The exercise is designed to test EUFOR's, the Law Enforcement Agencies and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina contingency plans in dealing with a scenario involving a series of fictitious terrorist attacks.

On the 11th October 2017 Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner welcomed the Minister of Defence of BiH Marina Pendeš and Minister of Security of BiH Dragan Mektić to EUFOR HQ, Camp Butmir, Sarajevo for the official opening ceremony of "Quick Response 2017".

On the 11th October 2017 Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner welcomed the Minister of Defence of BiH Marina Pendeš and Minister of Security of BiH Dragan Mektić to EUFOR HQ, Camp Butmir, Sarajevo for the official opening ceremony of "Quick Response 2017".

NATO’s Kosovo Force Tactical Reserve Battalion deployment to Bosnia and Herzegovina, supporting EUFOR’s Exercise “Quick Response 2017”

Today troops from the Kosovo Force (KFOR) arrived at the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina, they have travelled from Kosovo through Montenegro in order to participate in Exercise “Quick Response 2017”. KFOR will participate in training with the EUFOR Multinational Battalion and Armed Forces BiH, local Law enforcement agencies and the European Intermediate Reserve Forces.

Today troops from the Kosovo Force (KFOR) arrived at the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina, they have travelled from Kosovo through Montenegro in order to participate in Exercise “Quick Response 2017”. KFOR will participate in training with the EUFOR Multinational Battalion and Armed Forces BiH, local Law enforcement agencies and the European Intermediate Reserve Forces.

On 6 October 2017 Sarajevo International Airport witnessed the arrival of some unfamiliar aircraft. An Antonov 124 cargo aircraft, the world’s second heaviest aircraft, delivering tons of British military equipment and vehicles , required by the British troops supporting the European Union Force (EUFOR) annual exercise ‘Quick Response 2017”. Shortly after the arrival of the Antonov 124 a Royal Air Force Voyager aircraft landed carrying British soldiers form the 1st Battalion, The Rifles, who are participating in the exercise.

On 6 October 2017 Sarajevo International Airport witnessed the arrival of some unfamiliar aircraft. An Antonov 124 cargo aircraft, the world’s second heaviest aircraft, delivering tons of British military equipment and vehicles , required by the British troops supporting the European Union Force (EUFOR) annual exercise ‘Quick Response 2017”. Shortly after the arrival of the Antonov 124 a Royal Air Force Voyager aircraft landed carrying British soldiers form the 1st Battalion, The Rifles, who are participating in the exercise.

On the 5th October 2017 Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner, Deputy Minister of Defence of BiH Sead Jusić and Minister of Security of BiH Dragan Mektić addressed a press conference in the Ministry of Security, Sarajevo, about the upcoming "Quick Response 2017" exercise.

On 3 October 2017, the Minister of National Defence for the Republic of Poland, Mr. Antoni Macierewicz, visited the Headquarters of the European Union Force (HQ EUFOR) in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. He was joined by the Operational Commander of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland, Major General Slawomir Wojchiechowski and Mr. Domenik Smyrgala the Chief of the Political Cabinet of the Minister.

Invitation to media representatives to witness the United Kingdom Contingent arriving with their equipment and a statement by Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner for the launch ‘Exercise Quick Response 17’ The Statement will be delivered in the restaurant area of Terminal A at Sarajevo International Airport on Friday 6 October 2017.

On 29 September 2017 COS EUFOR, Brigadier General József Szpisják, met with the Police Commissioner, Mevludin Halilović, for the Police Directorate of the Ministry of Interior in the Sarajevo Canton.

Chief of the General Staff of the Army of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Lieutenant General Metodija Velichkovski visited Commander EUFOR Major General Anton Waldner on 27 September in EUFOR HQ, Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.

On 26 September 2017 COMEUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner, presided over a medal parade at EUFOR HQ in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. He presented the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal Althea 14 service personnel from 5 different nations and thanked them for their dedicated service in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

‘Quick Response 2017’ is a EUFOR-led peace support operation exercise. It will take place 11 - 15 October in the areas of Sarajevo, Pazaric and Kalinovik. This will be the first time BiH law enforcement agencies, Armed Forces of BiH and EUFOR will exercise together in realistic scenarios, in order to test their respective contingency plans.

‘Quick Response 2017’ is a EUFOR-led peace support operation exercise. It will take place 11 - 15 October in the areas of Sarajevo, Pazaric and Kalinovik. This will be the first time BiH law enforcement agencies, Armed Forces of BiH and EUFOR will exercise together in realistic scenarios, in order to test their respective contingency plans.

17 Sep 2017 - More than 20 EUFOR members participated together with runners from NATO HQ Sarajevo in the Sarajevo Half Marathon. Gym instructor Željko Puljić represented Camp Butmir's local staff. All runners reached the finish line of the demanding course going through the most beautiful parts of the city.

The 2017 AFBIH Sports Championships held at Kozara Barracks, in Banja Luka were officially closed on 15th September. This was the first time that the AFBIH had run the championships in its new format. The Championships were organized by the Joint Staff of AFBIH and hosted by 6th Infantry Brigade over the period of the 11-15 September 2017.

On Thursday 14 September 2017, a team of EUFOR House soldiers from Banja Luka attended the primary school Branko Ćopić, Gornji Bušević, Krupa na Uni. During their outreach visit the EUFOR Chilean soldiers told the children about EUFOR as well as information about Chile including national dress and traditional dance. The EUFOR soldiers also then presented each of the children with gifts which had been donated by the EUFOR House and Chilean companies.

On Tuesday 12 September 2017, TROM Doboj was visited by the representatives of the main stakeholders of the EUSTAR project (European Union Assistance to Stockpile Management, Technical Support, and Ammunition Surplus Reduction): Ambassador Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, EU Special Representative (EUSR) and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ms. Sezin Sinanoglu, UNDP Resident Representative in BiH, Mr. Boris Jerinić, Deputy Minister of Defense, and the Deputy Commander of the Support Command of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH), Brigadier General Gojko Knežević.

Sir Simon McDonald KCMG KCVO, the Permanent Under Secretary and Head of the Diplomatic Service at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for the United Kingdom visited HQ EUFOR in Sarajevo on Monday 11th September.

On 7 September 2017 EUFOR Chief Of Staff, Brigadier General Szpisják, visited the 2 Bn/ 5 Bde of the Armed Forces of BiH (AFBiH) in Kiseljak, where they were conducting a training package in coordination with EUFORs Multination battalion (MNBN). The military training focused on urbanized terrain preparation. The training will last an entire one week period (04.09-08.09) and involves one platoon from 2 Bn operating with one Austrian platoon from the MNBN.

On 29 – 31 August 2017 General Sir James Everard, KCB, CBE the Operational Commander of EUFOR Operation Althea and NATO's Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, visited EUFOR HQ, Camp Butmir. He was welcomed by COMEUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner and an Honour Guard consisting of soldiers from the Multinational Battalion (MNBN). During his visit he met with the BiH Minister of Defence, Ms. Marina Pendeš, and the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to BiH, Mr. Khaldoun Sinno, where they discussed the close cooperation of EUFOR with the BiH authorities, and EUFOR’s continuing support to the overall EU comprehensive approach for BiH, respectively. The General also had meetings with COMEUFOR, COM NATO HQ Sarajevo, Brigadier General Robert A Huston, and other key personnel to discuss the future development of the Althea mission.

On 29 – 31 August 2017 General Sir James Everard, KCB, CBE the Operation Commander of EUFOR Operation Althea and NATO's Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, visited EUFOR HQ, Camp Butmir. He was welcomed by COMEUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner and an Honour Guard consisting of soldiers from the Multinational Battalion (MNBN). During his visit he met with the BiH Minister of Defence, Ms. Marina Pendeš, and the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to BiH, Mr. Khaldoun Sinno, where they discussed the close cooperation of EUFOR with the BiH authorities, and EUFOR’s continuing support to the overall EU comprehensive approach for BiH, respectively. The General also had meetings with COMEUFOR, COM NATO HQ Sarajevo, Brigadier General Robert A Huston, and other key personnel to discuss the future development of the Althea mission.

On 29 August 2017 General Sir James Everard, KCB, CBE the Operational Commander of EUFOR Operation Althea and NATO's Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, visited EUFOR HQ, Camp Butmir. He was welcomed by COMEUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner and an Honour Guard consisting of soldiers from the Multinational Battalion (MNBN).

On 24 August 2017 the EUFOR Liaison and Observation Team (LOT) in Doboj conducted a reconnaissance flight over their area of responsibility. The flight was carried out with one of EUFOR’s Agusta Bell 212 helicopters and saw representatives of Doboj Police on board.

On 25 August 2017 Colonel Mario Andrić from the Armed Forces of BiH (AFBiH) Joint Staff and Colonel Tunser Avsar, in charge for EUFOR's Capacity Building and Training Programme (CB&T) for AFBiH, signed the draft 2018 CB&T Plan. This plan is based on the Road Map Agreement 2017-2020 and reflects the training requirements of the Armed Forces of BiH supported by EUFOR. Along with military skills and leadership training, EUFOR has enabled a significant range of capability enhancing training events including the dismantling and delaboration of surplus and outdated ammunition as well as disaster relief operations.

Wednesday 23rd August saw the official recommissioning of the former airstrip at the EUFOR Headquarters in Sarajevo, Archer Base in Camp Butmir.

On Tuesday 22nd of August a ceremony, presided over by Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner, marked the Transfer of Authority of the Chief Liaison and Observation Teams (LOT) Co-ordination Centre.

On Tuesday 22nd of August a ceremony, presided over by Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner, marked the Transfer of Authority of the Chief Liaison and Observation Teams (LOT) Co-ordination Centre.

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.

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.

On 8th August, Admiral Michelle J. Howard, commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa visited EUFOR HQ, Camp Butmir in Sarajevo. She was welcomed by an Honour Guard made up of Austrian and Turkish soldiers from the EUFOR Multinational Battalion.

On 2 August 2017 the EUFOR Liaison and Observation Team based in the EUFOR House in Doboj received EUFOR Chief of Staff Brigadier General Szpisják. He was briefed by the officer in charge, First Lieutenant Adam Mirus, on the team structure and specific activities in area of responsibility.

On 2 August 2017 the EUFOR Liaison and Observation Team based in the EUFOR House in Doboj received EUFOR Chief of Staff Brigadier General Szpisják. He was briefed by the officer in charge, First Lieutenant Adam Mirus, on the team structure and specific activities in area of responsibility.

Camp Butmir, 3 August 2017 - Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner, welcomed the Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister for Judicial Reform and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ekaterina Zaharieva, at the EUFOR Headquarters in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.

On 2 August 2017 EUFOR Chief Of Staff, Brigadier General Szpisják, visited the Logistics Command of the Armed Forces of BiH (AFBiH) in Doboj. Commanding Officer Colonel Rusmir Mrković informed the General on the mission, structure and deployment of the various subordinate units and centres. Currently EUFOR facilitates the AFBiH's efforts in the area of logistics through embedded advisors and mobile training teams.

Between the 24-28 July 2017 soldiers of EUFOR's Multinational Battalion trained the Armed Forces of BiH in special infantry and battlefield techniques, tactics and procedures. The training was coordinated by EUFOR's Embedded Advisory Team upon request of the 5th infantry brigade after a previous self-evaluation.

On 25 July, The Chief Of Staff (COS) EUFOR, Brigadier General SZPISJÁK, presided over a medal parade at EUFOR HQ in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. He presented the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal Althea to 62 service personnel from 7 different nations and thanked them for their dedicated service in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On the 19 July, the EUFOR Chief of Staff, Brigadier General József Szpisják participated in the 2017 Sarajevo Symposium on Post-Conflict Transitions. The symposium audience consisted of over 15 nationalities all with a keen interest in post-conflict reform from across the globe.

On the 13 July, soldiers from the EUFOR House FOČA participated in the tenth Jubilee Festival of Gastronomic Offer "Gastro FOČA 2017". This was the first time that the EUFOR House had competed in the event which saw around thirty caterers, healthy food producers and other exhibitors from the local community and municipalities gather on the FOČA island "BRIONI".

On the 13 July, soldiers from the EUFOR House FOČA participated in the tenth Jubilee Festival of Gastronomic Offer "Gastro FOČA 2017". This was the first time that the EUFOR House had competed in the event which saw around thirty caterers, healthy food producers and other exhibitors from the local community and municipalities gather on the FOČA island "BRIONI".

On Friday 14 July, the official signing of the EUSTAR project took place at the European Union Force of Bosnia and Herzegovina HQ in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. The EUSTAR (European Union Assistance to Stockpile Management, Technical Support, and Ammunition Surplus Reduction) represents the second phase of European Union’s support to the establishment of sustainable stockpile management in BiH. The project is the successor to the EXPLODE project which witnessed the disposal of more than 1,800 tons of ammunition over its life cycle.

On Friday 14 July, the official signing of the EUSTAR project took place at the European Union Force of Bosnia and Herzegovina HQ in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. The EUSTAR (European Union Assistance to Stockpile Management, Technical Support, and Ammunition Surplus Reduction) represents the second phase of European Union’s support to the establishment of sustainable stockpile management in BiH. The project is the successor to the EXPLODE project which witnessed the disposal of more than 1,800 tons of ammunition over its life cycle.

Commander of the European Force explains the Role of EUFOR in BiH.

As the Commander of the European Force (EUFOR), Major General Anton Waldner, reaches his 100th day in command. We look at some of the work that EUFOR conducts in the country, helping to maintain Bosnia and Herzegovina’s safe and secure environment.

Commander of the European Force explains the Role of EUFOR in BiH.

As the Commander of the European Force (EUFOR), Major General Anton Waldner, reaches his 100th day in command. We look at some of the work that EUFOR conducts in the country, helping to maintain Bosnia and Herzegovina’s safe and secure environment.

On 3 July the Chief Of Staff (COS) EUFOR, Brigadier General SZPISJÁK, visited the CISCO Network application course in Rajlovac. The month long CISCO Network application course was organized by EUFOR and hosted by the Tactical Support Brigade in Rajlovac. The purpose of the course was to demonstrate the necessity, and train the Armed Forces of BiH, in Network applications, ensuring there are suitably qualified CIS personnel employed in the AF BiH establishment. These personnel will then manage, maintain, and provide security of the mission enterprise network operated by AF BIH.

The Co-Chairman of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), Carl Bildt visited the European Union Force (EUFOR) Mission Operation (Op) ALTHEA on 5 July 2017.

The Co-Chairman of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), Carl Bildt visited the European Union Force (EUFOR) Mission Operation (Op) ALTHEA on 5 July 2017.

On the 30th June 2017 the Chief Of Staff (COS) EUFOR, Brigadier General Szpisják opened a workshop, held at the EUFOR Headquarters , Camp Butmir. The workshop was based on “a comprehensive approach to capability and development” attendees included Major General Mirko Tepšić and other senior members of the Armed Forces of BIH.

On the 23 and 24 June 17, the EUFOR Commander, Major General Anton Waldner, visited 5 different Liaison and Observation Team (LOT) houses in BiH. The routine visits allow the Major General to gain valuable situational awareness. He visited LOT houses in Zenica , Zavidovici ,Travnik which were Turkish run, and 2 houses in Banja Luka run by the Romanians and Chileans. The Major general received briefings from the LOT houses as well as touring the local community to experience the LOT house involvement with the community first hand.

On the 23 and 24 June 17, the EUFOR Commander, Major General Anton Waldner, visited 5 different Liaison and Observation Team (LOT) houses in BiH. The routine visits allow the Major General to gain valuable situational awareness. He visited LOT houses in Zenica , Zavidovici ,Travnik which were Turkish run, and 2 houses in Banja Luka run by the Romanians and Chileans. The Major general received briefings from the LOT houses as well as touring the local community to experience the LOT house involvement with the community first hand.

On 26 June Chief Of Staff (COS) EUFOR, Brigadier General SZPISJÁK, presided over a medal parade at EUFOR HQ in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. He presented the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal Althea to 28 service personnel from 4 different nations and thanked them for their dedicated service in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On the 19th June 2017, EUFOR representatives in collaboration with the Small Arms Survey and the HALO Trust conducted a workshop on ‘Improving weapon control measures in Bosnia and Herzegovina’ with a focus on Marking, Registration and Record Keeping. The event was held at the Hotel Sarajevo.

On the 19th June 2017, EUFOR representatives in collaboration with the Small Arms Survey and the HALO Trust conducted a workshop on ‘Improving weapon control measures in Bosnia and Herzegovina’ with a focus on Marking, Registration and Record Keeping. The event was held at the Hotel Sarajevo.

On the 30th May the EUFOR Chief Of Staff, Brigadier General Jozsef Szpisjak, took part in a Fire Department training session on Camp Butmir, donning firefighting protective clothing and Breathing Apparatus before experiencing realistic situations.

On Tuesday 13 June 2017, a team from EUFOR and the Armed Forces of BiH attended Kindergarten Višnjik in Sarajevo to provide Mine Risk Education to a class of 60 children aged between 4 and 5 years old. The aim of Mine Risk Education is to reduce the risk of landmines and unexploded ordnance to humans and the environment and to make BiH a safer and more secure place.

On Tuesday 13 June 2017, a team from EUFOR and the Armed Forces of BiH attended Kindergarten Višnjik in Sarajevo to provide Mine Risk Education to a class of 60 children aged between 4 and 5 years old. The aim of Mine Risk Education is to reduce the risk of landmines and unexploded ordnance to humans and the environment and to make BiH a safer and more secure place.

On Tuesday, 6 June 2017, COMEUFOR, Major General Anton WALDNER, visited the BNT-TMiH Company (Machine and Hydraulics Factory), a Defence Industry Factory in Novi Travnik.

On 31 May 2017, the Chief Of Staff (COS) EUFOR, Brigadier General SZPISJÁK, visited the Ammunition Storage Site (ASS) Krčmarice (Banja Luka) and Weapons Storage Site (WSS) Kozara in order to view the ongoing EUFOR activity of monitoring and mentoring the actions of AFBiH personnel in the areas of; weapons and ammunition storage, the physical security and control of weapon and ammunition stocks and also to engage with personnel of the AFBiH at all levels in order to ascertain any potential issues. The Brigadier General was particularly keen to identify how EUFOR can continue to support AFBiH efforts in all areas of WSS and ASS with regards to helping capacity building and training activities and also to the maintenance of a Safe and Secure Environment (SASE) in BiH.

On 30 May COMEUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner, presided over a medal parade at EUFOR HQ in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. He presented the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal Althea to 70 service personnel from 9 different nations and thanked them for their dedicated service in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

THE Hungarian Minister of Defence, Mr István SIMICSKÓ visited Headquarters European Union Force (HQ EUFOR) on 29 May 2017.

THE Hungarian Minister of Defence, Mr István SIMICSKÓ visited Headquarters European Union Force (HQ EUFOR) on 29 May 2017.

On Monday, 22 May 2017, representatives from EUFOR visited the Faculty of Criminology in Sarajevo to brief students on the EUFOR mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly focusing on EUFOR Liaison and Observation Teams (LOT) deployed throughout BiH in 17 LOT Houses that serve as the ‘eyes and ears‘ of the Commander EUFOR on the ground maintaining a safe and secure environment within the country.

On 22 May 17 COMEUFOR Major General Anton Waldner was invited to attend the final day of Exercise “Dynamic Response 17-5” in Manjača. He and high ranking Generals from the AFBiH witnessed units from the 5th and 6th Brigades conducting a wide variety of military manoeuvers including live firings; an evaluation step for specific units of the AFBiH who are on the process of becoming NATO-approved ‘declared units’. The EUFOR Multinational Battalion participated in combined training with the AFBiH the previous week, as part of the same exercise.

94 civilian employees who have given 20 years of service to EUFOR and/or NATO in BiH were awarded in a ceremony at Camp Butmir on 19th May. Both, COMEUFOR, Major General Waldner and COM NATO HQ Sa, Brigadier General Giselle Wilz presided over the ceremony, each making a speech then handing out individual plaques to the employees being recognised.

94 civilian employees who have been working for NATO and EUFOR for more than twenty years were recognised in a “20 Years of Service Ceremony” at Camp Butmir on 19th May.

COMEUFOR Maj Gen Anton WALDNER inspected training activities of the EUFOR Multinational Battalion within Camp Butmir from 15th to 18th May.

COMEUFOR Maj Gen Anton WALDNER inspected training activities of the EUFOR Multinational Battalion within Camp Butmir from 15th to 18th May.

COMEUFOR Maj Gen Anton WALDNER met the Head of the Council of Europe (CoE) Office in BiH Ambassador Drahoslav STEFANEC on 16 May 2017.

COMEUFOR Maj Gen Anton WALDNER met the UN resident coordinator to BiH Mrs. Sezin SINANOGLU in Sarajevo. She informed him about the activities and programs of the UN family in BiH in total consisting of 13 agencies.

Invitation to all Media Representatives to the “20 Years of Service Ceremony” for Civilian EUFOR and NATO employees at Camp Butmir

All media representatives are kindly invited to the “20 Years of Service Ceremony”, which will recognize the service of civilian EUFOR and NATO employees who have served for more than twenty years within these two organisations. The event will take place at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo on Friday 19 May 2017 from 1500hrs to 1600hrs and will be followed by a reception.

On Friday 12 May members of the Slovakian EUFOR LOT House in Visegrad handed over a truck load of humanitarian aid supplies to representatives of the Red Cross who distributed the goods to 400 local families in need.

On 11 May 2017 the Chief of the Armed Forces of Switzerland, Lieutenant General Philippe Rebord visited EUFOR HQ, Camp Butmir for a meeting with Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner. This was his first visit to the EUFOR Althea mission since taking over as Chief of the Armed Forces in January 2017. He was greeted by an Honour Guard made up of Turkish troops from the Multinational Battalion.

On 10 May the Commander of the Land Forces of Austria, Lieutenant General Franz Reissner visited EUFOR HQ, Camp Butmir with a delegation from Austria for a meeting with Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner. He was greeted by an Honour Guard made up of Turkish troops from the Multinational Battalion.

On 8 May 2017 COMEUFOR Major General Anton Waldner visited the BiH Presidency to meet with the Bosniak member of the Presidency, Bakir Izetbegović.

On 9th May 2017 EUFOR and the EU Special Representative in BiH, in cooperation with the Armed Forces of BiH, conducted a ceremony at the Army Hall in Sarajevo to celebrate Europe Day. COMEUFOR Major General Anton Waldner and EUSR Ambassador Lars-Gunnar Wigemark presided over the parade which consisted of troops from EUFOR, the Armed Forces BiH and the AFBiH Band. The theme of the event was “Sustainable Stability”.

On 9th May 2017 EUFOR and the EU Special Representative in BiH, in cooperation with the Armed Forces of BiH, conducted a ceremony at the Army Hall in Sarajevo to celebrate Europe Day. COMEUFOR Major General Anton Waldner and EUSR Ambassador Lars-Gunnar Wigemark presided over the parade which consisted of troops from EUFOR, the Armed Forces BiH and the AFBiH Band. The theme of the event was “Sustainable Stability”.

To celebrate Europe Day, the European institutions in Brussels opened their doors to the public on 6 May 2017, from 10.00 to 18.00 hours. The Public Affairs Branch from EUFOR Op Althea set up a stand in the building of the European External Action Service (EEAS) where they promoted the mission to the visitors and other EU officials.

On invitation from the Commander of the Operational Command of the AFBiH, Major General VUKOVIĆ, EUFOR Chief of Staff General Josef SZPISJAK attended the presentation of the AFBiH Mine Action Analysis 2016 on 04 May 17 in DERVENTA. At the demining site PJEVALOVAC near DERVENTA the AFBiH Demining Battalion described their successes in Mine Action in 2016 and demonstrated live demining with different methods to the audience.

All media representatives are kindly invited to a EUFOR led ceremony to mark the Europe Day in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). This will take place outside the AFBiH Hall in Sarajevo on Tuesday 9 May 2017 1100hrs to 1300hrs.

From the 2nd to the 4th of May the EUFOR Operation Commander General Sir James Everard visited Bosnia and Herzegovina to see various elements of the EUFOR mission in the country. This was his second visit as the Operation Commander to this theatre, his first being when he took over the role with a ceremony in Camp Butmir at the end of March this year.

From the 2nd to the 4th of May the EUFOR Operation Commander General Sir James Everard visited Bosnia and Herzegovina to see various elements of the EUFOR mission in the country. This was his second visit as the Operation Commander to this theatre, his first being when he took over the role with a ceremony in Camp Butmir at the end of March this year.

On 26 April 2017 COS EUFOR Brigadier General Jósef Szpisják met with the Director of the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies (DCPB) of BiH, Mirsad Vilić, at EUFOR HQ Camp Butmir.

On Wednesday 26 April a multi-national group of 13 students and lecturers from the University of Sarajevo visited EUFOR HQ to obtain information on the EUFOR Althea mission in BiH.

On 26 April 2017 COMEUFOR Major General Anton Waldner visited the BiH Parliament to meet with the Croat member of the Presidency, Dragan Čović. They discussed the current security situation in BiH and progress of BiH on its path to EU and NATO.

On 26 April 2017 COMEUFOR Major General Anton Waldner made his inaugural visit to the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) for a meeting with the Director of the organisation, Mr Perica Stanić.

On 25 April COMEUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner, presided over his first medal parade at EUFOR HQ in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. He presented the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal Althea to 55 service personnel from 5 different nations and thanked them for their dedicated service in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On 24 April 2017 COMEUFOR Major General Anton Waldner visited the Minister of Security Dragan Mektic in the Parliament Building, Sarajevo to discuss the security situation and future cooperation.

A EUFOR Mine Risk Education (MRE) helped a 6-year old boy and his sister to recognize an item in their home’s backyard as a dangerous Remnance of War (ERW).

When shown an ERW demo panel to pupils in Donje Vodichevo, two siblings, aged 6 and 7, identified an item in the backyard of their family home.

On Tuesday 11 April 2017, Brigadier General József Szpisják assumed the position of Chief of Staff of the European Union Force (EUFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He took over from outgoing Chief of Staff Brigadier General Albert Sáfár.

On Tuesday 11 April 2017, Brigadier General József Szpisják assumed the position of Chief of Staff of the European Union Force (EUFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He took over from outgoing Chief of Staff Brigadier General Albert Sáfár.

On 10 April 2017, the Chairman of BiH Presidency H.E. Dr. Mladen Ivanić met with the newly appointment Commander of EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner.

Media representatives are invited to the EUFOR Chief of Staff Transfer of Authority Ceremony which starts at 10:50 on Tuesday 11th April 17 in EUFOR HQ, Camp Butmir. Major General Anton Waldner will preside over the Ceremony marking the handover of the EUFOR Chief of Staff post from Brigadier General Albert Sáfár to Brigadier General József Szpisják.

On 4 April 2017 the Austrian Armed Forces’ Alouette III Helicopters flew from EUFOR HQ, Camp Butmir for the last time. The light utility aircraft has been the primary medical evacuation and rescue helicopter of the Op Althea mission in BiH in since 2009. Their role will now be carried out by purposely re-fitted Augusta Bell (AB) 212 helicopters which are already part of the mission.

On 31 March 2017 COMEUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner, visited the EU Delegation in Sarajevo for his first official meeting with the EU Special Representative, His Excellency Ambassador Lars-Gunnar Wigemark.

Courtesy Call of Commander EUFOR

On 29 March 2017, the Minister of Defence of BiH, Marina Pendeš, and her associates, received a visit from the new Commander EUFOR in BiH, Major General Anton Waldner, on the occasion of his assuming the position of EU Force Commander in BiH, with the aim of informing him of the activities of the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the co-operation between the MoD and AF BiH with the EUFOR mission in BiH.

On 29 Mar the Chief of General Staff of the Slovak Republic, General Milan Maxim, visited EUFOR HQ, Camp Butmir for a short meeting with the new Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner. He was greeted by an Honour Guard made up of Turkish troops from the Multinational Battalion.

On 29 Mar the closing ceremony for project EXPLODE was held in the Army Hall in Sarajevo to mark its successful completion. The event was hosted by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and was attended by the Minister of Defence Marina Pendeš, Chief of the Joint Staff Lieutenant General Anto Jeleć, COMEUFOR Major General Anton Waldner, and COM NATO Sa Brigadier General Giselle Wilz.

COMEUFOR: “I assure the population, the politicians and the international Organisations that EUFOR will remain a dependable, flexible and supportive partner”

On 28th March a Ceremony was held in the Helicopter Hanger at EUFOR HQ, Camp Butmir for the Change of Command of both the EUFOR Operation Commander and Force Commander positions. General Sir Adrian Bradshaw handed over to General Sir James Everard as the Operation Commander of EUFOR operation Althea in BiH. Major General Friedrich Schrötter handed over as Commander EUFOR, the Force Commander position in Sarajevo, to Major General Anton Waldner.

Major General Anton Waldner Assumes Position of Commander EUFOR in BiH

COMEUFOR: “I assure the population, the politicians and the international Organisations that EUFOR will remain a dependable, flexible and supportive partner”

Media representatives are invited to the EUFOR Change of Command Ceremony which starts at 1055 on Tuesday 28th March 17 in EUFOR HQ, Camp Butmir. Major General Friedrich Schrötter will hand over Command to Major General Anton Waldner. Additionally, the Operation Commander for Althea, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, will hand over responsibility to General Sir James Everard. High level national and international politicians and guests will be in attendance.

COMEUFOR: “EUFOR’s support demonstrates the European Union’s commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina on its journey to European Union accession.”

On 24th March 2017 Commander EUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter, hosted a press conference in Hotel Europe, Sarajevo, focussing on the achievements and challenges of EUFOR in BiH. He hands over Command of EUFOR Operation Althea in a ceremony on Tuesday 28th March and in his statement he highlighted his main successes and difficulties over the last 12 months.

COMEUFOR: “EUFOR’s support demonstrates the European Union’s commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina on its journey to European Union accession.”

On 24th March 2017 Commander EUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter, hosted a press conference in Hotel Europe, Sarajevo, focussing on the achievements and challenges of EUFOR in BiH. He hands over Command of EUFOR Operation Althea in a ceremony on Tuesday 28th March and in his statement he highlighted his main successes and difficulties over the last 12 months.

On 23 March 2017 COMEUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter, hosted a large group of international guests and journalists in Kalinovik barracks where EUFOR personnel put on a 2-hour demonstration of military capabilities. The scenario centred around a group of personnel being protected and evacuated to a safe area by EUFOR Multinational Battalion (MNBN) and the guests were involved in the scenario, playing the evacuees.

Media representatives are invited to a Press Conference with Commander EUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter on Friday 24th March at 10am in Hotel Europe (Vladislava Skarića 5, Sarajevo 71000).

On 20 March COMEUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter, presided over his final medal parade at EUFOR HQ in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. He presented the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal Althea to 68 service personnel from 8 different nations and thanked them for their dedicated service in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Albert Sáfár, was one of the recipients on this occasion and acted as Parade Commander.

A Successful Visit to Brussels for BiH: EU Political and Military Committees re-state their support to the capacity building of the Armed Forces of BiH and confidence in their ability to maintain a safe and secure environment.

A Successful Visit to Brussels for BiH: EU Political and Military Committees re-state their support to the capacity building of the Armed Forces of BiH and confidence in their ability to maintain a safe and secure environment.

COMEUFOR Hosts the Strategic Committee for AWE

The 15th session of the Strategic Committee for Ammunition, Weapons and Explosives (AWE) took place in the Army Hall, Sarajevo on Wednesday 8th December 2017. The board meets every 3 months to discuss the Master Plan aimed at solving the issue of surplus weapons, ammunition and explosives in Bosnia and Herzegovina and on this occasion it was hosted by Commander European Union Force (COMEUFOR), Major General Friedrich Schrötter.

COMEUFOR and EUSR Highlight the Importance of Mutual Support in the European Union Community

On the 7th March 2017 members of the international diplomatic community in BiH were invited to EUFOR HQ, Sarajevo by Commander EUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter for a Heads of Mission (HoMs) meeting. The HoMs meeting is a gathering of representatives from European Union countries and headed by the European Union Special Representative in BiH, His Excellency Lars-Gunnar Wigemark.

COMEUFOR and EUSR Highlight the Importance of Mutual Support in the European Union Community

On the 7th March 2017 members of the international diplomatic community in BiH were invited to EUFOR HQ, Sarajevo by Commander EUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter for a Heads of Mission (HoMs) meeting. The HoMs meeting is a gathering of representatives from European Union countries and headed by the European Union Special Representative in BiH, His Excellency Lars-Gunnar Wigemark.

On 2 March the Deputy Minister of Defence for Policy and Plans, Mr Sead Jusić, visited EUFOR HQ Camp Butmir for a meeting with COMEUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter.

On 28 February 2017 COS EUFOR, Brigadier General Albert Sáfár, presided over a medal parade at EUFOR HQ in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. He presented the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal Althea to 96 service personnel from 7 different nations and thanked them for their dedicated service in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On 21-22 Feb 17 the Operational Commander of EUFOR Operation Althea, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, visited EUFOR HQ, Camp Butmir. He was met by COMEUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter, and formally greeted by the mission’s Branch Chiefs and an Honour Guard consisting of Austrian and Turkish soldiers from the Multinational Battalion (MNBN). The main reason for the visit was a meeting between General Bradshaw, COMEUFOR and key personnel from the EU Command Element and the EU Staff Group.

On Tuesday 21 February 2017 a ceremony was held to mark the Change of Command of the EUFOR Multinational Battalion (MNBN) in the Helicopter Hanger at EUFOR HQ, Camp Butmir. COMEUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter, led the event where Command of the MNBN was handed over from Lieutenant Colonel Christoph Blasch to Lieutenant Colonel Harald Zagler.

On Tuesday 21 February 2017 a ceremony was held to mark the Change of Command of the EUFOR Multinational Battalion (MNBN) in the Helicopter Hanger at EUFOR HQ, Camp Butmir. COMEUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter, led the event where Command of the MNBN was handed over from Lieutenant Colonel Christoph Blasch to Lieutenant Colonel Harald Zagler.

On 20 Feb 17 COMEUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter, conducted the official Haul Down Ceremony of the Netherlands Flag in Camp BUTMIR. The ceremony was attended by the Dutch Ambassador Jurriaan Kraak, the Dutch Military Attaché Lt Col Plijner and distinguished guests.

On 16 February 2017 COMEUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter, together with the EUFOR Joint Military Affairs (JMA) Inspection Team visited the Igman ammunition manufacturing company in Konjic. The purpose of the visit was for EUFOR to familiarize themselves with Igman production and monitor the inspection of the manufacturing facility by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations (MoFTER) Inspectorate.

On 16 February 2017 COMEUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter, together with the EUFOR Joint Military Affairs (JMA) Inspection Team visited the Igman ammunition manufacturing company in Konjic. The purpose of the visit was for EUFOR to familiarize themselves with Igman production and monitor the inspection of the manufacturing facility by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations (MoFTER) Inspectorate.

On Tuesday 14 February COMEUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter, invited representatives of the Military Defence Attaché Corps in BiH for a late afternoon briefing in EUFOR HQ, Camp Butmir.

On 9 February 2017 an event was held in the Hotel Europe, Sarajevo, to mark the publishing of the ‘Small Arms Survey (SAS) in BiH: The Role of EUFOR Mobile Training Teams for Weapons and Ammunition Management’ working paper. The event was jointly hosted by SAS and EUFOR’s Special Representative for Weapons and Ammunition Disposal. Ms Jovana Carapic from SAS moderated the discussions of the panel which consisted of the BiH MoD Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff, Major General Sena Mašović; EUFOR SAWAD, Colonel Martin Trachsler; and Ms Sezin Sinanoglu from the UN Development Programme.

The EUFOR team tackling the mine threat - great achievements so far but still work to do

In a small office in an outbuilding of EUFOR HQ sits the EUFOR Mine Information Coordination Cell (MICC). They are a sub-section of Joint Military Affairs’ Countermine Team, and part of the Capacity Building and Training Division of EUFOR’s Op Althea. With only a small team consisting of local civilians and a Military Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Horst Unterrieder, as team leader, their mandate is clear - force protection of EUFOR personnel against the threat of mines and unexploded explosive ordnance (UXO).

On Friday 3 February personnel from the Slovakian manned LOT House Novo Sarajevo delivered groceries and kitchen accessories to Caritas, a Catholic charity in Ilidza who provide free meals to those who cannot afford it themselves. In the afternoon they travelled to a village called Kamenica in a Bosniak area. Here they handed out toys, clothes and food to 10 children, from less privileged families, who were delighted to receive the gifts.

On Friday 3 February personnel from the Slovakian manned LOT House Novo Sarajevo delivered groceries and kitchen accessories to Caritas, a Catholic charity in Ilidza who provide free meals to those who cannot afford it themselves. In the afternoon they travelled to a village called Kamenica in a Bosniak area. Here they handed out toys, clothes and food to 10 children, from less privileged families, who were delighted to receive the gifts.

“The EU Military Committee believes that EUFOR is essential in sustaining a safe and secure environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina”

On the 30th and 31st of January the Chairman of the European Union Military Committee (CEUMC), General Mikhail Kostarakos, paid a visit to key personnel and institutions relating to Operation Althea in Sarajevo. He was accompanied by Lieutenant General Günter Höfler, the EU Austrian Military Representative; Rear Admiral Gluszko Waldemar, the Deputy Director General of EU Military Staff; and Brigadier General Arnaud Ladrange, the EU Deputy French Military Representative.

“The EU Military Committee believes that EUFOR is essential in sustaining a safe and secure environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina”

On the 30th and 31st of January the Chairman of the European Union Military Committee (CEUMC), General Mikhail Kostarakos, paid a visit to key personnel and institutions relating to Operation Althea in Sarajevo. He was accompanied by Lieutenant General Günter Höfler, the EU Austrian Military Representative; Rear Admiral Gluszko Waldemar, the Deputy Director General of EU Military Staff; and Brigadier General Arnaud Ladrange, the EU Deputy French Military Representative.

On 26 January 2017 a joint conference to hand over the results of the “Security Upgrade of BiH Weapons and Ammunition Storage Sites” (SECUP) and to launch the project “Safety and Security Upgrade of BiH Weapons and Ammunition Storage Sites’’ (SAFE-UP) was held in Army Hall, Sarajevo. The event was hosted by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Ambassador, H.E. Jonathan Moore, and attended by the BiH Minister of Defence, Marina Pendeš; Chief of the Joint Staff, Anto Jeleč; and Commander EUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter.

On 24 January 2017 COMEUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter, presided over a medal parade at EUFOR HQ in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. He presented the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal Althea to 31 service personnel from 10 different nations and thanked them for their dedicated service in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also used the occasion to present commendations to the Chief of J4/J6 and the Deputy Chief of the Multinational Battalion.

On Monday 23 January the head of the Directorate for Coordination of Police Agencies in BiH, Mr Mirsad Vilić, visited EUFOR HQ for a meeting with COMEUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter.

On Friday 20 January a multi-national group of 36 students and lecturers from Radboud University Nijmegen visited EUFOR HQ as part of a 7-day visit to BiH. The wider visit was part of their Post-Graduate Human Geography Masters Programme in Conflicts, Territories and Identities and they came to Camp Butmir to understand why and how foreign military are involved in the country.

On Monday 16 January 2017 the Head of the Banja Luka Office of the High Representative (OHR), Ambassador Marianne Berecz, visited EUFOR HQ. Ambassador Berecz, a Hungarian national who also holds the role of Deputy High Representative, took over as head of the Banja Luka Regional Office in December 2016 and was invited to Camp Butmir by COMEUFOR to discuss key topics and promote mutual collaboration.

On 11 January ‘Naša Snaga’ camera team took the opportunity to visit the Turkish EUFOR Liaison & Observation Team (LOT) House in Zavidovići, a town in the Zenica-Doboj region, and accompany its members on a small tour within their area of responsibility.

On 11 January ‘Naša Snaga’ camera team took the opportunity to visit the Turkish EUFOR Liaison & Observation Team (LOT) House in Zavidovići, a town in the Zenica-Doboj region, and accompany its members on a small tour within their area of responsibility.

Remembrance Ceremony for 11 EUFOR Soldiers
On 12 January 2017 EUFOR military and civilian personnel gathered at Monument Park in Camp Butmir to commemorate the deaths of 11 servicemen from the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia who were killed in a helicopter accident on the same day in 2008. The Charge d’Affaires from the Macedonian Embassy, Mr Aleksandar Krstevski; Chief of Staff EUFOR, Brigadier General Albert Sáfár; and Commander NATO, Brigadier General Giselle Wilz attended this ceremony of remembrance.

Remembrance Ceremony for 11 EUFOR Soldiers
On 12 January 2017 EUFOR military and civilian personnel gathered at Monument Park in Camp Butmir to commemorate the deaths of 11 servicemen from the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia who were killed in a helicopter accident on the same day in 2008. The Charge d’Affaires from the Macedonian Embassy, Mr Aleksandar Krstevski; Chief of Staff EUFOR, Brigadier General Albert Sáfár; and Commander NATO, Brigadier General Giselle Wilz attended this ceremony of remembrance.

Some of the achievements of EUFOR Op Althea in 2016: In February the Armed Forces of BiH (AFBiH) and EUFOR signed a joint agreement to enable the capability building and evaluation of AF BiH. This event marked the official start of joint working groups to monitor the development of AFBiH towards self-sustaining operational capability.

H.E. Christiane Hohmann, German Ambassador to BiH, visited HQ EUFOR Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, on 4th January. She was cordially welcomed by COM EUFOR Major General Friedrich Schrötter who familiarized the Ambassador with the role of EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On 28th December 2016 Commander EUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter, met with the Minister for Security of BiH, Dragan Mektić, in Sarajevo to discuss the ongoing relationship between the 2 organisations. It was agreed that in the next year they would develop a more efficient and wider cooperation.

On 23 December 2016 the Chief of the Swiss Armed Forces, Lieutenant General André Blattmann, travelled to BiH to visit EUFOR staff in Mostar. The Commander of Swiss International Forces, Colonel Fredy Keller as well as three member of the Swiss Parliament also made the journey with him. The delegation were met by Commander EUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter, who accompanied them to the Liaison and Observation Team (LOT) House in the city, one of two LOT houses in BiH operated by Swiss soldiers. Here they were joined by the team from the other Swiss-run LOT house in Trebinje who had travelled up for the occasion.

The 3rd of December 2016 was International Day of Persons with Disabilities and that week the Nova Nada (New Hope) Special Education and Rehabilitation Center in Kovači, near Tomislavgrad, organized an “open door” day. A team from the Turkish-manned LOT house in Livno visited the event to learn about the special work and activities conducted by the center.

​On 20 December 2016 the President of the Slovak Republic, Mr Andrej Kiska, visited the Headquarters of the European Union Force (HQ EUFOR) in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. He was joined by the Slovakian Minister for Defence, Peter Gajdoš; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Milan Maxim; and the Ambassador to BiH, Jan Pšenica.

​On 20 December 2016 the President of the Slovak Republic, Mr Andrej Kiska, visited the Headquarters of the European Union Force (HQ EUFOR) in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. He was joined by the Slovakian Minister for Defence, Peter Gajdoš; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Milan Maxim; and the Ambassador to BiH, Jan Pšenica.

From the 5th to the 9th of December eight Turkish instructors from the EUFOR Multinational Battalion (MNBN) conducted peacekeeping training with the Armed Forces BiH. The training took place in Manjača southeast of Banja Luka and was the last Combined Training event of 2016.

On 13 Dec 16 COM EUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter, presided over a medal parade at EUFOR Headquarters in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. He presented the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal Althea to 143 service personnel from 5 different nations and thanked them for their dedicated service in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also used the occasion to present a commendation to the AIROPS Chief.

Commander EUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter, formally handed over the report from Exercise QUICK RESPONSE to the Minister of Defence BiH, Marina Pendeš, and Chief of the Joint Staff, Lieutenant General Anto Jeleč at the Ministry of Defence Building in Sarajevo today. The report contains a summary of the exercise as well as lessons learned from the EUFOR perspective with the aim of ensuring continued improvement in successive multi-national operations.

Commander EUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter, formally handed over the report from Exercise QUICK RESPONSE to the Minister of Defence BiH, Marina Pendeš, and Chief of the Joint Staff, Lieutenant General Anto Jeleč at the Ministry of Defence Building in Sarajevo today. The report contains a summary of the exercise as well as lessons learned from the EUFOR perspective with the aim of ensuring continued improvement in successive multi-national operations.

The Austrian Chief of Defence, General Othmar Commenda, visited HQ EUFOR Camp Butmir from the 6th to the 7th of December. On arrival he was greeted with an Honor Guard consisting of one platoon of Austrian and one platoon of Turkish soldiers from the Multinational Battalion. He was introduced to several key EUFOR staff members, then proceeded to General Staff AF BiH for a meeting with the Chief of Joint Staff BiH, Lieutenant General Anton Jeleč.

AWE Masterplan moves forward with the inclusion of surplus weapons for a Safe and Secure BiH

The 14th session of the Strategic Committee for Ammunition, Weapons and Explosives (AWE) was hosted by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Sarajevo on Monday, December 5, 2016 in order to discuss the Masterplan aimed at solving the issue of surplus weapons, ammunition and explosives in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

AWE Masterplan moves forward with the inclusion of surplus weapons for a Safe and Secure BiH

The 14th session of the Strategic Committee for Ammunition, Weapons and Explosives (AWE) was hosted by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Sarajevo on Monday, December 5, 2016 in order to discuss the Masterplan aimed at solving the issue of surplus weapons, ammunition and explosives in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Wednesday 30 November to Thursday 1 December saw a “WEAPON WORKSHOP” which took place in Hotel Sarajevo. Jointly hosted by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and EUFOR, the aim was to extend the current master plan regarding weapons disposal. The event was attended by representatives from OSCE, EUFOR, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), NATO HQ Sa European Union and delegates from the USA, UK, Austria, Germany and Switzerland.

EUFOR and OSCE host “WEAPON WORKSHOP” – fate of 60,000 small arms weapons to be decided

Wednesday 30 November to Thursday 1 December saw a “WEAPON WORKSHOP” which took place in Hotel Sarajevo. Jointly hosted by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and EUFOR, the aim was to extend the current master plan regarding weapons disposal. The event was attended by representatives from OSCE, EUFOR, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), NATO HQ Sa European Union and delegates from the USA, UK, Austria, Germany and Switzerland.

A medal parade was held today at EUFOR Headquarters in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. Chief of Staff EUFOR, Brigadier General Albert Sáfár, presented the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal Althea to over 46 service personnel from 4 different nations. These included Great Britain, Austria, Turkey and Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, General Sáfár thanked them all for their dedicated service in and for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Tuesday 15 to Thursday 17 November 2016 Lieutenant General Luciano Portolano, head of the EU Command Element, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, visited EUFOR in Camp BUTMIR. Upon arrival the General was welcomed by Commander EUFOR (COMEUFOR) Major General Friedrich Schrötter. COMEUFOR introduced the General to the EUFOR Senior Staff Officers after inspecting an honour guard from the Multi-National Battalion (MNBN) consisting of Austrian Soldiers.

Tuesday 15 to Thursday 17 November 2016 Lieutenant General Luciano Portolano, head of the EU Command Element, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, visited EUFOR in Camp BUTMIR. Upon arrival the General was welcomed by Commander EUFOR (COMEUFOR) Major General Friedrich Schrötter. COMEUFOR introduced the General to the EUFOR Senior Staff Officers after inspecting an honour guard from the Multi-National Battalion (MNBN) consisting of Austrian Soldiers.

​A multinational ceremony of remembrance was held today at EUFOR Headquarters to commemorate the fallen men and women of all nations. This year marks the battle of the Somme Centenary, the Battle of the Somme was fought at such terrible cost that it has come to symbolise the tragic futility of the First World War. Its first day of conflict remains the bloodiest day in the history of the British Army.

​A multinational ceremony of remembrance was held today at EUFOR Headquarters to commemorate the fallen men and women of all nations. This year marks the battle of the Somme Centenary, the Battle of the Somme was fought at such terrible cost that it has come to symbolise the tragic futility of the First World War. Its first day of conflict remains the bloodiest day in the history of the British Army.

On Thursday 10 November 2016 Hungarian Chief of Defence, General Benkő was welcomed by Commander EUFOR (COMEUFOR) Major General Friedrich Schrötter. Upon arrival he was invited to inspect an honour guard from the Multi-National Battalion (MNBN) consisting of Austrian Soldiers, before meeting Hungarian members of the EUFOR Operation Althea Mission.

During his visit to Jahorina near Sarajevo for a Command Team Conference, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Curtis Scaparrotti had an office call with COMEUFOR Major General Friedrich Schrötter.

On Tuesday 8 November 2016 the Central European Defence Co-operation (CEDC), consisting of nations from; Czech Republic , Slovakia , Hungary , Austria , Slovenia and Croatia were welcomed by Commander EUFOR (COMEUFOR) Major General Friedrich Schrötter. Upon arrival they were met by their respective EUFOR Senior National Representatives before an honour guard from the Multi-National Battalion (MNBN) consisting of Austrian and Turkish Soldiers.

EU Defence Ministers acknowledge EUFOR’s continued military support towards a secure BiH
On Tuesday 8 November 2016 the Central European Defence Co-operation (CEDC), consisting of nations from; Czech Republic , Slovakia , Hungary , Austria , Slovenia and Croatia were welcomed by Commander EUFOR (COMEUFOR) Major General Friedrich Schrötter. Upon arrival they were met by their respective EUFOR Senior National Representatives before an honour guard from the Multi-National Battalion (MNBN) consisting of Austrian and Turkish Soldiers.

On 3 November EUFOR and Armed Forces of BiH representatives met for the annual “Capacity Building and Training Assessment Conference” at the Army Hall in Sarajevo. Officers of both organizations presented the results of their joint training efforts conducted throughout 2016 including lessons learned, potential improvements and planned activities for the upcoming training year 2017.

Joint Press Statement by EUFOR and Armed Forces BiH
On 3 November EUFOR and Armed Forces of BiH representatives met for the annual “Capacity Building and Training Assessment Conference” at the Army Hall in Sarajevo. Officers of both organizations presented the results of their joint training efforts conducted throughout 2016 including lessons learned, potential improvements and planned activities for the upcoming training year 2017.

87 service personnel from 7 different nations were presented the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal Althea in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo on 25 October. Brigadier General Albert Sáfár, Chief of Staff EUFOR, thanked them for their dedicated service and stated, “EUFOR’s presence in this country is still of great importance.

87 service personnel from 7 different nations were presented the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal Althea in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo on 25 October. Brigadier General Albert Sáfár, Chief of Staff EUFOR, thanked them for their dedicated service and stated, “EUFOR’s presence in this country is still of great importance.

In the framework of a military music training cooperation the Ministry of Defense of BiH invited the Military Band of the Austrian Province of Carinthia.

The solemn celebration of the Austrian National Day on Friday 21 October saw remarkable attendance of high ranking visitors at Camp Butmir. 
COMEUFOR Major General Friedrich Schrötter emphasized the joint efforts by EUFOR and NATO HQ Sarajevo in contributing to peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina, mentioning Capacity Building & Training for the Armed Forces BiH as a main effort on their way to a Euro-Atlantic approach.

Romanian Prime Minister Mr. Dacian Ciolos was welcomed by EUFOR Commander Major General Friedrich Schrötter on Friday, 21 October 2016. Upon arrival he was greeted by an honour guard from the Multi-National Battalion (MNBN) consisting of Austrian and Turkish soldiers. After an office call at the Headquarters COMEUFOR and the Romanian Prime Minister unveiled a memorial stone dedicated to a Romanian soldier who had tragically lost his life serving the mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

On Thursday 20 October 2016 the Minister of Defence of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Dr Zoran Jolevski was welcomed by EUFOR Commander Major General Friedrich Schrötter. Upon arrival he was greeted by EUFOR and an honour guard from the Multi-National Battalion (MNBN) consisting of Turkish Soldiers. On completion of an office call COMEUFOR and Dr Zoran Jolevski paid their respects by laying a wreath at the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia memorial in Camp BUTMIR.

Commander NATO Sarajevo: “NATO committed to supporting EUFOR to ensure a safe and secure BiH under the Berlin plus agreement”

Large scale Brigade-Level exercises such as Exercise Quick Response 2016 show that EUFOR Forces along with partners from NATO and AF BiH, including Reserves are at all times ready and able to respond quickly and effectively to any potential threat to a Safe and Secure Environment (SASE) in BiH.

From 3 to 6 October, Austria and the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) held the third module of the 10th CSDP training programme for the Western Balkan region. COMEUFOR Major General Friedrich Schrötter invited the course organisers and the participants to visit CAMP BUTMIR (Sarajevo), the headquarters of the military operation European Union Force Althea (EUFOR ALTHEA). EUFOR Althea is a military deployment in Bosnia and Herzegovina to oversee the military implementation of the Dayton Agreement.

AFBiH contribution to international Peace-Support Operations

Reflecting on recent events, COMEUFOR Major General Schrötter is satisfied that AFBiH are able to contribute substantially to peace support operation, which is a significant step change.

COM EUFOR: “Forces at all times ready and able to respond quickly and effectively”

Exercise QUICK RESPONSE 2016 completed today, successfully allowing all contributing nations to be able to conduct larger Brigade Level Peace Support Operations should they be called upon.

COM EUFOR: “Forces at all times ready and able to respond quickly and effectively”

Exercise QUICK RESPONSE 2016 completed today, successfully allowing all contributing nations to be able to conduct larger Brigade Level Peace Support Operations should they be called upon.

All reserve forces participating in Exercise “QUICK RESPONSE 2016” were successfully deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina and received at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.
Many convoys have transited through BiH over the previous days demonstrating EUFOR’s ability to move troops quickly throughout the country. The UK deployed by air using an Antonov 124 cargo aircraft for strategic lift in to Sarajevo airport. EUFOR proving they can call in robust forces at short notice, as required.

All reserve forces participating in Exercise “QUICK RESPONSE 2016” were successfully deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina and received at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.
Many convoys have transited through BiH over the previous days demonstrating EUFOR’s ability to move troops quickly throughout the country. The UK deployed by air using an Antonov 124 cargo aircraft for strategic lift in to Sarajevo airport. EUFOR proving they can call in robust forces at short notice, as required.

One day after deployment of his Tactical Manoeuvre Company KTM to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Commander of the Kosovo Force KFOR, General Giovanni Fungo flew to Sarajevo to meet the Commander of the European Union Force in BiH, General Friedrich Schrötter.

Invitation to media representatives to a Live Demonstration during Exercise ‘Quick Response 2016’ on the 5th October at 12:00 at the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina ‘Mika Bosnic Barracks’ in Manjača.
Exercise Quick Response16 is a joint Peace Support Operations exercise between the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, EUFOR. This exercise occurs every year and is an important part of the training calendar for both forces.

EUFOR is currently well underway with Exercise “Quick Response 2016”. This exercise is the culmination of nearly two years of planning and will take place 30 Sep to 6 Oct, in the Armed Forces BiH (AFBiH) military exercise area Manjača, near Banja Luka. Over 750 Soldiers from EUFOR, AFBiH, United Kingdom, Austria and the NATO KFOR Tactical Reserve Company of Portuguese and Hungarian soldiers will participate in the exercise, which will be combining joint training for the AFBiH and their international partners with the yearly test for EUFOR to call forward their Immediate Reserve Forces in order to be prepared should the authorities of BiH request their assistance.

Today 240 troops of the KFOR commenced their road journey to Bosnia and Herzegovina, through Montenegro in order to participate in Exercise “Quick Response 2016”. KFOR will participate in training with the EUFOR Multinational Battalion and Armed Forces BiH and European Intermediate Reserve Forces.

Yesterday saw the first of three Antonov 124 cargo aircraft, which will deliver the 30 vehicles required by the British troops to support annual exercise ‘Quick Response 2016”. Approximately10 vehicles plus cargo per flight will arrive at Sarajevo International Airport. The Antonov 124 is the world’s second heaviest aircraft able to deliver 150 tons of equipment, perfectly suitable for the rapid movement of vehicles across the continent. This strategic lift capability enables the UK Intermediate Reserve Forces to deploy at extremely short notice in response to the request of the BiH authorities, if requested to do so.

Saturday 24 September NATO hosted a family’s day at Camp BUTMIR. The weather was glorious and allowed the civilian staff that work on the Camp to bring their families along and have an appreciation of the work that is undertaken.

Yesterday 25 September, saw the arrival of 120 British Soldiers as the first tranche supporting exercise Quick Response 2016. These soldiers will deploy to the AF BiH military exercise area Manjača, near Banja Luka later this week. An Antonov 124 cargo aircraft will deliver the 30 vehicles required by the British troops to support this annual exercise, 10 vehicles per flight.

Commander EUFOR (COMEUFOR) Major General Friedrich Schrötter is pleased to announce the combined Exercise “Quick Response 2016”. This exercise is the culmination of nearly two years of planning and will take place in the AF BiH military exercise area Manjača, near Banja Luka later this month. Troops will start to arrive today and will then move towards the Exercise Area.

From the 20-23 Sep 2016, new personnel joining EUFOR attended Key Leader Training, a course designed to give them the information about EUFOR that they will need during their time in the mission. 17 people attended the course, receiving a certificate of completion from EUFOR DCOS Support Colonel Zinovi Zinoviev.

On 19 September 2016, Minister of Defence Marina Pendeš held a meeting with the Commander of EUFOR Major General Friedrich Schrötter, during which they discussed the support of EUFOR to BiH Armed Forces and the upcoming exercise "Quick response 2016" .

Joint Press Statement by COMEUFOR Major General Friedrich Schrötter and Commander of the AFBiH Operational Command, Major General Dragan Vuković

Commander EUFOR (COMEUFOR) Major General Friedrich Schrötter and AFBiH Operational Commander Major General Dragan Vucković are pleased to announce the combined Exercise “Quick Response 2016”. This exercise is the culmination of nearly two years of planning and will take place in the AF BiH military exercise area Manjača, near Banja Luka later this month.

A medal parade was held 15 Sep at EUFOR Headquarters in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. COM EUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter, presented the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal Althea to 108 service personnel from 8 different nations and thanked them for their dedicated service in and for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On 12 Sep 16 Commander EUFOR (COMEUFOR) Major General Friedrich Schrötter conducted the official Swedish Flag Down Ceremony in Camp BUTMIR. The ceremony was attended by the Swedish Ambassador Anders Hagelberg, Secretary Lissola, Col Wredes, Lt Col Toft and distinguished guests.

On Tuesday 6 September 2016 the Operational Commander of EUFOR Operation Althea, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw was welcomed by EUFOR Commander Major General Friedrich Schrötter. Upon arrival he was greeted by the EUFOR Branch Chiefs and an honour guard from the Multi-National Battalion (MNBN) consisting of Austrian and Turkish Soldiers.

Friday 2 Sep 2016, Vice Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Gordon Messenger CB DSO* OBE, visited EUFOR Camp Butmir during a 2 day official call to Bosnia and Herzegovina. After visiting the Training and Doctrine Centre Travnik (TRADOC) he was hosted by COMEUFOR, Major General Freidrich Schrötter and COM NATO Sa Brigadier General Giselle Wilz.

Today, Commander EUFOR, Major General Schrötter attended the Kosovo Force Change of Command Ceremony between Major General Guglielmo Luigi Miglietta and Major General Giovanni Fungo at Camp Film City Pristina.
The ceremony was also attended by the Allied Joint Force-Naples Commander, U.S. Navy Admiral Michelle Howard, the Italian Chief of Defense, General Claudio Graziano as well as President Thaçiand senior Representatives of Institutions in Kosovo and the International Community.

Today, Commander EUFOR, Major General Schrötter attended the Kosovo Force Change of Command Ceremony between Major General Guglielmo Luigi Miglietta and Major General Giovanni Fungo at Camp Film City Pristina.
The ceremony was also attended by the Allied Joint Force-Naples Commander, U.S. Navy Admiral Michelle Howard, the Italian Chief of Defense, General Claudio Graziano as well as President Thaçiand senior Representatives of Institutions in Kosovo and the International Community.

Austrian Mountain Infantry Specialist Lieutenant Colonel Christoph Blasch is the new commander of the EUFOR Multinational Battalion (MNBN). He took command of the battalion in a ceremony at Camp Butmir on Tuesday 9th August.

On 1 Aug 16, Commander (COM) of EUFOR Major General Friedrich SCHRÖTTER visited Ammunition Storage Site (ASS) KRUPA. The visit was vital in order to get a clear picture of ongoing activities at the prospective Ammunition Storage Sites located around BiH. After a cordial welcome and briefing by AFBiH Colonel MRKOVIĆ, COM EUFOR was given an introduction to the site and the various processes and storage areas.

On 1 Aug 16, Commander (COM) of EUFOR Major General Friedrich SCHRÖTTER visited Ammunition Storage Site (ASS) KRUPA. The visit was vital in order to get a clear picture of ongoing activities at the prospective Ammunition Storage Sites located around BiH. After a cordial welcome and briefing by AFBiH Colonel MRKOVIĆ, COM EUFOR was given an introduction to the site and the various processes and storage areas.

An oath-taking ceremony and Contract signing for Military Service in the AF BiH took place at the Basic Training Centre of the TRADOC of the AF BiH 27 July 2016. This officially marked the completion of training of the 17th generation of candidates for the accession to Military Service in AF BiH. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Defence Mr. Boris Jerinić, Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff of the AF BiH for Resources Major General Senad Mašović, Deputy Commander of the OC AF BiH for Resources Brigadier General Ivica Jerkic.

A medal parade was held today at EUFOR Headquarters in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. Commander EUFOR, Major General Friedrich SCHRÖTTER, presented the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal Althea to 48 service personnel from 8 different nations, thanking them for their dedicated service in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

14 Jul the Multinational Battalion (MNBN) EUFOR conducted a military ceremony for the incoming Austrian infantry company and the outgoing Hungarian Company (Coy) and staff members of the MNBN.
Only twice a year the MNBN has the opportunity to have 3 Coys in theatre, this time for 5 days. The reason, that the AUT and HUN Coys change totally, whereas the TUR Coy rotates one platoon every two months.

On 13 July 2016, attorneys Salihbegovic and Kapetanovic notified NHQ Sa and HQ EUFOR that they have been informed by their clients and other claimants, that they will continuously hold protests and blockades of Camp Butmir until they are officially and publically advised regarding the status and resolution of their claims.

At the Srebrenica commemoration on 11 July, Commander (COM) of EUFOR, Major General Friedrich SCHRÖTTER along with Commander of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo (NHQSa) Brigadier General Giselle WILZ attended the commemoration ceremony at the Potocari Memorial Centre.

From 30 May to 3 June 2016 an intense training on missions on urban terrain was conducted by the Turkish company of the MNBN. This training on company level has to be seen as a preparation for the combined trainings and the combined exercises together with the AFBiH in summer and autumn.

A medal parade was held today at EUFOR Headquarters in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. COS EUFOR, Brigadier General Albert Sáfár, presented the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal Althea to 91 service personnel from 8 different nations and thanked them for their dedicated service in and for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Chilean Ambassador Mrs Maria Veronica CHAHIN visited the European Union Force (EUFOR) Mission Operation (Op) ALTHEA on 17 Jun 2016.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of the Republic of Bulgaria, Daniel MITOV visited the European Union Force (EUFOR) Mission Operation (Op) ALTHEA on 16 Jun 2016.

A change of command ceremony took place on 14th Jun 2016. Colonel Georg PETERLINI, Chief Joint Military Affairs and the Austrian National Contingent Commander since December 2015 was succeeded by Colonel Manfred TASCHLER.

The 12th session of the Strategic Committee for Weapons, ammunition and explosives, hosted by the Commander of EUFOR in BiH (COMEUFOR) Major General Friedrich SCHRÖTTER, was held at the Hall of the AF BiH, Sarajevo on Monday, June 13, 2016 in order to analyse and promote activities aimed to solving the issue of surplus weapons, ammunition and explosives in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The 12th session of the Strategic Committee for Weapons, ammunition and explosives, hosted by the Commander of EUFOR (COMEUFOR) Major General Friedrich SCHRÖTTER in BiH, was held at the Hall of the AF BiH, Sarajevo on Monday, June 13, 2016 in order to analyse and promote activities aimed to solving the issue of surplus weapons, ammunition and explosives in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A medal parade was held today at EUFOR Headquarters in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. Commander EUFOR, Major General Friedrich SCHRÖTTER, presented the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal Althea to over 84 service personnel from 6 different nations and thanked them for their dedicated service in and for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

The EU Open Day took place on the 28th of May 2016 at European External Action Service (EEAS) Capital Building at the Schuman roundabout in Brussels. This annual event is designed to give the wider public an insight of the work by the various European Union missions and delegations.

A delegation of diplomats from EU Permanent Member States in Brussels that deal with Western Balkan issues, known as COWEB visited Headquarters European Union Force (HQ EUFOR) on 27 May 2016.

On Thursday 19 May 16, Commander EUFOR, Major General Friedrich SCHRÖTTER visited the military unit "Tehnička radionica za održavanje municije" (TROM) in Doboj to witness the important work they conduct in support of destroying obsolete ammunition as part of Project EXPLODE. This visit was also attended by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Project Manager, Mr. Slobodan BOŠKOVIĆ, and the Deputy Commander of the Support Command of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH), Brigadier General Gojko KNEŽEVIĆ.

On Thursday 19 May 16, Commander EUFOR, Major General Friedrich SCHRÖTTER visited the military unit "Tehnička radionica za održavanje municije" (TROM) in Doboj to witness the important work they conduct in support of destroying obsolete ammunition as part of Project EXPLODE. This visit was also attended by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Project Manager, Mr. Slobodan BOŠKOVIĆ, and the Deputy Commander of the Support Command of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH), Brigadier General Gojko KNEŽEVIĆ.

The European Union Special Representative (EUSR), His Excellency Mr Lars-Gunnar Wigemark and the Commander European Union Force (COMEUFOR), Major General Friedrich Schrötter invite honored guests to a EUFOR led ceremony to mark European Day in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). This took place outside Army Hall in Sarajevo on Monday 9 May.

Invitation to all Media Representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) on the occasion of the 12th Session of the Strategic Committee for Weapons, Ammunition and Explosive Ordnance on Monday 13 Jun 2016, the Hall of the AF BiH , Sarajevo

In order to analyse and promote activities aimed to solving the issue of surplus weapons, ammunition and explosives in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the 12th session of the Strategic Committee for Weapons, ammunition and explosives, hosted by the Commander of EUFOR (COMEUFOR) in BiH, will be held at the Hall of the AF BiH, Sarajevo on Monday, June 13, 2016 at 10:00 hrs. The press statements are planned for 12:15.

The session, whose host is COMEUFOR in BiH, will be chaired by the BiH Minister of Defence Ms Marina Pendeš. Also, the session will be attended by her deputies Mr Sead Jusić, Mr Boris Jerinić and Lieutenant General Anto Jeleč Chief of the Joint Staff of the AF BiH and his deputies who are the permanent members of the committee and representatives of the Joint Commission for Defence and Security of the BiH Parliament. Also, the session will be attended by permanent members of the committee from the international organizations: Office of EU Special Representative (EUSR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), NATO HQ Sarajevo, as well as the representatives of the embassies in BiH (The United States, Switzerland, Austria and Sweden). In accordance with the predetermined protocol, the Strategic Committee is scheduled for 10:00 am.

We kindly invite media representatives to be present in the House of Armed Forces (Room No. 36), on Monday, 13 June, no later than 11:50 hrs, in order to take footage of the meeting at 12:00 and after the end of the session to take the statement at 12:15 (the Minister of Defence Ms Marina Pendeš and COMEUFOR in BiH Major General Friedrich Schrötter).

Spokesperson:
Lt Cdr C. Harwood MSc RN
00387 (0) 33 495 216
00387 (0) 66 914 665
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


Poziv svim predstavnicima medija u Bosni i Hercegovini povodom 12. sjednice Strateškog komiteta za oružje, municiju i minsko-eksplozivna sredstva, koja će se održati u ponedeljak, 13. juna 2016. g., u Domu OS BiH u Sarajevu

Komandant EUFOR-a u BiH bit će domaćin 12. sjednice Strateškog komiteta za oružje, municiju i minsko-eksplozivna sredstva, koja će se održati u ponedeljak, 13. juna 2016. g., u Domu OS BiH u Sarajevu, s početkom u 10:00 sati, a s ciljem analize i promoviranja aktivnosti na rješavanju pitanja viškova oružja, municje i minsko-eksplozivnih sredstava u Bosni i Hercegovini.
Sjednicom, kojoj je domaćin komandant EUFOR-a u BiH, predsjedavat će ministrica odbrane BiH, gđa Marina Pendeš. Sjednici će prisustvovati i njeni zamjenici, g. Sead Jusić i g. Boris Jerinić, načelnik Zajedničkog štaba OS BiH, generalpukovnik Anto Jeleč, i njegovi zamjenici kao stalni članovi komiteta i predstavnici Zajedničke komisije za odbranu i sigurnost Parlamentarne skupštine BiH. Sjednici će također prisustvovati i stalni članovi komiteta iz Ureda Specijalnog predstavnika EU u BiH, Razvojnog programa UN, Organizacije za sigurnost i saradnju u Evropi, NATO Štaba u Sarajevu i ambasada Sjedinjenih država, Švajcarske, Austrije i Švedske. U skladu sa prethodno utvrđenim protokolom, početak sjednice Strateškog komiteta zakazan je za 10:00 sati.
Ljubazno pozivamo predstavnike medija da u ponedeljak, 13. juna, dođu u Dom OS BiH (soba br. 36) najkasnije do 11:50 sati, kako bi u 12:00 sati mogli napraviti snimke sjednice, nakon čega će u 12:15 imati priliku uzeti izjave od ministrice odbrane, gđe Marine Pendeš, i komandanta EUFOR-a u BiH, generalmajora Friedricha Schröttera. Za dodatne informacije možete kontaktirati gđu Elmu Robović na broj telefona 033 495 393 ili 061 219 097.


Poziv svim predstavnicima medija u Bosni i Hercegovini povodom 12. sjednice Strateškog Povjerenstva za oružje, streljivo i minsko-eksplozivna sredstva, koja će se održati u ponedeljak, 13. lipnja 2016. g., u Domu OS BiH u Sarajevu

Zapovjednik EUFOR-a u BiH bit će domaćin 12. sjednice Strateškog povjerenstva za oružje, streljivo i minsko-eksplozivna sredstva, koja će se održati u ponedeljak, 13. lipnja 2016. g., u Domu OS BiH u Sarajevu, s početkom u 10:00 sati, a s ciljem analize i promoviranja aktivnosti na rješavanju pitanja viškova oružja, streljiva i minsko-eksplozivnih sredstava u Bosni i Hercegovini.
Sjednicom, kojoj je domaćin zapovjednik EUFOR-a u BiH, predsjedavat će ministrica obrane BiH, gđa Marina Pendeš. Sjednici će nazočiti i njeni zamjenici, g. Sead Jusić i g. Boris Jerinić, načelnik Zajedničkog stožera OS BiH, general-pukovnik Anto Jeleč, i njegovi zamjenici kao stalni članovi povjerenstva i predstavnici Zajedničkog povjerenstva za obranu i sigurnost Parlamentarne skupštine BiH. Sjednici će također nazočiti i stalni članovi povjerenstva iz Ureda Specijalnog predstavnika EU u BiH, Razvojnog programa UN, Organizacije za sigurnost i suradnju u Europi, NATO Stožera u Sarajevu i veleposlanstava Sjedinjenih država, Švajcarske, Austrije i Švedske. Sukladno prethodno utvrđenome protokolu, početak sjednice Strateškog povjerenstva zakazan je za 10:00 sati.
Ljubazno pozivamo predstavnike medija da u ponedeljak, 13. lipnja, dođu u Dom OS BiH (soba br. 36) najkasnije do 11:50 sati, kako bi u 12:00 sati mogli napraviti snimke sjednice, nakon čega će u 12:15 imati priliku uzeti izjave od ministrice obrane, gđe Marine Pendeš, i zapovjednika EUFOR-a u BiH, general-bojnika Friedricha Schröttera. Za dodatne informacije možete kontaktirati gđu Elmu Robović na broj telefona 033 495 393 ili 061 219 097.


Позив свим представницима медија у Босни и Херцеговини поводом 12. сједнице Стратешког комитета за оружје муницију у минско-експлоѕивна средства, која ће се одржати у понедељак 13. јуна 2016. г., у Дому ОС БиХ у Сарајеву

Командант ЕУФОР-а у БиХ биће домаћин 12. сједнице Стратешког комитета за оружје, муницију и минско-експлозивна средства, која ће се одржати у понедељак, 13. јуна 2016. г., у Дому ОС БиХ у Сарајеву, с почетком у 10:00 часова, а с циљем анализе и промовисања активности на рјешавању питања вишкова оружја, муницје и минско-експлозивних средстава у Босни и Херцеговини. Сједницом, којој је домаћин командант ЕУФОР-а у БиХ, ће предсједавати министрица одбране БиХ, гђа Марина Пендеш. Сједници ће присуствовати и њени замјеници, г. Сеад Јусић и г. Борис Јеринић, начелник Заједничког штаба ОС БиХ, генерал-пуковник Анто Јелеч, и његови замјеници као стални чланови комитета и представници Заједничке комисије за одбрану и безбједност Парламентарне скупштине БиХ. Сједници ће такође присуствовати и стални чланови комитета из Канцеларије Специјалног представника ЕУ у БиХ, Развојног програма УН, Организације за безбједност и сарадњу у Европи, НАТО Штаба у Сарајеву и амбасада Сједињених држава, Швицарске, Аустрије и Шведске. У складу са претходно утврђеним протоколом, почетак сједнице Стратешког комитета заказан је за 10:00 часова.
Љубазно позивамо представнике медија да у понедељак, 13. јуна, дођу у Дом ОС БиХ (соба бр. 36) најкасније до 11:50 часова, како би у 12:00 часова могли направити снимке сједнице, након чега ће у 12:15 имати прилику узети изјаве од министрице одбране, гђе Марине Пендеш, и команданта ЕУФОР-а у БиХ, генерал-мајора Фридриха Шретера (Friedrich Schrötter). За додатне информације можете контактирати гђу Елму Робовић на број телефона 033 495 393 или 061 219 097.

Invitation to all Media Representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) on the occasion of the European Union Special Representative and European Union Force Ceremony to mark EU Day in Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday 9 May 2016, Army Hall Sarajevo

The European Union Special Representative (EUSR), His Excellency Mr Lars-Gunnar Wigemark and the Commander European Union Force (COMEUFOR), Major General Friedrich Schrötter invite honored guests to a EUFOR led ceremony to mark European Union (EU) Day in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). This will take place outside Army Hall in Sarajevo on Monday 9 May 2016 1400hrs to 1530hrs.

The parade will consist of military personnel from EUFOR and AFBiH, and the AFBiH Band. This highlights the close cooperation between the EU and BiH; EUFOR, its Troop Contributing Nations and the AFBiH; and the mutual support and respect that exists between them in working together for peace, security, stability and a more prosperous future. This event will be attended by Armed Forces (AF) of BiH Chief the Joint Staff, General Anto Jeleč, VIPs and delegates from BiH, the EU, and representatives of many other nations. EUSR and COMEUFOR invite all media representatives from BiH to attend.

The event will comprise of a ceremony outside Army Hall in Sarajevo and a joint Press Statement on completion. Media Representatives are requested to confirm their attendance no later than 1030hrs on Monday 9 May 2016 either by telephone (033 495 393 or 061 219 097) or by e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

You are kindly requested to arrive at Army Hall main car park no later than 1330hrs on Monday 9 May 2016. All members of the media will then be allocated a set position from which to film this extremely important event. For further details please call Mrs. Elma Robović on 033 495 393 or 061 219 097. Please note, access to the Ceremonial Parade area on Monday 9 May 2016 will only be granted to those who have formally registered with the EUFOR Press Office, as stated above.

Spokesperson:
Lt Cdr L. Byrd MA RN
00387 (0) 33 495 216
00387 (0) 66 914 665
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


Poziv svim predstavnicima medija u Bosni i Hercegovini povodom ceremonije koju organiziraju Specijalni predstavnik Europske unije i Snage Europske unije, koja će se održati u ponedeljak, 9. maja 2016. g. u Domu OS BiH u Sarajevu
Specijalni predstavnik Europske unije (EUSR), NJ. E. g. Lars-Gunnar Wigemark i komandant Snaga Europske unije (EUFOR), generalmajor Friedrich Schrötter pozivaju visoke zvanice da prisustvuju ceremoniji povodom obilježavanja Dana Europske unije u Bosni i Hercegovini koju će predvoditi EUFOR. Ceremonija će se održati ispred Doma OS BiH, u ponedeljak 9. maja 2016. g., od 14:00 do 15:30 sati.
U svečanom postrojavanju će učestvovati vojno osoblje EUFOR-a i OS BiH, kao i Vojni orkestar OS BiH. Ovim događajem naglašava se bliska saradnja između EU i BiH, kao i između EUFOR-a, zemalja učesnica u misiji i OS BiH, njihova međusobna podrška i poštovanje, dok zajedno rade na promoviranju mira, sigurnosti, stabilnosti i prosperitetnije budućnosti. Ovom događaju će priusustvovati načelnik ZŠ OS BiH, general Anto Jeleč, visoke zvanice i predstavnici BiH, EU i mnogih drugih zemalja. Specijalni predstavnik EU i komandant EUFOR-a pozivaju sve predstavnike medija da prisustvuju ovom događaju.
Događaj će se sastojati od svečanog postrojavanja ispred Doma OS BiH i zajedničke izjave za medije nakon toga. Molimo predstavnike medija da potvrde svoj dolazak najkasnije do 10:30 sati, u ponedeljak, 9. maja 2016. g., na brojeve telefona 033 495 393 ili 061 219 097 ili e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Ljubazno vas molimo da dođete na parking ispred Doma OS BiH najkasnije do 13:30 sati u ponedeljak, 9. maja 2016. g. Svi predstavnici medija će zatim biti upućeni do lokacije odakle će moći da snimaju ovaj vrlo važan događaj. Za dodatne informacije možete kontaktirati gđu Elmu Robović na broj telefona 033 495 393 ili 061 219 097.
Molimo vas imajte na umu da će u ponedeljak, 9. maja 2016. g., pristup svečanosti ispred Doma OS BiH biti omogućen samo onima koji službeno prijave svoj dolazak Uredu za odnose s javnošću EUFOR-a u skladu sa gore navedenim.


Poziv svim predstavnicima medija u Bosni i Hercegovini povodom ceremonije koju organiziraju Specijalni predstavnik Europske unije i Snage Europske unije, koja će se održati u ponedeljak, 9. svibnja 2016. g. u Domu OS BiH u Sarajevu
Specijalni predstavnik Europske unije (EUSR), NJ. E. g. Lars-Gunnar Wigemark i zapovjednik Snaga Europske unije (EUFOR), general-bojnik Friedrich Schrötter pozivaju visoke uzvanike da nazoče ceremoniji povodom obilježavanja Dana Europske unije u Bosni i Hercegovini koju će predvoditi EUFOR. Ceremonija će se održati ispred Doma OS BiH, u ponedeljak 9. svibnja 2016. g., od 14:00 do 15:30 sati.
U svečanom postrojavanju će učestvovati vojno osoblje EUFOR-a i OS BiH, kao i Vojni orkestar OS BiH. Ovim događajem naglašava se bliska suradnja između EU i BiH, kao i između EUFOR-a, zemalja učesnica u misiji i OS BiH, njihova međusobna potpora i poštovanje, dok zajedno rade na promoviranju mira, sigurnosti, stabilnosti i prosperitetnije budućnosti. Ovom događaju će nazočiti načelnik ZS OS BiH, general Anto Jeleč, visoki uzvanici i predstavnici BiH, EU i mnogih drugih zemalja. Specijalni predstavnik EU i zapovjednik EUFOR-a pozivaju sve predstavnike medija da nazoče ovom događaju.
Događaj će se sastojati od svečanog postrojavanja ispred Doma OS BiH i zajedničke izjave za medije nakon toga. Molimo predstavnike medija da potvrde svoj dolazak najkasnije do 10:30 sati, u ponedeljak, 9. svibnja 2016. g., na brojeve telefona 033 495 393 ili 061 219 097 ili e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Ljubazno vas molimo da dođete na parking ispred Doma OS BiH najkasnije do 13:30 sati u ponedeljak, 9. svibnja 2016. g. Svi predstavnici medija će zatim biti upućeni do lokacije odakle će moći da snimaju ovaj vrlo važan događaj. Za dodatne informacije možete kontaktirati gđu Elmu Robović na broj telefona 033 495 393 ili 061 219 097.
Molimo vas imajte na umu da će u ponedeljak, 9. svibnja 2016. g., pristup svečanosti ispred Doma OS BiH biti omogućen samo onima koji službeno prijave svoj dolazak Uredu za odnose s javnošću EUFOR-a u sukladno gore navedenom.


Позив свим представницима медија у Босни и Херцеговини поводом церемоније коју организују Специјални представник Европске уније и Снаге Европске уније, која ће се одржати у понедељак, 9. маја 2016. г. у Дому ОС БиХ у Сарајеву
Специјални представник Европске уније (ЕУСР), Њ. Е. г. Ларс-Гунар Вигемарк (Lars-Gunnar Wigemark) и командант Снага Европске уније (ЕУФОР), генерал-мајор Фридрих Шретер (Friedrich Schrötter) позивају високе званице да присуствују церемонији поводом обиљежавања Дана Европске уније у Босни и Херцеговини коју ће предводити ЕУФОР. Церемонија ће се одржати испред Дома ОС БиХ, у понедељак 9. маја 2016. г., од 14:00 до 15:30 часова.
У свечаном постројавању учествоваће војно особље ЕУФОР-а и ОС БиХ, као и Војни оркестар ОС БиХ. Овим догађајем наглашава се блиска сарадња између ЕУ и БиХ, као и између ЕУФОР-а, земаља учесница у мисији и ОС БиХ, њихова међусобна подршка и поштовање, док заједно раде на промоцији мира, безбједности, стабилности и просперитетније будућности. Овом догађају ће приусуствовати начелник ЗШ ОС БиХ, генерал Анто Јелеч, високе званице и представници БиХ, ЕУ и многих других земаља. Специјални представник ЕУ и командант ЕУФОР-а позивају све представнике медија да присуствују овом догађају.
Догађај ће се састојати од свечаног постројавања испред Дома ОС БиХ и заједничке изјаве за медије након тога. Молимо представнике медија да потврде свој долазак најкасније до 10:30 часова, у понедељак, 9. маја 2016. г., на бројеве телефона 033 495 393 или 061 219 097 или This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Љубазно вас молимо да дођете на паркинг испред Дома ОС БиХ најкасније до 13:30 часова у понедељак, 9. маја 2016. г. Сви представници медија ће затим бити упућени до локације одакле ће моћи да снимају овај врло важан догађај. За додатне информације можете контактирати гђу Елму Робовић на број телефона 033 495 393 или 061 219 097.
Молимо вас имајте на уму да ће у понедељак, 9. маја 2016. г., приступ свечаности испред Дома ОС БиХ бити омогућен само онима који службено пријаве свој долазак Канцеларији за односе с јавношћу ЕУФОР-а у складу са горе наведеним.

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.

Chief of Staff (COS) EUFOR, Brigadier Zoltán MIHÓCZA will formally hand over COS EUFOR to Brigadier General Albert SÁFÁR on Friday 29 April 2016. A Change of Command Ceremony will therefore take place in Camp Butmir on Friday 29 April 1000hrs to 1045hrs.

On Wednesday 20 April 2016, the EU Strategic Communications (EUSC) Meeting was hosted by EUFOR in Camp Butmir.
This meeting, held for the first time in the EUFOR HQ in Camp Butmir, was a great opportunity to inform and update the representatives of the EU Family in Bosnia and Herzegovina on the EUFOR Mission and the current mandated objectives.

On Monday 11 April, the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH) opened a new Mine Action and Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Training Centre in RAJLOVAC Barracks, Sarajevo. The Centre will conduct trainings in humanitarian demining and the destruction of unexploded ordnance, and will significantly assist institutions in BiH to continue to deal with the demining challenge.

28 April 2016 saw the start of a week-long EUFOR course, in Camp Butmir, on Mine Risk Education (MRE).

NATO and EUFOR are responsible employers. According to information at our disposal, the individuals gathering in front of Camp Butmir Main Gate today are former employees of Troop Contributing Nations of the IFOR, SFOR and EUFOR Missions.

Major General Johann Luif today completed his 15-month tenure as Commander EUFOR. The EU Special Representative, Ambassador Wigemark assisted in handing over Command of EUFOR to Major General Friedrich Schrötter at the ceremony in Camp Butmir today.

Major General Johann Luif today completed his 15-month tenure as Commander EUFOR. The EU Special Representative, Ambassador Wigemark assisted in handing over Command of EUFOR to Major General Friedrich Schrötter at the ceremony in Camp Butmir today.

Invitation to all Media Representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) on the occasion of the Commander EUFOR Change of Command Ceremony

Commander EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif will formally hand over Command of EUFOR to Major General Friedrich Schrötter on Thursday 24 March 2016. A Change of Command Ceremony will therefore take place in Camp Butmir on Thursday 24 March 2016 from 1100hrs to 1200hrs.

On Thursday 3 March 2016 the Armed Forces of BiH Barracks in Rajlovac, just outside Sarajevo, was once more the venue for an important EUFOR Exercise.

On Thursday 3 March 2016 the Armed Forces of BiH Barracks in Rajlovac, just outside Sarajevo, was once more the venue for an important EUFOR Exercise.

The Chairman of the European Union Military Committee (CEUMC), General Mikhail Kostarakos visited the European Union Force (EUFOR) Mission Operation (Op) ALTHEA on 4 March 2016.

On 25 February 2016, the Irish Ambassador, Mr. Seán O Regan visited Headquarters EUFOR in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. During an office call with Commander EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif, the Ambassador was thanked for Ireland’s continuing support to the EUFOR Mission.

On 25 February 2016, the Irish Ambassador, Mr. Seán O Regan visited Headquarters EUFOR in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. During an office call with Commander EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif, the Ambassador was thanked for Ireland’s continuing support to the EUFOR Mission.

The EUFOR Mission Operation ALTHEA Operational Commander, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw KCB OBE was welcomed to Headquarters EUFOR, Camp Butmir on Monday 29 February 2016 by Commander EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif at the start of a 2 day visit.

On Wednesday the 24th of February a ceremony marked the Change of Command of the EUFOR Multinational Battalion (MNBN). The Multinational Battalion is composed from three different nations who serve together as one in EUFOR.

On Wednesday the 24th of February a ceremony marked the Change of Command of the EUFOR Multinational Battalion (MNBN). The Multinational Battalion is composed from three different nations who serve together as one in EUFOR.

On 23 February 2016, personnel from the Austrian and Dutch contingent of the European Union Force (EUFOR) Mission were presented with their EU Common Security and Defence Policy Service Medal Operation ALTHEA by the Chief of Staff of EUFOR, Brigadier General Zoltán Mihócza.

On 23 February 2016, the Swedish Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Anders Ygeman accompanied by the EU Special Representative, Mr. Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, visited Headquarters EUFOR in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.

On 23 February 2016, the Swedish Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Anders Ygeman accompanied by the EU Special Representative, Mr. Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, visited Headquarters EUFOR in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.

On Sunday 7 February 2016, a call was received by EUFOR’s Austrian National Contingent Commander (NCC), Colonel Peterlini from the Austrian Defence Attaché (DA) in Sarajevo, Doctor Pesendorfer. The DA had been informed that a serious accident had occurred on the Bjelašnica mountain, so he swung into action to gain the direct support of EUFOR. Without any delay, HQ EUFOR’s Air Operation’s team sought permission from Commander EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif to launch one of the EUFOR Operation ALTHEA’s air assets. Knowing it was a life threating situation, the Commander immediately gave the green light for EUFOR to support this important request.

On 9 February 2016, Operational Commander of the Polish Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Marek Tomaszycki visited the Headquarters of the European Union Force (HQ EUFOR) in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.

On 4 February 2016, Commander European Union Force (COM EUFOR), Major General Johann Luif welcomed Commander of Turkish Land Forces, General Salih Zeki Çolak who was on an official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and to the Headquarters of EUFOR in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.

Commander of Turkish Land Forces was met on arrival at HQ EUFOR by a Guard of Honour from EUFOR’s Turkish soldiers serving in the Multinational Battalion (MNBN). During an Office Call the Generals discussed the overall security situation in BiH and the wider region; EUFOR’s ongoing Mission objectives; and more specifically recent EUFOR Capability Building and Training (CB&T) activities in support of the Armed Forces of BiH.

On 4 February 2016, Commander European Union Force (COM EUFOR), Major General Johann Luif welcomed Commander of Turkish Land Forces, General Salih Zeki Çolak who was on an official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and to the Headquarters of EUFOR in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.

Commander of Turkish Land Forces was met on arrival at HQ EUFOR by a Guard of Honour from EUFOR’s Turkish soldiers serving in the Multinational Battalion (MNBN). During an Office Call the Generals discussed the overall security situation in BiH and the wider region; EUFOR’s ongoing Mission objectives; and more specifically recent EUFOR Capability Building and Training (CB&T) activities in support of the Armed Forces of BiH. General Luif thanked General Çolak for Turkey’s continued high level of cooperation in the field of Peace Support Operations in BiH, and the important contribution of Turkish troops and capability to the EUFOR Mission Operation ALTHEA.

On 1 February 2016, the Deputy Chief of Staff for operations of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AF BiH), Major General Mirko Tepšić and Chief of Staff of the European Union Force (COS EUFOR), Brigadier General Zoltán Mihócza (Hungarian Army) signed an agreement which focused on evaluating and developing the capabilities of the AF BiH.

On the 26 February 2015, the Multinational Battalion (MNBN) held a ceremony to present the “Battalion-Badge” to all the soldiers, who have recently arrived in theatre.

On 17 February 2016, the Chilean Ambassador, Ms María Verónica Chahin Sarah visited Headquarters EUFOR in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.
During an office call with Commander EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif, the Ambassador was thanked for Chile’s continuing support to the EUFOR Mission. EUFOR’s Chilean soldiers were also praised for their dedication and professionalism.

On 26 January 2016, personnel from various contingents of the European Union Force (EUFOR) Mission were presented with their EU Common Security and Defence Policy Service Medal Operation ALTHEA by the Commander of EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif.

On 19 January 2016, Deputy Commander Allied Joint Force Command (DCOM JFC) Naples, Lieutenant General Alain J. Parent visited the Headquarters European Union Force (HQ EUFOR), Camp Butmir and was met by the Chief of Staff (COS) EUFOR, Brigadier General Zoltán Mihócza.

On the 13 January 2016 at Camp Butmir, there was the badge ceremony for the new Hungarian soldiers of the European Union Force (EUFOR) Multinational Battalion (MNBN). Following this symbolic ceremony both the Hungarian Company, and staff serving soldiers, were formally accepted in to the MNBN by their Commanding Officer - Lieutenant Colonel Reinhard Bacher (Austrian Army).

On the 13 January 2016 at Camp Butmir, there was the badge ceremony for the new Hungarian soldiers of the European Union Force (EUFOR) Multinational Battalion (MNBN). Following this symbolic ceremony both the Hungarian Company, and staff serving soldiers, were formally accepted in to the MNBN by their Commanding Officer - Lieutenant Colonel Reinhard Bacher (Austrian Army).

COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif, Representative of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Embassy Mr Aleksandar Krstevski, and the EUFOR Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’s Senior National Representatives Major Igor Nikchevski, gathered on 12 January 2016 at Monument Park in Camp Butmir to commemorate the death of 11 people from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in a helicopter crash 8 years ago.

COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif, Representative of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Embassy Mr Aleksandar Krstevski, and the EUFOR Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’s Senior National Representatives Major Igor Nikchevski, gathered on 12 January 2016 at Monument Park in Camp Butmir to commemorate the death of 11 people from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in a helicopter crash 8 years ago.

Today the Commander European Union Force (COM EUFOR), Major General Johann Luif visited the newly appointed Director of the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) Mr Perica Stanić, in Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

Today the Commander European Union Force (COM EUFOR), Major General Johann Luif visited the newly appointed Director of the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) Mr Perica Stanić, in Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

On 15th December 2015, the Austrian Minister of Defence and Sport, Mr Gerald Klug, visited EUFOR in Camp Butmir. The Minister took part in the Austrian Senior National Representative (SNR) handover ceremony. Colonel Juergen Schlechter handed over to Colonel Georg Peterlini. Having witnessed the handover ceremony at this prestigious event Mr Klug spoke to all in attendance. He highlighted the importance of the continued Austrian military support for the mission, and the significance of their contribution. Mr Klug then attended a Christmas dinner with the Austrian military to mark the SNR handover and his important visit.

On the 14th December Chief of Defence of the Slovak Republic, General Milan Maxim visited COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif, in Camp Butmir. The occasion was a regular visit by the General to Slovakian personnel serving within EUFOR. Greeted with an honor guard consisting of Hungarian troops from the EUFOR Multinational Battalion, General Maxim spoke with COM EUFOR before visiting Slovakian personnel serving in the Mission.

On Monday 7 December 2015, the European Union Force (EUFOR) Headquarters in Camp Butmir welcomed the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH) to a EUFOR Capability Building & Training Division brief. The focus was to consider how to support the AFBiH capability building, going forward

The Commander of the European Union Force (COM EUFOR), Major General Johann Luif, welcomed The High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr Valentin Inzko, to the EUFOR Headquarters on 3 December 2015. This important visit not only marked the 20th Anniversary of the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement, but also supported EUFOR Headquarter’s Staff Officer training by maintaining an essential understanding of the joint significance of the High Representative, the Dayton Peace Agreement, and the EUFOR Mandate. The visit started with a formal welcome meeting with COM EUFOR followed by a meeting with EUFOR Division Chefs and personnel.

On the 2nd of December, EUFOR conducted two parades presenting personnel who have been part of the EUFOR Althea mission with their medals. COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif presided over the parades, which featured the personnel of nine different nations receiving awards. In his speech, COM EUFOR said,

On the 2nd of December the Commander of the Finnish Army Lieutenant General Seppo Toivonen visited COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif in Camp Butmir. The occasion was a regular visit by the Lieutenant General to Finnish personnel serving within EUFOR. Greeted with an honor guard consisting of Hungarian troops from the EUFOR Multinational Battalion, Lieutenant General Toivonen then spoke with COM EUFOR before visiting Finnish.

From the 23rd until the 27th of November, members of EUFOR trained 22 new instructors for Mine Risk Education (MRE) courses in Camp Butmir. EUFOR supported this training alongside Non-Governmental Organization ‘Stop Mines’ and the Bosnia and Herzegovina Mine Action Centre (BH MAC). Mine Risk Education (MRE) courses are conducted throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, informing people about the risk of mines and what to do if a mine is discovered.

On the 17th of November, Lieutenant General Marek Tomaszycki, Operational Commander of the Polish Armed Forces, met Commander EUFOR Major General Johann Luif at Camp Butmir. Welcomed by an honour guard assembled from soldiers of the EUFOR Multinational Battalion, Lieutenant General Tomaszycki then proceeded to an office call with Commander EUFOR.

On the 16th November 2015, Warrant Officer Zsolt Berek from the Hungarian Airforce handed back the EUFOR Command Sergeant Major’s stick to the Commander of the European Union Force, Major General Johann Luif.

On the 7th of November COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif visited the Romanian Liason and Observation Team (LOT) based in Cazin. During the visit the personnel of the LOT discussed their experiences of the local area, including the attitudes and concerns of the people they regularly meet with as part of their work.

On the 7th of November COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif visited the Romanian Liason and Observation Team (LOT) based in Cazin. During the visit the personnel of the LOT discussed their experiences of the local area, including the attitudes and concerns of the people they regularly meet with as part of their work.

On the 6th of November the municipality of Derventa officially took ownership of a bridge built by a EUFOR and Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH) team. The transfer of ownership was marked with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by EUFOR officers and local dignitaries. The bridge, built over the river Ukrina near Donje Detlak, was built as part of a programme run by the EUFOR Capacity Building & Training department, during which engineers from the AFBiH were mentored as they constructed the new bridge.The project to build the bridge was started in July 2015, when a reconnaissance was conducted on the site. Civilian contractors were employed to install the concrete supporting pillars, and on the 19th of October the construction of the bridge itself began.

On the 6th of November, COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif visited the Romanian Liason and Observation Team (LOT) based in Banja Luka. COM EUFOR received an honor salute from the LOT personnel, before being greeted by LOT Commander Lieutenant Colonel Marian Anghel. General Luif then listened to briefings from the LOT personnel, discussing their day to day activities and their experiences in their area of responsibility.

On the 6th of November, COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif visited the Romanian Liason and Observation Team (LOT) based in Banja Luka. COM EUFOR received an honor salute from the LOT personnel, before being greeted by LOT Commander Lieutenant Colonel Marian Anghel. General Luif then listened to briefings from the LOT personnel, discussing their day to day activities and their experiences in their area of responsibility.

On the 2nd of November COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif visited the Polish Liason and Observation Team (LOT) based in Doboj. During this visited he was welcomed by Major Piotr Śmigielski, Commander the LOT house, who went on to give a report on their recent activities.

On the 2nd of November COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif visited the Polish Liason and Observation Team (LOT) based in Doboj. During this visited he was welcomed by Major Piotr Śmigielski, Commander the LOT house, who went on to give a report on their recent activities.

On the 28th of October two members of the Slovakian LOT (Liason and Observation Team) House in Novo Sarajevo took part in a blood donation event organized by the Red Cross. Captain Peter Krenicky and Sergeant First Class Martin Kostros both gave blood at the event, which was run in coordination with the Institute for Transfusion Medicine of FBiH.

On the 28th of October 2015, the members of Slovakian LOT (Liason and Observation Team) Novo Sarajevo provided donations in the form of various clothes and footwear for people in Kamenica. These were handed over to Secretary of Local Community Kamenica Mr. Mirsad Balta.

On the 26th of October, Chilean Major General Ricardo Menanteau met Commander EUFOR Major General Johann Luif at Camp Butmir. Met with an honour guard assembled from soldiers of the EUFOR Multinational Battalion, Major General Menanteau then proceeded to an office call with Commander EUFOR.

On the 22nd of October a closing ceremony was held for Exercise Quick Response 15. The ceremony was presided over by COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif, who made a concluding speech thanking the personnel attending for their efforts during the exercise. The ceremony featured all the soldiers who took part in Exercise Quick Response 15, including personnel from Slovakia, Turkey, the United Kingdom and Key Leaders from Romania and Bulgaria.

On the 20th of October in Mika Bosnic Barracks in Manjaca, EUFOR and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovnia (AFBiH) held a Distinguished Visitors Day during Exercise Quick Response 15. The event was attended by Dr. Emir Suljagić Deputy Minister of Defence for Policy and Planning and Lieutenant General Anto Jeleč Chief of the Joint Staff of the AFBiH, alongside Commander EUFOR Major General Johann Luif.

On the 20th of October in Mika Bosnic Barracks in Manjaca, EUFOR and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovnia (AFBiH) held a Distinguished Visitors Day during Exercise Quick Response 15. The event was attended by Dr. Emir Suljagić Deputy Minister of Defence for Policy and Planning and Lieutenant General Anto Jeleč Chief of the Joint Staff of the AFBiH, alongside Commander EUFOR Major General Johann Luif.

On the 14th of October COM EUFOR Major General Johan Luif attended a press conference announcing his involvement with the UN Women HeForShe movement. Major General Luif joined the UN Women Representative to Bosnia and Herzegovina Anne-Marie Esper Larsen at the event, where he signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the organisation.

On the morning of the 13th of October, the personnel from across Europe taking part in Exercise Quick Response 15 gathered for the opening ceremony of the exercise. Soldiers from the United Kingdom, Slovakia, Austria, Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary all paraded in Camp Butmir, watched by COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif. The ceremony lasted 30 minutes and consisted of a welcome given by Major General Luif and a short briefing on the exercise given by Chief of Staff EUFOR Brigadier General Zoltán Mihócza.

On the evening of Saturday the 10th of October, UK soldiers arrived in Sarajevo to take part in the upcoming Exercise Quick Response 15. Arriving in a Royal Air Force C-17 aircraft, light vehicles were also transported for use during the training. Also taking part in Exercise Quick Response 15 are Slovakian troops, alongside the Austrian, Turkish and Hungarian soldiers that are part of EUFOR’s permanent soldiers, the Multinational Battalion. EUFOR has 21 nations working within it currently in all areas ranging from Logistics to Aviation.

From the 5th until the 9th of October, the Multinational Battalion (MNBN) of EUFOR and infantry from the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH) conducted combined training in Dubrave. Lead by the Capacity Building and Training branch of EUFOR, the joint training was set up to instruct soldiers tactically in peace support operation techniques. EUFOR were represented by the Hungarian company of the MNBN, which had advisory responsibilities during the training.

On the 7th of October the Fire Department within Camp Butmir delivered lessons about fire safety to children of the Elementary School Sveti Sava in East Sarajevo. Over the day 25 children attended the lessons, covering basic rules for preventing fire and what to do if a fire is discovered.

On the 5th of October Slovakian members of the EUFOR Liason and Observation Team (LOT) in Foča donated toys to the Sveti Sava primary school in Foča. The toys were collected from the families of the Slovakian LOT members, who wanted to give a gift to the children in their area.

On the 1st of October Hungarian members of the EUFOR Multinational Battalion took part in a teambuilding exercise, walking in the area around Bjelašnica. 130 people were on the walk, the second time that the MNBN have conducted the activity this year. Joining the Hungarian soldiers were other members of EUFOR including Austrian staff.

On the 1st of October Hungarian members of the EUFOR Multinational Battalion took part in a teambuilding exercise, walking in the area around Bjelašnica. 130 people were on the walk, the second time that the MNBN have conducted the activity this year. Joining the Hungarian soldiers were other members of EUFOR including Austrian staff.

On the 30th of September Austrian members of EUFOR and distinguished guests visited ‘Radnost’ Kindergarten in Bratunac. During the visit a ceremony was conducted thanking the Austrian personnel for their donation of a playground facility. Present at the ceremony were the head of the Kindergarten Mrs. Jadranka Magazin, Bratunac Mayor Mr. Nedeljko Mlađenović, head of local social affairs department Mrs. Olja Čučić and EUFOR Austrian contingent commander Col Juergen Schlechter. A ribbon was cut during the ceremony, marking the formal donation before the children began using the equipment.

On the 30th of September Austrian members of EUFOR and distinguished guests visited ‘Radnost’ Kindergarten in Bratunac. During the visit a ceremony was conducted thanking the Austrian personnel for their donation of a playground facility. Present at the ceremony were the head of the Kindergarten Mrs. Jadranka Magazin, Bratunac Mayor Mr. Nedeljko Mlađenović, head of local social affairs department Mrs. Olja Čučić and EUFOR Austrian contingent commander Col Juergen Schlechter. A ribbon was cut during the ceremony, marking the formal donation before the children began using the equipment.

On the 29th of September Slovakian personnel of a LOT (Liason and Observation Team) in Foca visited ‘Sveti Sava’ primary school to deliver MRE (Mine Risk Education) lessons to 62 of the children there. MRE teaches children about the dangers of mines, explaining likely mine locations and what to do if they come accross them. EUFOR has a number of civillian MRE instructors who work with LOT houses to provide this training.

On Tuesday the 29th of September a medal parade took place awarding 75 members of EUFOR with their European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Service Medal Operation Althea. The medal recognizes military personnel who have worked within EUFOR. COS EUFOR Brigadier General Zoltán Mihócza presented medals during the ceremony and addressed the recipients.

On the 29th of September Slovakian personnel of a LOT (Liason and Observation Team) in Foca visited ‘Sveti Sava’ primary school to deliver MRE (Mine Risk Education) lessons to 62 of the children there. MRE teaches children about the dangers of mines, explaining likely mine locations and what to do if they come accross them. EUFOR has a number of civillian MRE instructors who work with LOT houses to provide this training.

On the 25th of September members of the EUFOR Turkish Liason and Observation (LOT) Team based in Livno distributed food parcels to needy individuals within their area. The team gave this food as a gesture of good will to the community, strengthening the relationships between the LOT team and the people they live with.

On the 22nd of September, a group of 16 children and 8 teachers from the Institution for the Protection of Children and Youth in Pazarić visited EUFOR in Camp Butmir. The organisation provides care for disabled children and young people in their area. During the visit the attendees visited the EUFOR helicopter unit and were given live demonstrations of the equipment, witnessing an evacuation drill. During the visit they also had lunch in the DFAC and offered some artworks for sale that the young people had made.

On the 20th of September 28 members of EUFOR and NATO took part in the Sarajevo Half Marathon, running a distance of over 21 kilometers. The event has been run since 2007, and this year a record 1,500 participants from 32 countries took part in different events on the day. Major Sesto Terrazzini was the fastest of the NATO and EUFOR runners, completing the race in 1 hour, 29 minutes and 5 seconds.  

On Wednesday the 16th of September COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif visited an ammunition disposal site in Glamoc. During this visit he witnessed the destruction of different types of weapon, ranging from aircraft bombs to small arms ammunition. The destruction of the ammunition was carried out by an Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH) team together with civilian contractors. This destruction is part of a comprehensive Master Plan of AFBiH to manage their AWE stockpiles, including the destruction of unsafe ammunition within Bosnia and Herzegovina. Careful coordination between the international agencies supporting AFBiH's effort is a critical element of success. The coordination of activities among several of these partners at Glamoc destruction range is telling of the success of this complex project.

On the 16th of September COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif visited the Turkish Liason and Observation Team in Livno. After a welcome from the personnel, he received a brief on the day to day activities of the LOT house and the areas that it is responsible for.

On the 14th of September the Turkish soldiers of the EUFOR Multinational Battalion, alongside other EUFOR personnel working within Camp Butmir took part in an ‘Alpine March’. The event consisted of the group walking for over 6 hours to the peak at Bjelašnica.

On the 10th of September the Acting Chief of the Polish Armed Forces Operational Command Brigadier General Andzej Tuz visited EUFOR Camp Butmir. He met COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif during an office call, and spoke about the Polish contribution to EUFOR Althea.

On the 10th of September the Austrian Minister of Defence and Sport Mr Gerald Klug together with the Governor of Burgenland Mr Hans Niessl visited EUFOR Camp Butmir. He received an honor guard as he was greeted by COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif. Mr Klug has held the position since 2013.

On the 10th of September the Austrian Minister of Defence and Sport Mr Gerald Klug together with the Governor of Burgenland Mr Hans Niessl visited EUFOR Camp Butmir. He received an honor guard as he was greeted by COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif. Mr Klug has held the position since 2013.

Today the Italian EUFOR and NATO contingent remembered four Italian Airforce soldiers of the G-222 airplane “Lyra 34”. A wreath was laid by the Italian Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, H.E. Ruggero Corrias.

On the 2nd of September, the EUFOR Althea Operation Commander General Sir Adrian Bradshaw discussed Exercise Quick Response in a press conference at the Hotel Europe in Sarajevo. Exercise Quick Response 2015 is an annual exercise in which EUFOR and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina train together in Peace Support Operations. This year it will take place in Manjaca between the 13th to the 22nd of October.

EUFOR’s Operation Commander, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, yesterday held a press conference discussing Exercise Quick Response 2015. In the event held at the Hotel Europe in Sarajevo, General Bradshaw detailed the purpose of the exercise and the location.\

On the 31st of August, a flag lowering ceremony took place in EUFOR Camp Butmir, recognising the ending of the French military presence within EUFOR. Deputy of the French Ambassador, Madame Catherine Veber and Warrant Officer Gueneau of the French Defence Attache attended the ceremony.

On Tuesday the 25th of August a medal parade took place awarding 39 members of EUFOR with their European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Service Medal Operation Althea. The medal recognizes military personnel who have worked within EUFOR. COS EUFOR Brigadier General Zoltán Mihócza presented medals during the ceremony and addressed the recipients.

On the 19th of August the Austrian Chief of the Defence Staff General Othmar Commenda visited EUFOR Camp Butmir. Greeted with an Honor Guard, General Commenda proceeded to an office call with COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif. Austria is a large contributor to the EUFOR Althea mission, with personnel working in almost every facet of the operation including Capacity Building & Training, disposal of surplus ammunition and the Multinational Battalion. During the visit General Commenda visited Austrian personnel in Camp Butmir.

On Wednesday the 12th of August a ceremony was held marking the change of command of the EUFOR Multinational Battalion (MNBN). The Multinational battalion is a group of soldiers from nations around Europe who combine to serve within EUFOR. Lieutenant Colonel Michael Köck handed over to Lieutenant Colonel Reinhard Bacher during the event witnessed by guests including COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif and COM NATO HQ Sarajevo Brigadier General Giselle Wilz.

On Wednesday the 12th of August a ceremony was held marking the change of command of the EUFOR Multinational Battalion (MNBN). The Multinational battalion is a group of soldiers from nations around Europe who combine to serve within EUFOR. Lieutenant Colonel Michael Köck handed over to Lieutenant Colonel Reinhard Bacher during the event witnessed by guests including COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif and COM NATO HQ Sarajevo Brigadier General Giselle Wilz.

On the 4th of August, Lieutenant General Leonardo di Marco, Head of the European Union Command Element (EUCE) at the Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Naples visited COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif at EUFOR Camp Butmir. Alongside his leadership of the EUCE, Lieutenant General di Marco is also Chief of Staff, Joint Force Command Naples.

On the 29th July 2015 Brigadier General Peter Wanner, Chief International Relations Defence for Switzerland visited EUFOR. <br/ > During the visit Brigadier General Wanner had an office call with COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif. They discussed the EUFOR mission and the Swiss contribution to it, which includes personnel working within the effort to store and destroy surplus ammunition within Bosnia and Herzegovina. Swiss Colonel Martin Trachsler works as EUFOR Special Advisor on Weapons and Ammunition Disposal within this sector.

On Wednesday 22nd July His Excellency Mr. Kazuya Ogawa, Ambassador of Japan to Bosnia and Herzegovina, visited COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif. During the visit COM EUFOR explained the main tasks and the mandate of EUFOR, focusing on the Capacity Building and Training of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also discussed EUFOR’s contribution to maintaining a safe and secure environment within the country, by providing support to local authorities if required.

On Monday the 20th of July a medal parade took place awarding 177 members of EUFOR with their European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Service Medal Operation Althea. The medal recognizes military personnel who have worked within EUFOR. COM EUFOR Major General Johan Luif presented medals during the ceremony and addressed the recipients.

On 10 July 2015, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited European Forces (EUFOR) personnel based in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. Commander EUFOR Major General Johann Luif greeted The Princess Royal with an Honour Guard, alongside NATO and UK representatives. The Princess then spoke with Major General Luif and Commander NATO Brigadier General Giselle Wilz about the role of EUFOR and NATO within Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On 10 July 2015, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited European Forces (EUFOR) personnel based in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.
Commander EUFOR Major General Johann Luif greeted The Princess Royal with an Honour Guard, alongside NATO and UK representatives. The Princess then spoke with Major General Luif and Commander NATO Brigadier General Giselle Wilz about the role of EUFOR and NATO within Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Children from Bosnia and Herzegovinian multi-ethnic schools from Zenica, Tuzla, Mostar and Sarajevo, participated in the Drežnica climbing camp from 29 June to 3 July. The camp was organized by the Austrian CIMIC team who provided donations and supported the event. “We initiated this project with the Colonel Michael Lasser from the EUFOR Embedded Advisory Team from Tuzla. We thought that climbing would be a perfect means to keep children of different ethnicities working together. From our prospective, it works very well”, said the 1st Lieutenant Andreas Grassberger, Austrian CIMIC Chief.

Children from Bosnia and Herzegovinian multi-ethnic schools from Zenica, Tuzla, Mostar and Sarajevo, participated in the Drežnica climbing camp from 29 June to 3 July. The camp was organized by the Austrian CIMIC team who provided donations and supported the event. “We initiated this project with the Colonel Michael Lasser from the EUFOR Embedded Advisory Team from Tuzla. We thought that climbing would be a perfect means to keep children of different ethnicities working together. From our prospective, it works very well”, said the 1st Lieutenant Andreas Grassberger, Austrian CIMIC Chief.

On Monday 29th of June an Austrian platoon from the EUFOR Multinational Battalion (MNBN) conducted helicopter boarding training, exercising their ability to quickly move personnel to areas around Bosnia and Herzegovina. The platoon conducted a number of flights, practicing their facility to rapidly load equipment and transport themselves with the helicopter.

On Monday 29th of June an Austrian platoon from the EUFOR Multinational Battalion (MNBN) conducted helicopter boarding training, exercising their ability to quickly move personnel to areas around Bosnia and Herzegovina. The platoon conducted a number of flights, practicing their facility to rapidly load equipment and transport themselves with the helicopter.

On the 19th of June, COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif visited the Polish EUFOR Embedded Advisory Team (EAT) working with the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH) 6th Infantry Brigade. The visit took place at Kozara Barracks in Banja Luka.

On 19 June 2015, Commander (COM) EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif, hosted the Minister of Defence of Slovenia, Mrs Andreja Katič during her visit to EUFOR. In a meeting after she was welcomed with an Honour Guard at Camp Butmir, Mrs Katič spoke with Major General Luif about EUFOR’s mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Capacity Building and Training programme for the Armed Forces of BiH.

On 19 June 2015, Commander (COM) EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif, hosted the Minister of Defence of Slovenia, Mrs Andreja Katič during her visit to EUFOR.
In a meeting after she was welcomed with an Honour Guard at Camp Butmir, Mrs Katič spoke with Major General Luif about EUFOR’s mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Capacity Building and Training programme for the Armed Forces of BiH.

On the 18th June 2015, Dr. Cristian Preda, European Parliament Rapporteur for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), met with Commander of the European Union Force (EUFOR) in BiH, Major General Johann Luif.

On the 18th June 2015, Dr. Cristian Preda, European Parliament Rapporteur for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), met with Commander of the European Union Force (EUFOR) in BiH, Major General Johann Luif.

On the 16th of June a Mountain Techniques in Natural Disaster Relief Operations course run by a EUFOR Mobile Training Team from Austria concluded. The most recent course lasted 10 days, and was the last of three courses of this type run since April. The subject of the course was training the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH) troops how to rescue casualties in Disaster Relief situations, using techniques normally used for saving life in the mountains.

On the 12th of June COM EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif, alongside COM NATO, attended a briefing and demonstration during Exercise Dynamic Response. EUFOR has provided 18 personnel to assist and advise during the exercise, which simulates Disaster Relief.

From the 8th until the 12th of June in Tuzla, a platoon of EUFOR Multinational Battalion Austrian soldiers undertook combined convoy and crowd control training with the 4th Brigade Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH). The Peace Support Operation training focused on practical exercises, after the personnel were given the theoretical briefings on the topic beforehand.

From the 18th to the 29th of May, a MAHE (Military Assistance in Humanitairian Emergencies) Exercize was conducted in Derventa. The exercise came close to being a real situation as heavy rain raised the risk of flooding during the two weeks.

On the 26 May 2015 40 personnel from the Austrian and Turkish contingents were presented with their European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Service Medal Operation Althea by Chief of Staff EUFOR, Brigadier General Zoltán Mihócza.

Operations Chief of the Turkish General Staff, Lieutenant General Erdal Öztürk, today (20 May 15) visited the Turkish national contingent in Operation Althea. During his visit to Camp Butmir Lieutenant General Öztürk, took the opportunity to have an office call with COM EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif. Major General Luif thanked Lieutenant General Öztürk for the continuing support of Turkey to the EUFOR mission and remarked on the professionalism of the soldiers under his Command.

In a meeting on Monday the 18th May, COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif welcomed the new Commander NATO HQ Sarajevo, Brigadier General Giselle M. Wilz. During the meeting Brigadier General Wilz met her EUFOR counterpart and signed the official guest book.

NATO and EUFOR are responsible employers. According to the information at our disposal, the individuals that are gathering in front of Camp Butmir today are former employees of Troop Contributing Nations. It is important to state that every one of these claimants is given due process, and they are not protesting dissatisfaction with the results of the hearings; they’re asking that their cases be expedited.

On 14 May 2015 the Turkish contingent via its Liason Observation Team (LOT) in Travnik donated new equipment to the maternity department of Travnik hospital costing 31,200 Euros. The equipment was opened in a ceremony attended by local medical and government officials.
During their regular meetings with the local people in the hospital, the personnel of LOT Travnik had noticed that the hospital would benefit from more equipment for new born babies. Seeing the opportunity, a Civil and Military Co-Operation project was started, resulting in the donation of the equipment.

The EUFOR ALTHEA Operation Commander, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, was welcomed at EUFOR Headquarters on Monday by Commander EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif at the start of a 3 day visit.

The EUFOR ALTHEA Operation Commander, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, was welcomed at EUFOR Headquarters on Monday by Commander EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif at the start of a 3 day visit.

Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Lars-Gunnar Wigemark and his wife Mrs Rebekah Naomi Wigemark visited the Memorial Park in Camp Butmir on 7 May 2015 and laid flowers at each of the memorials in the park.

Brigadier General András Szűcs today completed his 14 month tenure as the Chief of Staff of EUFOR. He formally handed over to Brigadier General Zoltán Mihócza during a Handover / Takeover ceremony at Camp Butmir. Brigadier General Mihócza joins EUFOR from Hungary where he held the post of Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS), Joint Forces Command, Hungarian Defence Forces. From 2011 until 2013 he served as the Hungarian Military Representative to NATO and the EU Military Committees in Brussels.

Brigadier General András Szűcs today completed his 14 month tenure as the Chief of Staff of EUFOR. He formally handed over to Brigadier General Zoltán Mihócza during a Handover / Takeover ceremony at Camp Butmir.

The Chairman of the European Union Military Committee (CEUMC), General Patrick de Rousiers, visited Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and HQ EUFOR Althea on 23 April 2015 and was welcomed by Commander (COM) of EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif.

On 23 April 2015, Commander (COM) EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif, welcomed the Bulgarian President, His Excellency Rosen Plevneliev, to Camp Butmir. He was accompanied during his visit by the Bulgarian Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina His Excellency Angel Angelov.

The Chairman of the European Union Military Committee (CEUMC), General Patrick de Rousiers, visited Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and HQ EUFOR Althea on 23 April 2015 and was welcomed by Commander (COM) of EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif.

On 23 April 2015, Commander (COM) EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif, welcomed the Bulgarian President, His Excellency Rosen Plevneliev, to Camp Butmir. He was accompanied during his visit by the Bulgarian Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina His Excellency Angel Angelov.
During an Office Call with Major General Johann Luif, they spoke about EUFOR’s mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Capacity Building and Training programme for the Armed Forces of BiH. COM EUFOR took the opportunity to thank the President for the continued support of the Bulgarian Armed Forces and also praised the professionalism of the troops serving in the mission.

On 21 April 2015 Commander EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif presented a cheque to the Pazaric Institution for the Protection of Children and Youth near Sarajevo. The cheque was handed over to the Director of the Institute, Mr. Jasmin Cerimagic, who thanked COM EUFOR for the donation saying "Money that is collected by EUFOR is not the most important part - it actually is a gesture of appreciation of our work."

As part of his inaugural visits the Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, visited Commander EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif at the EUFOR HQ in Camp Butmir.

The Operation Commander of the Polish Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Marek Tomaszycki, today (13 April 2015) visited the Polish national contingent in Operation Althea. In the course of his visit Lieutenant General Tomaszycki took the opportunity to have an office call with COM EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif.

On 7 April 2015, Commander (COM) EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif, paid a visit to the BiH Ministry of Defence (MOD) and was welcomed by the Minister of Defence BiH, Marina Pendes, also present were Deputy Ministers, Boris Jerinić and Emir Suljagić.

On 25 March, Lieutenant General Leonardo di Marco, Italian Army, Head of the European Union Command Element (EUCE) at the Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Naples (JFC Naples) visited the two Headquarters in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. The focus of his visit was on Capacity Building and Training in support of the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence, and on receiving an update on the current and future cooperation between EUFOR and NATO.

COM EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif, visited the bridge construction project in the village of Luzani near Derventa on 24 Mar 15. A EUFOR team of engineering specialists, 7 from Austria and 3 from Slovenia, are conducting a Bridge Building Course for 14 BiH Armed Forces engineers from Derventa as part of the EUFOR Capacity, Building and Training programme. Utilising the skills and techniques taught during the course a road bridge in Luncani, near Derventa, is being repaired.

On the 16 March 2015 a medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) exercise was planned and conducted by the Multi National Battalion (MNBN) in the vicinity of Sarajevo. To ensure the exercise was as realistic as possible the actors, played by soldiers of the Austrian Coy, were made up to look injured, some with minor injuries and others with major injuries such as limb loss, both fake blood and some home-made props were used.

EUFOR today held a conference entitled ‘Efficient Security Sectors include women at all levels’, in the Army Hall, Sarajevo. The conference was opened by COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif and Mr. Alexander CUPLYGIN, Acting Head of Mission of the OSCE. The Vice-President of the European Parliament, Ms. Ulrike Lunacek, honoured the initiative for this event by sending a video message with her best greetings and her conviction on that subject.

EUFOR today held a conference entitled ‘Efficient Security Sectors include women at all levels’, in the Army Hall, Sarajevo. The conference was opened by COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif and Mr. Alexander CUPLYGIN, Acting Head of Mission of the OSCE. The Vice-President of the European Parliament, Ms. Ulrike Lunacek, honoured the initiative for this event by sending a video message with her best greetings and her conviction on that subject.

On 10 March 2015, the mayor of Lukavica Rijeka invited representatives of the Armed Forces of BiH, EUFOR and UNDP for the official opening ceremony of a bridge in this village near Doboj.

The bridge – a result of common engagement

The material for the bridge construction was funded by the EU Floods Recovery Program and managed by the United Nations Development Program. EUFOR training teams, of engineering specialists from Hungary, mentored the Armed Forces BiH engineers who built it

On 4 March 2015, Deputy Chief of Operations and Training of the Joint Staff, Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AF BiH), Colonel Branko Rašeta, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Capacity Building and Training (CB&T) EUFOR, Colonel Hakan Soner Aplak, signed the Road Map Agreement 2015 - a plan for training cooperation between the two organizations for 2016 and 2017, in Camp Butmir.

From 15 to 27 Feb 2015, EUFOR conducted a “Command, Control, Communication, Computer, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance System” (C4ISR) training for the Armed Forces of BiH (AFBiH) at the Tactical Support Brigade Barracks in Rajlovac. This course was the first out of eight courses on Communication and Information Systems, which is planned for this year. 16 participants (7 Officers, 9 NCO’s) of the AFBiH successfully participated.

A five day Mine Risk Education Accreditation course was held at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo between 23 – 27 February 2015. 33 participants attended from EUFOR’s Liaison Observation teams, the Armed Forces of BiH (AFBiH) and Non-Government Organisations (NGO).
The objective of the course was to train instructors to deliver Mine Risk Education (MRE) to the population of BiH, in particular children, young people and hunters. The course was delivered by HQ EUFOR, Bosnia and Herzegovina Mine Action Centre (BHMAC) and NGO “Stop mines” personnel.

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini, visited EUFOR headquarters at Camp Butmir, today as part of her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina. High Representative/Vice President Federica Mogherini was welcomed by a guard of honour at the EUFOR headquarters before attending a brief on EUFOR’s mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina given by Major General Johann Luif, Commander EUFOR. The Senior National Representatives of all 22 Troop Contributing Nations were also in attendance.

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini, visited EUFOR headquarters at Camp Butmir, today as part of her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
High Representative/Vice President Federica Mogherini was welcomed by a guard of honour at the EUFOR headquarters before attending a brief on EUFOR’s mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina given by Major General Johann Luif, Commander EUFOR. The Senior National Representatives of all 22 Troop Contributing Nations were also in attendance.

On 20 February 2015, in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, command of the Multinational Battalion of EUFOR was handed over. At the ceremony the Commander EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif, transferred the flag of the Battalion, symbolising the power of command, from Lieutenant Colonel Manfred Scheucher to Lieutenant Colonel Michael Köck.

On 20 February 2015, in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, command of the Multinational Battalion of EUFOR was handed over. At the ceremony the Commander EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif, transferred the flag of the Battalion, symbolising the power of command, from Lieutenant Colonel Manfred Scheucher to Lieutenant Colonel Michael Köck.

A Turkish Platoon of the EUFOR Multinational Battalion (MNBN) conducted peacekeeping training with the Bosnian Armed Forces at Prijedor in the northwest of Bosnia and Herzegovina from 16 - 19 February 2015.
The exercise focused on Force Protection tactics and the aim of the training was to strengthen the abilities and skills of the soldiers in conducting peace support operations.

A Turkish Platoon of the EUFOR Multinational Battalion (MNBN) conducted peacekeeping training with the Bosnian Armed Forces at Prijedor in the northwest of Bosnia and Herzegovina from 16 - 19 February 2015.
The exercise focused on Force Protection tactics and the aim of the training was to strengthen the abilities and skills of the soldiers in conducting peace support operations.

On the 6 February 2015 personnel from 11 of the 22 troop contributing nations to EUFOR were presented with their European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Service Medal Operation Althea by COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif.

The Commander of EUFOR (COM EUFOR), Major General Johann LUIF, paid an introductory courtesy call to Member of the Presidency of BiH, Mr Dragan Čović, in Sarajevo on 5 February 2015. Both Major General LUIF and Mr Čović valued the opportunity to meet and discuss their respective priorities for 2015. Mr Čović expressed his appreciation of EUFOR’s support in developing the capacity and capabilities of the Armed Forces of BiH through its Capacity, Building and Training Programme.

The AF BiH/EUFOR Communication Information Systems (CIS) Conference took place in Camp Butmir on 28 January 2015. The conference was organised by EUFOR’s Capacity Building and Training (CB&T) Division and chaired by the Training Chief Lieutenant Colonel Robert Paul WETTERS.
The conference was attended by representatives from the AF BiH’s Joint Staff, Operational Command, Tactical Support Brigade and Signal Battalion. It was also attended by participants from EUFOR and NATO.

On 23 January 2015, the Capacity Building and Training (CBT) Bi-Monthly Divisional Meeting took place in CAMP BUTMIR. The aim of the meeting was to disseminate information within the Capacity Building and Training Division (CDTD) about the division’s responsibilities and also to review goals reached during the last two months, in addition to looking at future training activities.

On 15 January 2015 Commander EUFOR (COM EUFOR) Major General Johann Luif met Director Mirsad Vilic and his deputy Milo Juric at the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies.

The Turkish infantry company of the EUFOR Multinational Battalion (MnBn) conducted a field training exercise on the 14 Jan 15. The exercise was witnessed by the battalion commander, Lt Col SCHEUCHER and the Senior National Representative of the Turkish contingent Col CELEPOGLU.

A medal parade took place today at EUFOR Headquarters, Camp Butmir, with Commander EUFOR awarding Operation ALTHEA medals to over 40 personnel from 6 of the troop contributing nations. Commander EUFOR, Major General Luif, addressed the troops and thanked them for their support to Operation ALTHEA.

Major General Johann Luif, Commander of the European Union Force (EUFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, participated on 14 May 2015 in a panel discussion on multidimensional benefits of defence sector assistance to civil authorities. Topics discussed were the integration of Armed Forces in Civil Society, strengthening the European integration process and possibilities to act from a EU perspective, with a special focus on disaster relief assistance in view of last year’s flooding which hit Bosnia and Herzegovina in May 2014.

On the occasion of the anniversary of the catastrophic flooding in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Office of the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina awarded EUFOR with a letter of appreciation for the assistance during last year’s natural disaster. The event took place in the United Nations House in Sarajevo.
EUFOR’s Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Colonel Savas Celepoglu, received the certificate on behalf of the EUFOR Althea Headquarters. ”EUFOR is always ready to support the BiH population”, he said.

On 25 March, Lieutenant General Leonardo di Marco, Italian Army, Head of the European Union Command Element (EUCE) at the Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Naples (JFC Naples) visited the two Headquarters in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.
The focus of his visit was on Capacity Building and Training in support of the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence and receiving an update on the current and future cooperation between EUFOR and NATO.

On 3 April 2015, the Mayor of Derventa, Mayor, Milorad Simić opened the newly completed bridge in the village of LUCANI, also present were EUFOR’s Deputy Chief of Staff Capacity Building and Training, Colonel Hakar Soner Aplak, representatives of the Armed Forces of BiH and a number of local residents.
The bridge was built, with material funded by the EU Floods Recovery Program, by 14 BiH Armed Forces engineers from Derventa as part of the EUFOR Capacity, Building and Training programme.

COM EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif, the Charge d’Affairs of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Embassy, Mr Dimitar Mitrevsky and EUFOR Senior National Representatives (SNR) gathered on 12 January 2015 at Monument Park in Camp Butmir to commemorate the death of 11 people from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in a helicopter crash 7 years ago.

COM EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif, the Charge d’Affairs of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Embassy, Mr Dimitar Mitrevsky and EUFOR Senior National Representatives (SNR) gathered on 12 January 2015 at Monument Park in Camp Butmir to commemorate the death of 11 people from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in a helicopter crash 7 years ago.

On the 27th of February 2015 there was an evaluation exercise for the Austrian Coy to show of the Multinational Battalion. The BiH barracks of RAJLOVAC in vicinity of Sarajevo was an excellent trainings ground for such a scenario. During the exercise an evaluation team out of members of Multinational Battalion staff members were responsible for the schedule, had to rate all actions and could certificate the FOC (full operational capability) of the Austrian Coy.

Between the 8 – 12 December an Austrian Platoon of the EUFOR Multinational Battalion (MNBN) conducted peacekeeping training with the Bosnian Armed Forces. The training took place in Prijedor in the northwest of Bosnia and Herzegovina and was the last Combined Training event of 2014

Immediately after taking over as Commanding Officer of the European Forces on the 17 December 2014 in Camp Butmir, Major General Johann Luif, began his courtesy visits to EUFOR’s national and international partners.

At 23 December 2014, Commander of EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif met the Chief of the Armed Forces of Switzerland, Lieutenant General Andre Blatter in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
General Blattman is traditionally visiting Swiss Soldiers in Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina during Christmas time. General Johann Luif took the opportunity to thank the Chief of the Armed Forces for the contribution of the Swiss Armed Forces to EUFOR’s mission and expressed his wishes for good cooperation in the future.

On 10 and 11 December 2014 soldiers of the Multinational Battalion of EUFOR transported 13 hospital beds, a donation by the Rotary Club Vienna, from Sarajevo to the Drvar Health Centre a distance of 170km. The transport was requested by the United Nations Development Programme.

Major General Dieter Heidecker today completed his two year tenure as the Commander of EUFOR. The Operation Commander, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw handed over the command of EUFOR to Major General Johann Luif at the ceremony in Camp Butmir today.
General Luif joins EUFOR from Austria where he was the Commander of the Military District of Burgenland. Before that he had been Deputy Commander of Kosovo Forces in 2011/12.

Major General Dieter Heidecker today completed his two year tenure as the Commander of EUFOR. The Operation Commander, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw handed over the command of EUFOR to Major General Johann Luif at the ceremony in Camp Butmir today.
General Luif joins EUFOR from Austria where he was the Commander of the Military District of Burgenland. Before that he had been Deputy Commander of Kosovo Forces in 2011/12.

The final version of the 2015 Capacity Building and Training (CB&T) Activities was signed on 15 December 2014, in Joint Staff Sarajevo by Major General Mirko Tepšić, the Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff for Operations and Brigadier András Szűcs, Chief of Staff EUFOR.
The AFBiH-EUFOR CB&T Activities 2015 consists of a detailed list of all training courses, the Project List for the period of 2015-2018 and the 2015 Training Calendar. The document has been developed, as in previous years, in close cooperation with the Armed Forces of BiH.

The final version of the 2015 Capacity Building and Training (CB&T) Activities was signed on 15 December 2014, in Joint Staff Sarajevo by Major General Mirko Tepšić, the Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff for Operations and Brigadier András Szűcs, Chief of Staff EUFOR. 

The AFBiH-EUFOR CB&T Activities 2015 consists of a detailed list of all training courses, the Project List for the period of 2015-2018 and the 2015 Training Calendar. The document has been developed, as in previous years, in close cooperation with the Armed Forces of BiH.

Major General Dieter Heidecker after visiting the Charge d’Affaires, Dr Renzo Daviddi gave a farewell press statement summarising his 2 years of duty. COM EUFOR used the opportunity to highlight the most important achievements of his tenure, looking at EUFOR’s executive mandate of supporting the efforts of the BiH’s authorities to maintain a safe and secure environment and also the non-executive mandate of providing capacity building and training support to the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AF BiH).

Major General Dieter Heidecker after visiting the Charge d’Affaires, Dr Renzo Daviddi gave a farewell press statement summarising his 2 years of duty.
COM EUFOR used the opportunity to highlight the most important achievements of his tenure, looking at EUFOR’s executive mandate of supporting the efforts of the BiH’s authorities to maintain a safe and secure environment and also the non-executive mandate of providing capacity building and training support to the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AF BiH).

Major General Dieter Heidecker attended his final Heads of Missions Meeting as Commander EUFOR today. He summarised his 2 years of duty, thanking all the members for their co-operation.
The Heads of Missions held a regular meeting today (9 December 2014) of which COM EUFOR is a permanent committee member. The Heads of Missions comprises of the heads of the EU Special Representative, EU delegation and European Embassies who meet bi-weekly.

EUFOR’s Commander, Major General Dieter Heidecker, yesterday visited the President of the Republica Srpska, Milorad Dodik in Banja Luka.
General Heidecker thanked the President for his cooperation during the last two years. COM EUFOR highlighted his appreciation of their good working relationship and reaffirmed the commitment of EUFOR as part of the overall European Union strategy in support to BiH.

A medal parade was held today at EUFOR Headquarters in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, presented the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal Althea to over 150 soldiers from 7 different nations and thanked them for their dedicated service in and for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A medal parade was held today at EUFOR Headquarters in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.
Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, presented the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal Althea to over 150 soldiers from 7 different nations and thanked them for their dedicated service in and for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

EUFOR’s Operation Commander, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, and the Ambassadors of the EU Political and Security Committee (PSC) today visited ‘Krupa’ Sarajevo-Hadžići ammunition storage site.
The PSC delegation and General Bradshaw were accompanied by Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker. The delegation was welcomed at the site by the Minister of Defence of BiH, Mr Zekerijah Osmić.

EUFOR’s Operation Commander, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, and the Ambassadors of the EU Political and Security Committee (PSC) today visited ‘Krupa’ Sarajevo-Hadžići ammunition storage site.
The PSC delegation and General Bradshaw were accompanied by Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker. The delegation was welcomed at the site by the Minister of Defence of BiH, Mr Zekerijah Osmić.

EUFOR’s Operation Commander, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, today visited EUFOR Headquarters with the Ambassadors of the EU Political and Security Committee (PSC).
The PSC Ambassadors are in BiH this week to visit EU institutions in Sarajevo. General Bradshaw is also carrying out a 3 day visit to attend a number of the PSC meetings and to undertake additional working visits in his role as EUFOR’s Operation Commander.

EUFOR’s Operation Commander, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, today visited EUFOR Headquarters with the Ambassadors of the EU Political and Security Committee (PSC).
The PSC Ambassadors are in BiH this week to visit EU institutions in Sarajevo. General Bradshaw is also carrying out a 3 day visit to attend a number of the PSC meetings and to undertake additional working visits in his role as EUFOR’s Operation Commander.

10th – 14th November 2014; One Turkish Platoon from the Multinational Battalion has conducted peacekeeping training with the Armed Forces of BiH. The week-long training took place in Tuzla canton, with a goal to teach the Bosnian troops how to execute peace supporting tasks in line with international standards.

10th – 14th November 2014; One Turkish Platoon from the Multinational Battalion has conducted peacekeeping training with the Armed Forces of BiH. The week-long training took place in Tuzla canton, with a goal to teach the Bosnian troops how to execute peace supporting tasks in line with international standards.

After two years leading the European Forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, will end his tour of duty on the 17th December this year.
The European Political Security Committee appointed General Heidecker on the 3rd December 2012 and extended his deployment in 2013 for a further year.
The official Handover and Takeover Ceremony will take place at Camp Butmir.

On 16th November 2014, the Hungarian Minister of Defence, Dr. Csaba Hende, visited Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, to meet EUFOR’s Hungarian contingent who are serving in Operation Althea.
During his visit, Dr. Hende took the opportunity to award the Commander of EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, with the ‘Honours for the Alliance’ service medal.

On 16th November 2014, the Hungarian Minister of Defence, Dr. Csaba Hende, visited Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, to meet EUFOR’s Hungarian contingent who are serving in Operation Althea.
During his visit, Dr. Hende took the opportunity to award the Commander of EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, with the ‘Honours for the Alliance’ service medal.

Commander EUFOR gave a lecture today on “The Common Security and Defense Policy of the European Union and EUFOR’s Role in Bosnia and Herzegovina”.
At the beginning of his lecture, the Commander thanked the President of Sarajevo University, Professor Muharem AVDISPAHIC, and the Academic Senate for giving him the opportunity of an exchange with the students of this university.

A multinational ceremony of remembrance was held today at EUFOR Headquarters to commemorate the fallen men and women of all nations.
The ceremony was attended by Ambassador Ferguson from the British Embassy, and EUFOR’s Commander, Major General Dieter Heidecker, and NHQSa Commander, Brigadier General Christopher Petty. Numerous EUFOR and NHQSa personnel, both civilian and military, also attended to show their respect to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

A multinational ceremony of remembrance was held today at EUFOR Headquarters to commemorate the fallen men and women of all nations.
The ceremony was attended by Ambassador Ferguson from the British Embassy, and EUFOR’s Commander, Major General Dieter Heidecker, and NHQSa Commander, Brigadier General Christopher Petty. Numerous EUFOR and NHQSa personnel, both civilian and military, also attended to show their respect to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

EUFOR today held a conference with senior members of AFBiH to present future steps for their capacity building and training programme.
The conference was attended by Lieutenant General Anto Jeleč, Chief of the Joint Staff of AFBiH, and was chaired by Major General Dieter Heidecker, Commander EUFOR.
The purpose of the conference was to present the results of last week’s training assessment conference in order to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the current training programme. Additionally, further areas of cooperation between EUFOR and AFBiH were discussed.

EUFOR today held a conference with senior members of AFBiH to present future steps for their capacity building and training programme.
The conference was attended by Lieutenant General Anto Jeleč, Chief of the Joint Staff of AFBiH, and was chaired by Major General Dieter Heidecker, Commander EUFOR.
The purpose of the conference was to present the results of last week’s training assessment conference in order to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the current training programme. Additionally, further areas of cooperation between EUFOR and AFBiH were discussed.

EUFOR has hosted a conference to assess the capacity building and training requirements of AFBiH at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.
EUFOR’s Chief of Staff, Brigadier General András Szűcs, delivered a welcome address to the conference attendees, who included senior personnel from EUFOR and AFBiH, along with representatives from NATO and EU organisations.

EUFOR has hosted a conference to assess the capacity building and training requirements of AFBiH at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.
EUFOR’s Chief of Staff, Brigadier General András Szűcs, delivered a welcome address to the conference attendees, who included senior personnel from EUFOR and AFBiH, along with representatives from NATO and EU organisations.

Soldiers from Armed Forces BiH have completed an ammunition training course this week which was held at Travnik barracks.
The course, which was led by a EUFOR mobile training team from Austria, lasted for 4 weeks. The purpose was to educate the soldiers about a wide range of ammunition-related topics, including labelling, storage, packaging and safe transportation of ammunition.

Soldiers from Armed Forces BiH have completed an ammunition training course this week which was held at Travnik barracks.
The course, which was led by a EUFOR mobile training team from Austria, lasted for 4 weeks. The purpose was to educate the soldiers about a wide range of ammunition-related topics, including labelling, storage, packaging and safe transportation of ammunition.

The Dutch Senior National Representative, Lieutenant Colonel Rob Wetters, organized a briefing programme for the visit by Lieutenant Colonel Rob Keijzer from the Netherlands Ministry of Defence, which highlighted the Dutch contribution to the mission.

The Austrian Chief of Defence Staff, General Othmar Commenda, has conducted a two day visit to EUFOR.
General Commenda was welcomed at Camp Butmir on Wednesday by a guard of honour before meeting with Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, to gain an update on the political situation in BiH and the Austrian contribution to the EUFOR mission.
General Commenda then attended a meeting with the Chief of the Joint Staff of Armed Forces BiH, Lieutenant General Anto Jeleč, together with Lieutenant General Jeleč’s senior leadership team.

The Austrian Chief of Defence Staff, General Othmar Commenda, has conducted a two day visit to EUFOR.
General Commenda was welcomed at Camp Butmir on Wednesday by a guard of honour before meeting with Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, to gain an update on the political situation in BiH and the Austrian contribution to the EUFOR mission.
General Commenda then attended a meeting with the Chief of the Joint Staff of Armed Forces BiH, Lieutenant General Anto Jeleč, together with Lieutenant General Jeleč’s senior leadership team.

The Austrian Chief of Defence Staff, General Othmar Commenda, has conducted a two day visit to EUFOR.
General Commenda was welcomed at Camp Butmir on Wednesday by a guard of honour before meeting with Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, to gain an update on the political situation in BiH and the Austrian contribution to the EUFOR mission.
General Commenda then attended a meeting with the Chief of the Joint Staff of Armed Forces BiH, Lieutenant General Anto Jeleč, together with Lieutenant General Jeleč’s senior leadership team.

The aim of the meeting, held on 17th October 2014, was to spread information within the Capacity Building and Training Division (CBTD) about the division’s responsibilities, and to assess the goals reached during the last two months. Future training activities were also discussed.
All members of the CBTD, including the Embedded Advisory Teams (EATs), attended the meeting, as well as representatives from Policy & Plans and Operations Division (OPSD). After the opening remarks by Col. Hakan Soner APLAK (TR Army), DCOS CBT, the organization, newcomers, areas of responsibility within CBTD, and essentially the ongoing and future activities were briefed, followed by presentations by the different Branch Heads of the Division.

EUFOR HQ has held a 2-day meeting for engineering experts from AFBiH and EUFOR, with the primary aim of devising next year’s training activities.
Attendees at the meeting, the ninth of its kind, also discussed lessons identified from activities already carried out this year, including the flood-related disaster relief. They then developed and approved the engineering training calendar for 2015.

EUFOR HQ has held a 2-day meeting for engineering experts from AFBiH and EUFOR, with the primary aim of devising next year’s training activities.
Attendees at the meeting, the ninth of its kind, also discussed lessons identified from activities already carried out this year, including the flood-related disaster relief. They then developed and approved the engineering training calendar for 2015.

EUFOR has provided two major training courses at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, this week, instructing Armed Forces BiH (AF BiH) personnel and members of the Mostar and Zenica Mountain Rescue Teams.
The AF BiH personnel underwent a 7 day training course to rescue injured personnel from minefields.  The course began with theoretical training in the classroom, before the students conducted practical exercises, firstly using a crane to simulate airborne access to the minefield, and then using an AF BiH Mi-8 helicopter.

EUFOR has provided two major training courses at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, this week, instructing Armed Forces BiH (AF BiH) personnel and members of the Mostar and Zenica Mountain Rescue Teams.
The AF BiH personnel underwent a 7 day training course to rescue injured personnel from minefields.  The course began with theoretical training in the classroom, before the students conducted practical exercises, firstly using a crane to simulate airborne access to the minefield, and then using an AF BiH Mi-8 helicopter.

EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion has transported over 20 tons of construction material to locations in BiH which were affected by the flooding in May and June.
The construction materials, which were provided via the Red Cross organisation, are to be used to help reconstruct houses which were affected by flooding in Orašje, Gradačac and Ključ.

EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion has transported over 20 tons of construction material to locations in BiH which were affected by the flooding in May and June.
The construction materials, which were provided via the Red Cross organisation, are to be used to help reconstruct houses which were affected by flooding in Orašje, Gradačac and Ključ.

EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion has transported over 20 tons of construction material to locations in BiH which were affected by the flooding in May and June.
The construction materials, which were provided via the Red Cross organisation, are to be used to help reconstruct houses which were affected by flooding in Orašje, Gradačac and Ključ.

Major General Sandor Fucsku, Commander of the Hungarian Defence Force Joint Force Command, today visited EUFOR HQ at Camp Butmir.
Maj Gen Fucsku was presented with a guard of honour before being welcomed by Commander EUFOR, Maj Gen Heidecker, and EUFOR's Chief of Staff, Brigadier General András Szűcs.

The Land Operation Commander of the Chilean Army, Lieutenant General Juan Carlos Nuñez Bustamente, visited EUFOR headquarters today at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.
General Bustamente was welcomed by a guard of honour before having an office call with Major General Dieter Heidecker, Commander EUFOR. In the afternoon, he was the guest of honour at a medal parade, where he was able to witness EUFOR’s Chilean Contingent receiving their Operation Althea medals.

The Land Operation Commander of the Chilean Army, Lieutenant General Juan Carlos Nuñez Bustamente, visited EUFOR headquarters today at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.
General Bustamente was welcomed by a guard of honour before having an office call with Major General Dieter Heidecker, Commander EUFOR. In the afternoon, he was the guest of honour at a medal parade, where he was able to witness EUFOR’s Chilean Contingent receiving their Operation Althea medals.
General Heidecker thanked General Bustamente for the continued support of the Chilean Armed Forces to the EUFOR mission.

Between 8th and 12th September, a Turkish Platoon from EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion conducted combined training with a platoon from the 4th Infantry Brigade of the Armed Forces BiH.
The training, which took place in Livno, covered a broad range of topics including force protection, convoy and escort and civil disturbance operations.

The Austrian company of EUFOR’s Multi-National Battalion (MNBN) conducted training in September 2014 with the Medical Team of EUFOR.
An exercise scenario was created where some soldiers were wounded and subsequently had to be treated properly.

A EUFOR Mobile Training Team has been training personnel from Armed Forces BiH during a Forklift Handler Course, which took place in Rajlovac from 15 to 26 September.
The training, delivered by a Swiss Mobile Training Team, covered how to drive and handle the forklifts safely.  The course itself lasted one week but took place in 2 phases: the first part was to ‘train the trainers’, and the second part confirmed the abilities of these new instructors to teach students in future.

EUFOR’s medical team, from the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, recently conducted medical training for a number of personnel from the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative’s Offices.

Thursday, 11th September 2014: The Austrian company of the Multinational Battalion has finished its rotation. The soldiers of the Infantry Battalion 17 of the Austrian Armed Forces handed over their duties to the incoming troops of the 35th Mechanized Infantry Battalion this morning.

The EUFOR ALTHEA Operation Commander, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, was welcomed at EUFOR Headquarters on Sunday by Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, before embarking on a two-day visit.
Monday’s visit programme began with a briefing from key EUFOR personnel who delivered an update on the progress of the mission. General Bradshaw then travelled to Banja Luka, where he was met by Major General Husein Tursunović at HQ Support Command of Armed Forces BiH, and briefed on topics including personnel, administration and logistics.

The EUFOR ALTHEA Operation Commander, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, was welcomed at EUFOR Headquarters on Sunday by Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, before embarking on a two-day visit.
Monday’s visit programme began with a briefing from key EUFOR personnel who delivered an update on the progress of the mission. General Bradshaw then travelled to Banja Luka, where he was met by Major General Husein Tursunović at HQ Support Command of Armed Forces BiH, and briefed on topics including personnel, administration and logistics.

The opening ceremony of two reconstructed bridges took place in Tuzla on 2nd September, 2014.

EUFOR’s British sub-unit and the Reconnaissance Company of Armed Forces BiH’s 5th Brigade have carried out combined training this week at Camp Eagle, Tuzla. The training programme began with a presentation from the EUFOR soldiers, who spoke about their recent operational experiences in Afghanistan. Afterwards, members of Armed Forces BiH were shown the equipment of the EUFOR soldiers, which included medical support kits, weapons and vehicles.
They then witnessed four vehicles being used on a simulated patrol, and were able to compare and discuss their own procedures and tactics with EUFOR soldiers.

5th Brigade have carried out combined training this week at Camp Eagle, Tuzla.
The training programme began with a presentation from the EUFOR soldiers, who spoke about their recent operational experiences in Afghanistan. Afterwards, members of Armed Forces BiH were shown the equipment of the EUFOR soldiers, which included medical support kits, weapons and vehicles.
They then witnessed four vehicles being used on a simulated patrol, and were able to compare and discuss their own procedures and tactics with EUFOR soldiers.

EUFOR soldiers are working together with Armed Forces BiH (AF BiH) in the Municipality of Tuzla to rebuild bridges that were destroyed during the floods.
The reconstruction of the two bridges will ensure that 350 households have easy access between their properties and the rest of the municipality, and that farmers once again have access to their agricultural land.
The Municipality of Tuzla has built embankments for the bridges, while the Austrian Forces Disaster Relief Unit engineering team began to train AF BiH personnel and produced the key technical drawings. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has procured the associated materials thanks to funding from Norway.

EUFOR soldiers are working together with Armed Forces BiH (AF BiH) in the Municipality of Tuzla to rebuild bridges that were destroyed during the floods.
The reconstruction of the two bridges will ensure that 350 households have easy access between their properties and the rest of the municipality, and that farmers once again have access to their agricultural land.
The Municipality of Tuzla has built embankments for the bridges, while the Austrian Forces Disaster Relief Unit engineering team began to train AF BiH personnel and produced the key technical drawings. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has procured the associated materials thanks to funding from Norway.

Commander EUFOR, Commander NATO HQ Sarajevo and the Chief of the Joint Staff of Armed Forces BiH today accompanied the Chairman of the Presidency of BiH to visit the flood-hit areas of Maglaj and Doboj.
Major General Dieter Heidecker, Commander EUFOR, Brigadier General Christopher Petty, Commander NATO HQ Sarajevo and Lieutenant General Anto Jeleč, Chief of the Joint Staff AF BiH, initially met the Commander and staff of the AF BiH logistics base at Doboj together with Mr Bakir Izetbegović where they learnt more about the assistance given by AF BiH during the floods.

Commander EUFOR, Commander NATO HQ Sarajevo and the Chief of the Joint Staff of Armed Forces BiH today accompanied the Chairman of the Presidency of BiH to visit the flood-hit areas of Maglaj and Doboj.
Major General Dieter Heidecker, Commander EUFOR, Brigadier General Christopher Petty, Commander NATO HQ Sarajevo and Lieutenant General Anto Jeleč, Chief of the Joint Staff AF BiH, initially met the Commander and staff of the AF BiH logistics base at Doboj together with Mr Bakir Izetbegović where they learnt more about the assistance given by AF BiH during the floods.

Members of Armed Forces BiH (AF BiH) recently completed an ammunition transportation safety course delivered by AF BiH and EUFOR personnel in Rajlovac.
The instructors trained personnel in the safe packaging, labelling and handling of ammunition during transportation. The course was conducted by a combined team of AF BiH and a EUFOR mobile training team, led by the Swiss Armed Forces.

The first version of EUFOR’s 2015 Capacity Building and Training (CB&T) Calendar was signed this week by Major General Mirko Tepšić, Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff of AF BiH for Operations, and Brigadier General András Szűcs, Chief of Staff of EUFOR.
The signing of the calendar is an important milestone in the development of Armed Forces BiH. The 2015 CB&T Calendar is developed together with Armed Forces BiH, with the process beginning in November 2013 at the Assessment Conference, where previous CB&T activity was reviewed. This was followed by the Road Map Agreement in March 2014 which contained an agreement on what support EUFOR shall deliver in 2015. The detailed planning for each area (CIS, MOVCON etc.) was then further developed and has now been incorporated in the 2015 CB&T Calendar.

The Director of the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies of BiH, Mirsad Vilić, and his deputies Uroš Pena and Mile Jurić, held a regular meeting today (31st July 2014) with EUFOR’s Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Andras Szucs.

The Director of the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies of BiH, Mirsad Vilić, and his deputies Uroš Pena and Mile Jurić, held a regular meeting today (31st July 2014) with EUFOR’s Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Andras Szucs.

During the meeting they discussed the activities carried out in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between EUFOR and security structures in BiH on the exchange of classified information without security classification and intelligence information exchange. At the meeting, next steps in the implementation of this Memorandum have been agreed. In addition Brigadier General Szucs gave a brief overview of the activities undertaken during the recent floods in BiH.

Operation ALTHEA medals were today (29th July 2014) presented to EUFOR personnel who are nearing the end of their tours. Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, presented the medals to each person individually and thanked them for their efforts in BiH.

5 July 2014: EUFOR troops today transported over 1500kg of medicine from Sarajevo Airport to Pale.
The Ministry of Security initially asked the UN Development Programme (UNDP) to assist in moving the medicine, who asked EUFOR to carry out the task.

There have been a couple of reports in the media today concerning EUFOR military vehicles on the streets of Sarajevo.
These vehicles are attached to EUFOR’s British sub-unit.
EUFOR relies on forces provided by troop-contributing nations, and their equipment. The vehicles in the photographs are routinely operated by the British Army and are called ‘Jackal’ and ‘Coyote’ vehicles.

Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, today chaired a seminar to review EUFOR and Armed Forces BiH actions following the flooding in BiH.
Key attendees included Mr Zekerijah Osmić, the Minister of Defence, and Lieutenant General Anto Jeleč, Chief of the Joint Staff of Armed Forces BiH.
The purpose of the seminar was to identify where improvements could be made to improve the capability and capacity of Armed Forces BiH in the future, particularly when carrying out humanitarian and disaster relief tasks.

Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, today chaired a seminar to review EUFOR and Armed Forces BiH actions following the flooding in BiH.
Key attendees included Mr Zekerijah Osmić, the Minister of Defence, and Lieutenant General Anto Jeleč, Chief of the Joint Staff of Armed Forces BiH.
The purpose of the seminar was to identify where improvements could be made to improve the capability and capacity of Armed Forces BiH in the future, particularly when carrying out humanitarian and disaster relief tasks.

The Chilean Minister of Defence, Jorge Burgos Varela, today (23rd July 2014) visited Camp Butmir and had an office call with Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, where COM EUFOR was able to thank the Minister for Chile’s continued contribution to the mission.

EUFOR Headquarters today hosted the 6th Meeting of the Strategic Committee for Arms, Ammunition and Explosive Ordnance. The Committee, led by the BiH Ministry of Defence, included senior representatives from Armed Forces BiH, NATO, EUFOR, the OSCE mission to BiH, the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the Office of the Special Representative of the EU in BiH and Embassies of the United States, Switzerland, Austria and Sweden.

EUFOR Headquarters today hosted the 6th Meeting of the Strategic Committee for Arms, Ammunition and Explosive Ordnance. The Committee, led by the BiH Ministry of Defence, included senior representatives from Armed Forces BiH, NATO, EUFOR, the OSCE mission to BiH, the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the Office of the Special Representative of the EU in BiH and Embassies of the United States, Switzerland, Austria and Sweden.

A medal ceremony took place yesterday at EUFOR Headquarters, Camp Butmir, with Commander EUFOR awarding Operation ALTHEA medals to over 100 personnel from numerous nations.

The Swiss Head of Armed Forces Joint Staff, Major General Jean-Marc Halter, today visited EUFOR and met with Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker.
Major General Halter is responsible for the planning, conduct and evaluation of joint operations and missions of the Swiss Armed Forces in Switzerland and abroad.  He plans and controls the readiness of the Armed Forces, and is directly accountable to the Chief of the Armed Forces.

The Swiss Head of Armed Forces Joint Staff, Major General Jean-Marc Halter, today visited EUFOR and met with Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker.
Major General Halter is responsible for the planning, conduct and evaluation of joint operations and missions of the Swiss Armed Forces in Switzerland and abroad. He plans and controls the readiness of the Armed Forces, and is directly accountable to the Chief of the Armed Forces.

Members of Armed Forces BiH have recently completed an advanced ammunition course delivered by EUFOR personnel at the ammunition storage site in Gabela. The course took place for two weeks and covered topics such as how to visually inspect ammunition, and how to analyse the chemical content of ammunition to keep ammunition sites safe.

Commander EUFOR today attended a ceremony at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, to mark the transfer of authority from one NATO HQ Sarajevo Commander to another. Brigadier General Merle D. Hart transferred authority to Brigadier General Christopher J. Petty. Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, presented Brigadier General Hart with a gift to show his appreciation.

The Turkish Company of EUFOR's Multi-National Battalion have been transporting humanitarian aid from Pale to Doboj and Bijeljina to support flood affected areas over the weekend.

A farewell parade was held today to thank EUFOR’s three Reserve Companies for their participation in JOINT EFFORT, the name given to the flood-related disaster relief work conducted with Armed Forces BiH.
Slovenia, Austria and the United Kingdom each contributed approximately 120 troops, who were originally deployed to BiH to take part in Exercise Quick Response 14. However due to the devastating flooding, the main effort of both EUFOR and Armed Forces BiH changed to conducting flood-related disaster relief.

A farewell parade was held today to thank EUFOR’s three Reserve Companies for their participation in JOINT EFFORT, the name given to the flood-related disaster relief work conducted with Armed Forces BiH.
Slovenia, Austria and the United Kingdom each contributed approximately 120 troops, who were originally deployed to BiH to take part in Exercise Quick Response 14. However due to the devastating flooding, the main effort of both EUFOR and Armed Forces BiH changed to conducting flood-related disaster relief.

EUFOR Reserve Companies were paid a visit yesterday (17th June) by Commander EUFOR, Major General Heidecker, in the Tuzla area. JOINT EFFORT, the name given to the flood-related disaster relief work, continues with the Austrian Reserve Company reconstructing roads, and the Slovenian and UK Reserve Companies are removing flood debris and waste material in Kopanice.

The Chief of the Joint Staff of the Chilean Armed Forces, Vice Admiral José Romero, today visited EUFOR headquarters at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.
Vice Admiral Romero was welcomed by a guard of honour at the EUFOR headquarters before having an office call with Major General Dieter Heidecker, Commander EUFOR. In the afternoon, he also visited the NATO Headquarters in Camp Butmir and then proceeded to meet with the Chilean national contingent.

EUFOR military and civilian members from nine countries have shown their commitment to helping the population of BiH by donating blood in Camp Butmir in support of World Blood Donor Day.
EUFOR was initially approached by Professor Maida Šalaga-Baždar, head of blood donation promotion.  She emphasized the importance of providing blood for use in the General Hospital and Clinical Centre of Sarajevo University, as well as other transfusion centres in BiH.

EUFOR military and civilian members from nine countries have shown their commitment to helping the population of BiH by donating blood in Camp Butmir in support of World Blood Donor Day. EUFOR was initially approached by Professor Maida Šalaga-Baždar, head of blood donation promotion.  She emphasized the importance of providing blood for use in the General Hospital and Clinical Centre of Sarajevo University, as well as other transfusion centres in BiH.

General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, the EUFOR Operation Commander, visited BiH on 9-10 June to gain an update on the progress of Operation Althea and to witness EUFOR troops assisting Armed Forces BiH in their flood-related disaster relief work.
On the morning of 9 June, General Bradshaw received an update in EUFOR HQ on Operation Althea progress, with particular focus on the recent flooding. He spent the afternoon in Sarajevo visiting the Presidency, the UN Development Programme office and the Ministry of Defence.

General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, the EUFOR Operation Commander, visited BiH on 9-10 June to gain an update on the progress of Operation Althea and to witness EUFOR troops assisting Armed Forces BiH in their flood-related disaster relief work.
On the morning of 9 June, General Bradshaw received an update in EUFOR HQ on Operation Althea progress, with particular focus on the recent flooding. He spent the afternoon in Sarajevo visiting the Presidency, the UN Development Programme office and the Ministry of Defence.

EUFOR's UK and Slovenian troops have been working together with the Armed Forces of BiH in Doboj, to help with the clean-up operation after the worst floods for a generation were seen in the Balkans last month. This included the clearing of a police station and streets which were heavily affected by the floods.

EUFOR’s reserve companies are now working with Armed Forces BiH to conduct a number of tasks, including repairing water supplies, disinfection of streets, removal of garbage and transportation of aid
The reserve companies deployed from Camp Butmir on Friday 6 June 2014 to assist the Armed Forces of BiH in their flood-related disaster relief efforts, commonly known as JOINT EFFORT. The UK and Slovenian companies travelled to Dubrave, near Tuzla, while the Austrian company deployed to Zenica.

Two Black Hawk helicopters are now able to operate from Camp Butmir in order to assist with EUFOR flood-related disaster relief. The current team has been supplemented with another from Austria. This means that the two aircraft can now be flown concurrently in order to provide maximum support towards JOINT EFFORT.

Today (5th June 2014) the staff of the EUFOR Multi-National Battalion set up a joint forward operations centre in Zenica with staff from the 1st Battalion of the 5th Brigade of Tuzla. From there EUFOR’s Lieutenant Colonel Scharf will control the tasking for EUFOR’s Multi-National Battalion including the three ‘over the horizon’ reserve companies from Austria, Slovenia and the UK.
The Austrian reserve company will mainly operate in the Bosna valley, including the areas around Doboj, Maglaj and Zavidovic, whereas the Slovenian and UK companies, stationed in Dubrave near Tuzla, will mainly operate in the Sava valley.

EUFOR’s three reserve companies are today working with Armed Forces BiH in Doboj, Maglaj, Lopare and Žepče to conduct a number of tasks, including repairing water supplies, disinfection of streets, removal of garbage and transportation of aid. The reserve companies deployed from Camp Butmir yesterday to assist the Armed Forces of BiH in their flood-related disaster relief efforts, commonly known as JOINT EFFORT.

The UK and Slovenian companies travelled to Dubrave, near Tuzla, while the Austrian company deployed to Zenica. EUFOR local observation teams (LOTs) spent the previous few days assessing the local situations with the Armed Forces BiH Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) teams to draw up task lists which have now been prioritized.

EUFOR’s British reserve company (from 1 SCOTS) has been repairing water network pipes in Lapore together with Armed Forces BiH. Once EOD and medical teams had assessed the area as being safe to work in, the teams began to salvage water pipes that had been flushed down the Gnjica River during the flooding.
The commander of the 1 SCOTS platoon, Lt Guy Ballantyne, and the AF BiH platoon commander, Lt Benudin Barjaktarevic, worked together to ensure that the pipes will be able to be put to use again in the local water distribution network.

EUFOR’s Slovenian reserve company has been working with Armed Forces BiH to disinfect areas of Doboj and remove garbage as part of JOINT EFFORT.
They will also be conducting further recces today with the UK reserve company prior to tasks next week in Vučilovac, Krepšić, Gorice and numerous other villages.
Two Austrian recce teams are also in Žepče today to assess further tasking.

On 4 June 2014, the President of Slovenia, Mr Borut Pahor, visited EUFOR Althea.
President Pahor is here to discuss the Slovenian contribution to EUFOR and to visit the Slovenian troops who are currently serving in BiH. During his visit, the President met with the Commander of EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, who thanked the President for the Slovenian contribution and also expressed his wishes for further good cooperation and support in the future.

On 4 June 2014, the President of Slovenia, Mr Borut Pahor, visited EUFOR Althea.

President Pahor is here to discuss the Slovenian contribution to EUFOR and to visit the Slovenian troops who are currently serving in BiH. During his visit, the President met with the Commander of EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, who thanked the President for the Slovenian contribution and also expressed his wishes for further good cooperation and support in the future.

On 4 June 2014, the Swiss KFOR helicopter working in EUFOR returned to Kosovo.
The Swiss ‘Cougar’ helicopter, which is currently based at KFOR, has been in BiH since 20 May 2014, when it was sent there to help EUFOR with flood-related disaster relief work.
The crew of two pilots, three technicians and one additional officer will now return to their duties in Kosovo, to join the other two Swiss helicopters currently based there, as the requests for aid from the BiH authorities have now significantly reduced.

On 4 June 2014, the Swiss KFOR helicopter working in EUFOR returned to Kosovo.
The Swiss ‘Cougar’ helicopter, which is currently based at KFOR, has been in BiH since 20 May 2014, when it was sent there to help EUFOR with flood-related disaster relief work.
The crew of two pilots, three technicians and one additional officer will now return to their duties in Kosovo, to join the other two Swiss helicopters currently based there, as the requests for aid from the BiH authorities have now significantly reduced.

This EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) equipment can be used for mines or other Unexploded Ordnance (UXO), if EUFOR soldiers discover any while conductingtheir duties in BiH. This is especially important right now, because many mines and UXOs have moved because of landslides and flooding in BiH.

On 31 May 2014, in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, a Welcome Parade was held for EUFOR’s Intermediate Reserve troops.
These troops are EUFOR’s ‘over-the-horizon’ soldiers and currently consist of three companies, of approximately 130 soldiers each, from Austria, Slovenia and the UK.
The troops arrived over the last few days and will remain in BiH for a number of weeks. They were originally deploying here to take part in Exercise Quick Response 14, which was a combined training exercise with the Armed Forces of BiH, but because of the recent flooding, they will now be working with the Armed Forces of BiH on Operation Joint Effort, which is the name given to the combined EUFOR – Armed Forces BiH operation.

EUFOR’s Intermediate Reserve Companies will start arriving in BiH from 29 May 2014
These Intermediate Reserve Companies are EUFOR’s ‘over-the-horizon’ troops and currently consists of three companies from Austria and Slovenia. They were originally deploying to BiH for ‘Exercise Quick Response 14’ but due to the recent flooding they will now be conducting disaster relief operations jointly with the Armed Forces of BiH. We have given these operations the name of ‘Operation Joint Effort 14’.

EUFOR’s Intermediate Reserve Companies will start arriving in BiH from 29 May 2014

These Intermediate Reserve Companies are EUFOR’s ‘over-the-horizon’ troops and currently consists of three companies from Austria and Slovenia. They were originally deploying to BiH for ‘Exercise Quick Response 14’ but due to the recent flooding they will now be conducting disaster relief operations jointly with the Armed Forces of BiH. We have given these operations the name of ‘Operation Joint Effort 14’.

In the last few weeks, EUFOR has been providing humanitarian assistance to the BiH authorities, and has conducted over 200 helicopter evacuation flights and evacuated over 800 people. It is envisaged that the arrival of our Intermediate Reserve Companies will build on this assistance previously provided by EUFOR as we work closely with the Armed Forces of BiH to provide further humanitarian assistance in the coming weeks.

Spokesperson:
Lt Cdr Jim Love
00387 (0)33 495 216
00387 (0)66 914 665
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Chief Public Affairs Office:
Lt Col Alexander Pehr
00387 (0)33 495 214
00387 (0)66 914 664
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Čete rezervnih snaga EUFOR-a počinju dolaziti u BiH 29. maja 2014.
Čete koje su sastavni dio rezervnih snaga EUFOR-a stacioniranih izvan Bosne i Hercegovine će sutra početi dolaziti u BiH. To su ukupno tri čete iz Austrije i Slovеnije. One su prvobitno trebale biti raspoređene u BiH radi učešća u vježbi “Brzi odgovor 14” /Quick Response 14/, ali će sada, zbog situacije prouzrokovane nedavnim poplavama, zajedno sa Oružanim snagama BiH izvoditi akcije pružanja pomoći u otklanjanju posljedica prirodnih nesreća. Ove akcije se odvijaju pod nazivom “Operacija Združeni napor 14” /Operation Joint Effort 14/.
Tokom nekoliko posljednjih sedmica, EUFOR je pružao humanitarnu pomoć vlastima BiH. Obavljeno je preko 200 helikopterskih evakuacija i evakuirano više od 800 ljudi. Predviđeno je da će dolazak četa naših rezervnih snaga predstavljati dodatnu pomoć onoj koju EUFOR već pruža s obzirom na to da ćemo blisko sarađivati sa Oružanim snagama BiH na pružanju humanitarne pomoći u narednim sedmicama.


Чете резервних снага ЕУФОР-а почињу да долазе у БиХ 29. маја 2014.
Чете које су саставни дио резервних снага ЕУФОР-а стационираних изван Босне и Херцеговине ће сутра почети да долазе у БиХ. То су укупно три чете из Аустрије и Словеније. Оне су првобитно требале бити распоређене у БиХ ради учешћа у вјежби “Брзи одговор 14” /Quick Response 14/, али ће сада, због ситуације проузроковане недавним поплавама, заједно са Оружаним снагама БиХ изводити акције пружања помоћи у отклањању посљедица природних несрећа. Ове акције се одвијају под називом “Операција Здружени напор 14” /Operation Joint Effort 14/.
Током неколико посљедњих седмица, ЕУФОР је пружао хуманитарну помоћ властима БиХ. Обављено је преко 200 хеликоптерских евакуација и евакуисано више од 800 људи. Предвиђено је да ће долазак чета наших резервних снага представљати додатну помоћ оној коју ЕУФОР већ пружа с обзиром на то да ћемо блиско сарађивати са Оружаним снагама БиХ на пружању хуманитарне помоћи у наредним седмицама.


Satnije pričuvnih snaga EUFOR-a počinju dolaziti u BiH 29. svibnja 2014.
Satnije koje su sastavni dio pričuvnih snaga EUFOR-a stacioniranih izvan Bosne i Hercegovine sutra će početi dolaziti u BiH. To su ukupno tri satnije iz Austrije i Slovenije. One su prvobitno trebale biti raspoređene u BiH radi sudjelovanja u vježbi “Žurni odgovor 14” /Quick Response 14/, ali će sada, zbog situacije prouzrokovane nedavnim poplavama, zajedno sa Oružanim snagama BiH izvoditi akcije pružanja pomoći u otklanjanju posljedica prirodnih nesreća. Ove akcije se odvijaju pod nazivom “Operacija Združeni napor 14” /Operation Joint Effort 14/.
Tijekom nekoliko posljednjih tjedana, EUFOR je pružao humanitarnu pomoć vlastima BiH. Obavljeno je preko 200 helikopterskih evakuacija i evakuirano više od 800 ljudi. Predviđeno je da će dolazak satnija naših pričuvnih snaga predstavljati dodatnu pomoć onoj koju EUFOR već pruža obzirom na to da ćemo blisko surađivati sa Oružanim snagama BiH na pružanju humanitarne pomoći u narednim tjednima.

Immediate Medical Aid saved lives
EUFOR has been helping to evacuate the population affected by floods in BiH for six days now. Timely movement and care has been provided by medical personnel to injured and sick people. The EUFOR medical evacuation team, consisting of three doctors and two flight rescuers, has provided immediate medical aid on the evacuation flights of the EUFOR helicopters. Some 41 civilians, including children and the older people, have received emergency treatment and have been transported to hospitals.

Immediate Medical Aid saved lives
EUFOR has been helping to evacuate the population affected by floods in BiH for six days now. Timely movement and care has been provided by medical personnel to injured and sick people. The EUFOR medical evacuation team, consisting of three doctors and two flight rescuers, has provided immediate medical aid on the evacuation flights of the EUFOR helicopters. Some 41 civilians, including children and the older people, have received emergency treatment and have been transported to hospitals.

This morning (17th May) EUFOR rescue operations started with a medical evacuation and four more were executed during the day. Around 200 civilians were evacuated in 30 lifts until 4 pm this afternoon. “The older people, children and those who are already weakened and in a critical condition have priority”, said EUFOR Air Chief Lieutenant Colonel Christian Tesar. The flights will continue today until the sunset.

This morning EUFOR rescue operations started with a medical evacuation and four more were executed during the day. Around 200 civilians were evacuated in 30 lifts until 4 pm this afternoon. “The older people, children and those who are already weakened and in a critical condition have priority”, said EUFOR Air Chief Lieutenant Colonel Christian Tesar. The flights will continue today until the sunset.

While the main effort of EUFOR air operations yesterday was in the areas of Maglaj, Tuzla and Zenica, the focus of evacuations shifted today to the north of the country, namely to Samac, Doboj, Brcko District and Modrica. To increase the endurance and effectiveness of EUFOR air operations an additional helicopter refuelling point was established in Zenica.

Yesterday, 291 civilians were evacuated in 72 lifts with EUFOR Alouette and Black Hawk helicopters. During the night three trucks were transporting food, water and clothes to Maglaj where they assisted in the dissemination. They returned to Camp Butmir at 6 am this morning standing ready for further assistance to the BiH population.

A mission summary of today will follow in the morning.

Photo gallery...

Spokesperson:
Capt Nicolai Tschol
00387(0)33 495 147
00387(0)61491 366
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Nekoliko stotina ljudi spašeno helikopterima EUFOR-a
Jutros su EUFOR-ove operacije spašavanja počele izvođenjem jedne medicinske evakuacije, a tokom dana izvedene još četiri. Oko 200 civila je evakuirano tokom 30 letova do 04:00 sata danas poslijepodne. “Stari ljudi, djeca, iznemogle osobe i osobe u kritičnom stanju imaju prioritet”, izjavio je načelnik Zračnih operacija EUFOR-a pukovnik Christian Tesar. Danas će se letovi izvoditi sve do zalaska sunca.
Dok su jučerašnje zračne operacije EUFOR-a uglavnom bile fokusirane na područja Maglaja, Tuzle i Zenice, danas se fokus preusmjerio na evakuacije na sjeveru zemlje, tačnije Šamac, Doboj, Brčko Distrikt i Modriču. Da bi se povećala istrajnost i učinkovitost zračnih operacija EUFOR-a, u Zenici je uspostavljeno dodatno mjesto za snabdijevanje helikoptera gorivom.
Jučer je evakuirano 291 civila tokom 72 leta helikoptera EUFOR-a tipa “Alouette” i “Black Hawk”. Tokom noći tri kamiona su prevozila hranu, vodu i odjeću do Maglaja, gdje su pomogli pri daljnjoj raspodjeli. Jutros u 06:00 sati vratili su se u bazu Butmir, gdje se nalaze u stanju pripravnosti da i dalje pruže pomoć stanovništvu BiH.
Pregled današnjih aktivnosti će biti poslan sutra ujutro.


Неколико стотина људи спашено хеликоптерима ЕУФОР-а
Јутрос су ЕУФОР-ове операције спашавања почеле извођењем једне медицинске евакуације, а током дана изведене још четири. Око 200 цивила је евакуисано током 30 летова до 04:00 часа данас послијеподне. “Стари људи, дјеца, изнемогла лица и лица у критичном стању имају приоритет”, изјавио је начелник Ваздушних операција ЕУФОР-а пуковник Кристијан Тезар (Christian Tesar). Данас ће се летови изводити све до заласка сунца.
Док су јучерашње ваздушневаз операције ЕУФОР-а углавном биле фокусиране на подручја Маглаја, Тузле и Зенице, данас се фокус преусмјерио на евакуације на сјеверу земље, тачније Шамац, Добој, Брчко Дистрикт и Модричу. Да би се повећала истрајност и учинковитост ваздушних операција ЕУФОР-а, у Зеници је успостављено додатно мјесто за снабдијевање хеликоптера горивом.
Јуче је евакуисано 291 цивила током 72 лета хеликоптера ЕУФОР-а типа “Алует“ (Alouette) и “Blaк Хок“ (Black Hawk). Током ноћи три камиона су превозила храну, воду и одјећу до Маглаја, гдје су помогли при даљњој расподјели. Јутрос у 06:00 часова вратили су се у базу Бутмир, гдје се налазе у стању приправности да и даље пруже помоћ становништву БиХ.
Преглед данашњих активности ће бити послан сутра ујутро.


Nekoliko stotina ljudi spašeno helikopterima EUFOR-a
Jutros su EUFOR-ove operacije spašavanja započele izvođenjem jedne medicinske evakuacije, a tijekom dana izvedene još četiri. Oko 200 civila je evakuirano tokom 30 letova do 04:00 sata danas poslijepodne. “Stari ljudi, djeca, iznemogle osobe i osobe u kritičnom stanju imaju prioritet”, izjavio je načelnik Zračnih operacija EUFOR-a pukovnik Christian Tesar. Danas će se letovi izvoditi sve do zalaska sunca.
Dok su jučerašnje zračne operacije EUFOR-a uglavnom bile fokusirane na područja Maglaja, Tuzle i Zenice, danas se fokus preusmjerio na evakuacije na sjeveru zemlje, tačnije Šamac, Doboj, Brčko Distrikt i Modriču. Da bi se povećala istrajnost i učinkovitost zračnih operacija EUFOR-a, u Zenici je uspostavljeno dodatno mjesto za snabdijevanje helikoptera gorivom.
Jučer je evakuirano 291 civila tokom 72 leta helikoptera EUFOR-a tipa “Alouette” i “Black Hawk”. Tijekom noći tri kamiona su prevozila hranu, vodu i odjeću do Maglaja, gdje su pomogli pri daljnjoj raspodjeli. Jutros u 06:00 sati vratili su se u bazu Butmir, gdje se nalaze u stanju pripravnosti da i dalje pruže pomoć stanovništvu BiH.
Pregled današnjih aktivnosti bit će poslan sutra ujutro.

Today (16th May) around noon weather conditions improved and made air operations possible to support BiH authorities and the population. Four EUFOR helicopters are currently operating in the areas of Zenica, Maglaj, Tuzla and Samac to rescue dialysis patients, a pregnant woman and other people in severe emergency situations. The operations will continue, as requested through the Ministry of Security.

Today around noon weather conditions improved and made air operations possible to support BiH authorities and the population. Four EUFOR helicopters are currently operating in the areas of Zenica, Maglaj, Tuzla and Samac to rescue dialysis patients, a pregnant woman and other people in severe emergency situations. The operations will continue, as requested through the Ministry of Security.

EUFOR air assets remain on standby but low clouds still do not provide sufficient visibility to allow safe air operations. The conditions have also affected EUFOR troops across BiH; in particular the LOT house in Doboj was flooded and could not be evacuated yesterday.
EUFOR air operations are maintaining close contact with AFBiH who know the terrain in detail to coordinate possible evacuation operations today. As soon as weather conditions improve, EUFOR stands ready to start air operations with three helicopters, two of them equipped with winch systems. According to the latest weather forecast this is likely to happen later today.

This morning EUFOR received an official request from the Ministery of Security to assist in flood affected areas. EUFOR has been continuously monitoring the situation regarding floods since receiving first information and requests for providing support to local authorities.

A crisis team was established immediately in the EUFOR Headquarters to assist within available means and capabilities. Around 130 soldiers with vehicles are held on standby in Camp Butmir. All EUFOR helicopters are ready to operate pending suitable weather conditions since present conditions currently do not allow safe helicopter operations from Sarajevo. One reconnaissance flight was conducted but had to return to base due to the adverse situation.

EUFOR received an official request from BiH Ministry of Security this morning to assist BiH population because of the extensive flooding across the country.Currently EUFOR is in touch with the point of contact within the Ministry of Security to coordinate a possible EUFOR involvement within our means and capabilities. Additionally EUFOR LOT teams in Bosnia and Herzegovina are monitoring the situation at the worst affected areas and liaise with local agencies.
A media update will be released when new information is available.

Spokesperson:
Capt Nicolai Tschol
00387 (0)33 495 147
00387 (0)61491 366
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EUFOR je jutros od Ministarstva sigurnosti BiH primio zvaničnu molbu za pomoć stanovništvu BiH zbog velikih poplava širom zemlje.
Trenutno je EUFOR u kontaktu sa odgovarajućom osobom u Ministarstvu sigurnosti u cilju koordinacije eventualnog angažmana EUFOR-a sa svojim sredstvima i kapacitetima. Osim toga, LOT timovi EUFOR-a u Bosni i Hercegovini prate situaciju na najugroženijim područjima i održavaju vezu sa lokalnim vlastima.
Kada se dobiju nove informacije, izdaće se novo saopćenje za javnost.


ЕУФОР је јутрос од Министарства безбједности БиХ примио званичну молбу за помоћ становништву БиХ због великих поплава широм земље.
Тренутно је ЕУФОР у контакту са одговарајућим лицем у Министарству безбједности у циљу координације евентуалног ангажмана ЕУФОР-а са својим средствима и капацитетима. Осим тога, ЛОТ тимови ЕУФОР-а у Босни и Херцеговини прате ситуацију на најугроженијим подручјима и одржавају везу са локалним властима.
Када се добију нове информације, издаће се ново саопштење за јавност.


EUFOR je jutros od Ministarstva sigurnosti BiH primio zvaničnu molbu za pomoć stanovništvu BiH zbog velikih poplava širom zemlje.
Trenutačno je EUFOR u kontaktu sa odgovarajućom osobom u Ministarstvu sigurnosti u cilju koordinacije eventualnog angažmana EUFOR-a sa svojim sredstvima i kapacitetima. Osim toga, LOT timovi EUFOR-a u Bosni i Hercegovini prate situaciju na najugroženijim područjima i održavaju vezu sa lokalnim vlastima.
Kada se dobiju nove informacije, bit će izdato novo priopćenje.

On 9 May 2014, EUFOR Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Anrdras Szucs welcomed General Hulusi Akar, the Turkish Land Forces Commander in EUFOR Camp Butmir.

Brigadier General Andras Szucs welcomed General Akar in Camp Butmir. During the office call, the EUFOR Chief of Staff, thanked the Turkish General for the support to the EUFOR Mission. The two Generals also discussed the way ahead. Turkey is one of the troop contributing nations that is not member of the European Union.

On 9 May 2014, EUFOR Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Anrdras Szucs welcomed General Hulusi Akar, the Turkish Land Forces Commander in EUFOR Camp Butmir.
Brigadier General Andras Szucs welcomed General Akar in Camp Butmir. During the office call, the EUFOR Chief of Staff, thanked the Turkish General for the support to the EUFOR Mission. The two Generals also discussed the way ahead. Turkey is one of the troop contributing nations that is not member of the European Union.

On 5 – 7 May 2014, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, the European Forces Operation Althea Commander, is visiting EUFOR Camp Butmir and BiH
This is General Bradshaw’s first visit to BiH since taking over as the new Commander of the European Union lead Operation EUFOR Althea from General Sir Richard Shirreff. General Sir Adrian John Bradshaw (born 1958) is a very experienced British Army officer and the current Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

On 5 – 7 May 2014, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, the European Forces Operation Althea Commander, is visiting EUFOR Camp Butmir and BiH
This is General Bradshaw’s first visit to BiH since taking over as the new Commander of the European Union lead Operation EUFOR Althea from General Sir Richard Shirreff. General Sir Adrian John Bradshaw (born 1958) is a very experienced British Army officer and the current Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

Weapons and Ammunition management is one of the most important tasks for EUFOR’s Joint Military Affairs Branch (JMA) and EUFOR’s Capacity Building and Training Division (CBTD). There is a major effort to reduce the quantity of Weapons and Ammunition Storage Sites in BiH, so it is necessary to have and to train the best professionals in this field.

EUFOR Chief of Staff, Brigadier General András Szűcs began a tour of seven visits to meet with his 10 Embedded Advisory Teams (EATs) around BiH on 29 April 2014. These EATs are small groups of advisors who work in close coordination with their counterparts from the Armed Forces of BiH (AF BiH) in various organizations, embedded to the force structure of AF BiH at Joint Staff level down to the brigades. They are part of EUFOR’s main effort working on Partnership Goals to build and improve the capacity of the AF BiH on a wide variety of military capabilities.
There are two teams at the AF BiH Joint Staff HQ in Sarajevo one of which is the so called ‘Lessons Learned’ EAT, where two Polish staff officers work on implementing Lessons Learned doctrines and systems for AF BiH.

From 07 to 17 April 2014, a EUFOR Turkish contingent Mobile Mentoring Team mentored a 9-day Information and Network Security Course, which was successfully conducted by instructors from the BiH Armed Forces. This course was the fifth of 11 CIS courses planned for 2014 and had 14 participants from different units of AF BiH.

On 16 April 2014, in Army Hall, Sarajevo, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between EUFOR and the BiH Ministry of Defence.
This MOU is now the principal agreement that provides the framework for co-operation between EUFOR and the MoD / Armed Forces of BiH and it consolidates and streamlines 9 previous agreements between these two parties.
It has taken almost two years to reach this stage but should bring immediate advantages to the working relationship, especially with EUFOR’s capacity building and training programme for the Armed Forces and the common training serial ‘Quick Response’ between EUFOR and the Armed Forces in June of this year.

On 16 April 2014, in Army Hall, Sarajevo, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between EUFOR and the BiH Ministry of Defence
This MOU is now the principal agreement that provides the framework for co-operation between EUFOR and the MoD / Armed Forces of BiH and it consolidates and streamlines 9 previous agreements between these two parties.

BiH still has one of the most severe land mine problems in the world. This affects the economy and development of the country in many ways but especially with tourism. EUFOR is often seen as being responsible for the mine clearance in this country, but it is not. The responsibility is with the BiH authorities.
At state level, the BiH Demining Law regulates the Demining Commission, the central body responsible for the removal of mine risk in BiH within the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and its technical body is the BiH Mine Action Center (BHMAC).

BiH still has one of the most severe land mine problems in the world. This affects the economy and development of the country in many ways but especially with tourism. EUFOR is often seen as being responsible for the mine clearance in this country, but it is not. The responsibility is with the BiH authorities.
At state level, the BiH Demining Law regulates the Demining Commission, the central body responsible for the removal of mine risk in BiH within the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and its technical body is the BiH Mine Action Center (BHMAC).

On 28th March 2014, the Bi-monthly CBTD meeting took place in Camp BUTMIR. The aim of the meeting was the revision of the goals reached during the last two months, as well as the way for the near future regarding training activities. All members of Capacity Building and Training Division (CBTD), including the Embedded Advisory Teams (EATs), attended the meeting, as well as representatives from NATO and the Armed Forces of BiH (AF BiH) Joint Staff.

On 3rd April 2014, the Turkish Company of the EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion has been honoured for its commitment in the theatre by holding a medal parade for its soldiers. Under the presence of COM EUFOR, General Dieter Heidecker 112 Turkish soldiers were decorated with “The European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Service Medal Operation Althea”.

From 07 – 11 April 2014, a platoon of the EUFOR Turkish Contingent Multinational Battalion conducted combined training with a platoon of the 1st Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Brigade of the Armed Forces of BiH in Dubrave, the former SFOR/EUFOR Eagle Base.

From 07 – 11 April 2014, a platoon of the EUFOR Turkish Contingent Multinational Battalion conducted combined training with a platoon of the 1st Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Brigade of the Armed Forces of BiH in Dubrave, the former SFOR/EUFOR Eagle Base.

Today, 4th April, is International Mine Action Day and this is especially important for BiH. It is estimated that there are still around 120,000 mines spread across 9,400 locations in BiH and this is a threat to 540,000 citizens or 15% of the population.

Today, 4 April, is International Mine Action Day and this is especially important for BiH. It is estimated that there are still around 120,000 mines spread across 9,400 locations in BiH and this is a threat to 540,000 citizens or 15% of the population.

Today, 4th April, is International Mine Action Day and this is especially important for BiH. It is estimated that there are still around 120,000 mines spread across 9,400 locations in BiH and this is a threat to 540,000 citizens or 15% of the population.

On 29 and 30 Mar 2014, the Hungarian Chief of Defence, General Tibor Benkő, visited EUFOR at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.
During the visit, General Benkő met with the Commander of EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, and the Commander of NATO HQ Sarajevo, Brigadier General Merle Hart, and visited the 160 strong Hungarian contingent currently serving with EUFOR in Operation Althea.

On 29 and 30 Mar 2014, the Hungarian Chief of Defence, General Tibor Benkő, visited EUFOR at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.
During the visit, General Benkő met with the Commander of EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, and the Commander of NATO HQ Sarajevo, Brigadier General Merle Hart, and visited the 160 strong Hungarian contingent currently serving with EUFOR in Operation Althea.

On 29 and 30 Mar 2014, the Hungarian Chief of Defence, General Tibor Benkő, visited EUFOR at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.
During the visit, General Benkő met with the Commander of EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, and the Commander of NATO HQ Sarajevo, Brigadier General Merle Hart, and visited the 160 strong Hungarian contingent currently serving with EUFOR in Operation Althea.

General Benkő also attended a presentation from the Chief of EUFOR’s Capacity Building Branch, Hungarian Lt Col Zoltan Roth, on EUFOR’s work on the capacity building and training of the Armed Forces of BiH. This is EUFOR’s main focus to enable AF BiH to move towards Euro-Atlantic integration.

Before he departed BiH, General Benkő also visited the Tunnel of Hope in Butmir, widely known as ‘the tunnel that saved Sarajevo’.

 

Camp Butmir, 18th March 2014
The Turkish Armed Forces are one of the biggest troop contributors for EUFOR. It is not only manpower that is provided, but also equipment and among this, high tech materiel for communications.

On 27th of March, during their stay in BiH, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary, Dr. János Martonyi and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Austria, Sebastian Kurz, took the opportunity to visit the Commander of EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker and their respective troop contingents.

On 27th of March, during their stay in BiH, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary, Dr. János Martonyi and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Austria, Sebastian Kurz, took the opportunity to visit the Commander of EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker and their respective troop contingents.

On 14 March 2014 a transfer of authority ceremony of the Spanish contingent in Bosnia-Herzegovina (BiH) took place in Travnik.
It was presided over by TRADOC´s commander, Brigadier Robert Susac, and also attended by Brigadier Skrijelj, chief of Training Division.

During the military ceremony the eighth rotation of the Embedded Advisory Team TRADOC Improvement (EAT-TI) took over from the seventh rotation. Lieutenant Colonel Pablo Moreno Galdós carried out the actual transfer of authority to Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Luzón Muniesa, who will command EAT-TI 8 for the next six months.

A Turkish Mobile Mentoring Team, from EUFOR’s Capacity Building and Training Division, mentored Armed Forces of BiH (AF BiH) instructors in a 10 day Cellular Radio Communications Course which took place from 3 to 14 February 2014. This course was the third in a cycle of 11 Communication and Information Systems (CIS) courses planned for 2014.

The aim of this course, which was attended by 15 Non Commissioned Officers from different AF BiH units, was to mentor CIS Instructors from AF BiH.

On February 24th 2014, the command of the Multinational Battalion of EUFOR was handed over in Camp Butmir in Sarajevo. At the ceremony the commanding officer of EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, transferred the flag of the Battalion, symbolizing the power of command, from the outgoing commander Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Blasch to the new commander, Lieutenant Colonel Harald Scharf.

On February 24th 2014, the command of the Multinational Battalion of EUFOR was handed over in Camp Butmir in Sarajevo. At the ceremony the commanding officer of EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, transferred the flag of the Battalion, symbolizing the power of command, from the outgoing commander Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Blasch to the new commander, Lieutenant Colonel Harald Scharf.

On 10th March 2014, EUFOR conducted a conference titled ‘Gender in the Defence Sector’ in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. The aim of the conference, opened by EUFOR Chief of Staff, Brigadier General András Szücs, was to discuss experiences in gender issues. In 2012, the Armed Forces of BiH (AF BiH) started to appoint “Gender Focal Points”, and in 2013 they developed and introduced the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) throughout the AF BiH structure. Gender Focal Points are persons in the AF BiH who advise commanders and others to assure that all soldiers are treated in the same way, regardless of their sex.

On 10th March 2014, EUFOR conducted a conference titled ‘Gender in the Defence Sector’ in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. The aim of the conference, opened by EUFOR Chief of Staff, Brigadier General András Szücs, was to discuss experiences in gender issues.

The Multinational Battalion of the EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH) consists of a Turkish and a Hungarian infantry coy and a staff of Turkish, Hungarian and Austrian soldiers. On the 5th of March the battalion commander, Lt.Col. Harald Scharf inspected the mission-readiness of the Hungarian infantry coy, which has been in the theatre since January this year.

The Multinational Battalion of the EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH) consists of a Turkish and a Hungarian infantry coy and a staff of Turkish, Hungarian and Austrian soldiers. On the 5th of March the battalion commander, Lt.Col. Harald Scharf inspected the mission-readiness of the Hungarian infantry coy, which has been in the theatre since January this year.

A Series of combined trainings started mid of February

During the period from 17 to 21 of February one platoon from the Multinational Battalion/EUFOR and one platoon from the 6th Infantry Brigade/AFBiH took part in the combined training in Kozara/Manjaca. This training was the first training in a series of 9 planned for 2014. The main topic was Force Protection, in detail security on the main gate, action in attacking on main gate with sniper fire, procedures and rules of communication, procedures for requesting assistance and reinforcement to the main gate and procedures and rules of communication.

18 Feb 20114, Camp DUBRAVE
They are nearly invisible, silent and continuous. Day by day the EOD companies Armed Forces beneath several NGOs work under extremely difficult circumstances in order to remove and clear the deadly threat in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

AFBiH 2013 Training Conference took place in Sarajevo on 13 February 2014. The AFBiH Training Conference is a regular, planned activity of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with clearly defined goals:
To present results of the training conducted in 2013 by all AFBiH command and control levels, To consider all aspects of functionality of the training process and challenges that AFBiH commands and units encounter in that process,

To define specific proposals and measures for improvement and upgrade of the training system in the AFBiH for the upcoming period.

AFBiH 2013 Training Conference took place in Sarajevo on 13 February 2014. The AFBiH Training Conference is a regular, planned activity of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with clearly defined goals:
To present results of the training conducted in 2013 by all AFBiH command and control levels, To consider all aspects of functionality of the training process and challenges that AFBiH commands and units encounter in that process,

When Lt Col Tom van Breda ends his tour here in EUFOR Althea, he will be coming to the end of a 34 year military career, as this is also his last posting before retiring from the Royal Netherlands Army. Lt Col van Breda is currently the Senior Staff Advisor at the Joint Staff of AF BiH but he first deployed to the Balkans in 1992 during the war. At that time he worked as a monitor in the European Community Monitor Mission (ECMM) ensuring the compliance of the Vance-Owen Plan, specifically the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the warring factions. He was deployed with the so-called Krajinas, from Knin to Vukovar, but also in the area around the IEBL (Inter-Entity Border Line), where he survived two airstrikes from a Mig-21!

In 1999 he was back in the Balkans, appointed to HQ SFOR in Ilidza, Sarajevo as Chief of Admin and Special Projects for the Engineer Branch. At that time he also chaired the NATO Board of Inquiry and managed to retrieve a few vehicles, a complete kitchen and several digital cameras that had went missing! Later in that tour he was one of a few personnel who were tasked to prepare the Balkan Summit in Sarajevo, which was attended by several world leaders including former US President, Bill Clinton.

In 2001 van Breda was deployed to Tuzla in the Multi National Division. Along with his driver he was the only Dutch officer serving with the 3rd US Infantry Division. This unit was replaced by the 29th Division, lead by Major General Blum, and after the 9/11 terrorist attack on the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York took place at this time, the whole daily routine of that unit changed radically.

In 2013 Lt Col van Breda was supposed to go to South Sudan to serve with UNMISS but due to UN regulations he did not get permission for this. Lt Col van Breda was not too concerned with this as this meant a return to Sarajevo, where he now works as the Senior Staff Advisor at the Joint Staff AF BiH in down-town Sarajevo. Among many other projects, he has recently been involved in the development of the new working methods to build the capacity of AF BiH by using projects, a proposal which was positively received in Brussels when he introduced it last year. As a result of this initiative, all the Embedded Advisory Teams (EATs) are now drafting their projects based on the AF BiH needs under the supervision of the Capacity Building Branch management team. Lt Col van Breda began his long career in the Royal Netherlands Army as an Air Defence Officer in 1980 and besides holding many troop commanding posts he has also been deployed at staff level several times. His last position was with “1 German/Netherland Corps G3” in Münster, Germany, where although primarily responsible for Air Space Management, he also designed several high level exercises.

During his 34 year career, apart from a number of tours to the BALKANS, he was also deployed operationally to IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN and RWANDA. After this mission Lt Col van Breda will retire from the Royal Netherlands Army after 34 years of service and run his own Training, Advisory and Consultancy company for business managers and governmental organizations and continue with other interests he has, outside of the military, such as with his membership of the Board of Advisors at FREEDOMLAB future studies in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

On 25 Feb 14, the EUFOR Chief of Staff Handover Takeover Ceremony took place at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, where Brigadier General József Szpisják handed over the EUFOR Chief of Staff Role to Brigadier General András Szűcs, both of whom serve with the Hungarian Army.

On 25 Feb 14, the EUFOR Chief of Staff Handover Takeover Ceremony took place at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, where Brigadier General József Szpisják handed over the EUFOR Chief of Staff Role to Brigadier General András Szűcs, both of whom serve with the Hungarian Army.

On 25 Feb 14, the EUFOR Chief of Staff Handover Takeover Ceremony took place at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, where Brigadier General József Szpisják handed over the EUFOR Chief of Staff Role to Brigadier General András Szűcs, both of whom serve with the Hungarian Army.

Brigadier General Szpisják said that he would be sorry to leave BiH and that when he arrived a year ago, he found a mission tailored EUFOR HQ with motivated well trained officers, NCOs and civilians, serving under an excellent commander, Major General Dieter Heidecker.

Regarding NATO HQ Sarajevo, BG Szpisják said:
“Supporting BiH and her Armed Forces were the mutual tasks of EUFOR and NATO and I thank NATO’s Brigadier General Hart and his team for their friendship too.”

On the 18 February 2014, at EUFOR Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, a Farewell Parade was held for the ‘4 star’ EUFOR Althea Operation Commander, General Sir Richard Shirreff. Attendees included the incoming Operation Commander, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw and the Commander of EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker.

General Shirreff has held the role of NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe since March 2011 and is therefore the EUFOR Althea Operation Commander and has regularly visited BiH to meet politicians from all sides in the country.

On the 18 February 2014, at EUFOR Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, a Farewell Parade was held for the ‘4 star’ EUFOR Althea Operation Commander, General Sir Richard Shirreff. Attendees included the incoming Operation Commander, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw and the Commander of EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker.

On the 18 February 2014, at EUFOR Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, a Farewell Parade was held for the ‘4 star’ EUFOR Althea Operation Commander, General Sir Richard Shirreff. Attendees included the incoming Operation Commander, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw and the Commander of EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker.

On 6th March 2014 took place at Camp Butmir, with representatives of the AF BiH and Capacity Building and Training as participants. The goal of the Capacity Building and Training Needs Assessment and Roadmap Agreement meeting was to assess the needs and gaps of the Armed Forces BiH in the field of training, in order to elaborate a roadmap for 2015 and 2016.

With a series of conferences, held from 4th to 7th of February in Camp Butmir and at the Armed Forces of BiH (AF BiH) Military Base in Dubrave near Tuzla, EUFOR and the AF BiH launched the detailed planning of forthcoming exercises that will be held in early June of this year.

The first Armed Forces of BiH (AF BiH) and EUFOR CIS Conference, which took place in Camp Butmir on 28 Jan 2014, was a success for both AF BiH and EUFOR. The conference was organized by EUFOR Capacity Building and Training Division (CBTD) and chaired by the Training Chief, Lt Col Johan Bouhuys. This conference was a milestone for the last year of CBT and was attended by AF BiH representatives from different BiH entities including Joint Staff, Operational Command, Support Command, Tactical Support Brigade, 4/5/6 Infantry Brigade, Signal Battalion, Air Force and Air Defense and TRADOC.

On 3 February 2014, a Bilateral Support Cooperation Forum was held in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo for stakeholders involved with building the capacity of the Armed Forces of BiH (AF BiH). The purpose of the forum was for these stakeholders to share best practice, to increase cooperation and communication with each other and to support each other in their capacity building activities for AF BiH. The forum was initiated by the Defence Attachés (DAs) of nations supporting AF BiH and was hosted by EUFOR. Attendees included Defence Attachés (DAs) from supporting nations, personnel from EUFOR and NATO HQ Sarajevo (NHQ Sa) and members of AF BiH.

On 3 February 2014, a Bilateral Support Cooperation Forum was held in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo for stakeholders involved with building the capacity of the Armed Forces of BiH (AF BiH). The purpose of the forum was for these stakeholders to share best practice, to increase cooperation and communication with each other and to support each other in their capacity building activities for AF BiH. The forum was initiated by the Defence Attachés (DAs) of nations supporting AF BiH and was hosted by EUFOR. Attendees included Defence Attachés (DAs) from supporting nations, personnel from EUFOR and NATO HQ Sarajevo (NHQ Sa) and members of AF BiH.

From 13-24 January 2014, two NCO instructors from the Armed Forces of BiH (AF BIH) and a EUFOR Turkish contingent Mobile Monitoring Team (MMT) conducted a ten day Microwave & Satellite Communications course for members of AF BiH. This course was the first CIS training course in a series of 11 planned for the 2014. There were 13 trainees on the course, three officers and ten NCOs, which took place at the Tactical Support Brigade Barracks in Rajlovac.

Building the capacity of the transport structure in the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AF BiH) to meet the current requirements and interoperability with the Armed Forces of other countries is one of the tasks of EUFOR.
Movement Control Specialists from EUFOR’s JMA and the Polish Mobile Mentoring Team (MMT) organized a course for AF BiH transportation personnel in the AF BiH Movement Coordination Centre in Doboj. The aim of this course is to train AF BiH transportation personnel in the field of NATO military transport procedures and the group consisted of eight officers and one NCO from different AF BiH units.

The Chairman of the European Union Military Committee (CEUMC), General Patrick de Rousiers, is visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and HQ EUFOR Althea between 27th and 28th January 2014. General de Rousiers chairs the EU Military Committee (EUMC), which is the highest military committee within the European Council, and responsible for providing the Political and Security Committee (PSC) with advice and recommendations on all military matters affecting the EU.

The Chairman of the European Union Military Committee (CEUMC), General Patrick de Rousiers, is visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and HQ EUFOR Althea between 27th and 28th January 2014. General de Rousiers chairs the EU Military Committee (EUMC), which is the highest military committee within the European Council, and responsible for providing the Political and Security Committee (PSC) with advice and recommendations on all military matters affecting the EU.

One of the tasks of EUFOR, is to train Armed Forces of BiH (AF BiH) personnel to work in the transportation branch, to improve the capacity of AF BiH and to enable greater interoperability with the Armed Forces of other nations.
To this end, the Polish Mobile Mentoring Team (MMT) organized a training course at the AF BiH Movement Coordination Centre (MCC) in Doboj from 28 Jan to 24 Dec 2013. The instructors were AF BiH officers from MCC in Doboj who themselves were mentored by the Polish MMT in a tailored Train the Trainer course.

The EUFOR Capacity Building & Training (CB&T) Branch began 2014 with the launch of the CIS Microwave & Satellite Communications Course for members of the Armed Forces of BiH (AF BiH). The course commenced on 13 January 2014 at the Tactical Support Brigade in Rajlovac and will be completed by 24 January 2014.

On 12 January 2014, the State Secretary of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Ministry of Defence, Mr Sasho Stefanovski, visited Monument Park in Camp Butmir to remember the 6th anniversary of the helicopter crash, where 11 members of the Macedonian contingent of EUFOR died. EUFOR formed a Guard of Honour to pay their respects to those who lost their lives.
Mr Sasho also attended an office call with Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, and visited the Camp Butmir Medical Centre, which is staffed by Macedonian Armed Forces personnel.

On 12 January 2014, the State Secretary of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Ministry of Defence, Mr Sasho Stefanovski, visited Monument Park in Camp Butmir to remember the 6th anniversary of the helicopter crash, where 11 members of the Macedonian contingent of EUFOR died. EUFOR formed a Guard of Honour to pay their respects to those who lost their lives.
Mr Sasho also attended an office call with Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, and visited the Camp Butmir Medical Centre, which is staffed by Macedonian Armed Forces personnel.

On 20 December 2013, Lieutenant-General André Blattmann, paid a visit to EUFOR Headquarters in Camp BUTMIR, SARAJEVO. As Chief of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General André Blattmann is responsible for command and control of the Swiss Armed Forces and their development. He directs the Land Forces and the Air Force, the Armed Forces College, the Logistics Organisation, the Command Support Organisation as well as the Armed Forces Staff and the Armed Forces Joint Staff.

On 20 December 2013, Lieutenant-General André Blattmann, paid a visit to EUFOR Headquarters in Camp BUTMIR, SARAJEVO. As Chief of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General André Blattmann is responsible for command and control of the Swiss Armed Forces and their development. He directs the Land Forces and the Air Force, the Armed Forces College, the Logistics Organisation, the Command Support Organisation as well as the Armed Forces Staff and the Armed Forces Joint Staff.

On 17 December 2014, Brigadier General Amador Enseñat y Berea arrived in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in order pay a visit to EUFOR Mission ALTHEA and the Spanish members of Mission Althea. Before attending an office call with the Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, he first paid a visit to the AF BiH Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) located in TRAVINK, where he met with the 7 Spanish Embedded Advisory Team (EAT) members working in the BiH TRADOC. They briefed Brig Gen Enseñat on their on-going activities, projects and scope of operations and their involved in the daily operations of the departments on training and doctrine by providing assistance and advice to local officers in their duties and tasks, such as the development of doctrinal publications, preparation for exercises and courses for AF BiH personnel. The Spanish team has been working in the TRADOC since 2010 and its activities are highly valued by the local military personnel.

On 16 December 2013, a medal parade was held for the Austrian and Hungarian soldiers of EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion (MNBN) who will soon conclude their tour of duty with Operation ALTHEA and their Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Christoph Blasch. The parade, commanded by Major Andras Palatinus, commenced with the traditional marching in of the colours of the MNBN, followed by an inspection of the troops by the Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker and the raising of the EU flag.

On 16 December 2013, a medal parade was held for the Austrian and Hungarian soldiers of EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion (MNBN) who will soon conclude their tour of duty with Operation ALTHEA and their Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Christoph Blasch. The parade, commanded by Major Andras Palatinus, commenced with the traditional marching in of the colours of the MNBN, followed by an inspection of the troops by the Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker and the raising of the EU flag.

Major General Dieter Heidecker will remain in post for a further 12 months in Bosnia and Herzegovina as Commander EUFOR. The Operation Commander, General Sir Richard Shirreff, confirmed the Austrian General in his post and congratulated him for his leadership and successes with EUFOR over the past year. General Heidecker took over the command of EUFOR Operation Althea on 3 December 2012 from his predecessor Major General Robert Brieger who was also an Austrian General.

Major General Dieter Heidecker will remain in post for a further 12 months in Bosnia and Herzegovina as Commander EUFOR. The Operation Commander, General Sir Richard Shirreff, confirmed the Austrian General in his post and congratulated him for his leadership and successes with EUFOR over the past year. General Heidecker took over the command of EUFOR Operation Althea on 3 December 2012 from his predecessor Major General Robert Brieger who was also an Austrian General.

Major General Dieter Heidecker will remain in post for a further 12 months in Bosnia and Herzegovina as Commander EUFOR. The Operation Commander, General Sir Richard Shirreff, confirmed the Austrian General in his post and congratulated him for his leadership and successes with EUFOR over the past year. General Heidecker took over the command of EUFOR Operation Althea on 3 December 2012 from his predecessor Major General Robert Brieger who was also an Austrian General.

On 10 December 2013 it was time for Colonel (GS) Klaus Jäger to hand over his responsibilities to his successor Colonel (GS) Dieter MUHR. Colonel Jäger, in the course of the last six months, not only was in charge of the Joint Military Affairs (JMA) branch but he was also the Austrian Senior National Representative (SNR) and National Contingent Commander (NCC), and therefore responsible for the entire Austrian National Element (AUTNE) and the presently 200 Austrian military personnel serving with EUFOR Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

On 10 December 2013 it was time for Colonel (GS) Klaus Jäger to hand over his responsibilities to his successor Colonel (GS) Dieter MUHR. Colonel Jäger, in the course of the last six months, not only was in charge of the Joint Military Affairs (JMA) branch but he was also the Austrian Senior National Representative (SNR) and National Contingent Commander (NCC), and therefore responsible for the entire Austrian National Element (AUTNE) and the presently 200 Austrian military personnel serving with EUFOR Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

The mission of the Multinational Battalion (MNBN), stationed in Camp BUTMIR in SARAJEVO, is to be prepared to conduct operations autonomously or in support of the BiH authorities or European Union/International Community Agencies in Theatre when requested, in order to maintain a safe and secure environment (SASE). It is the only international military maneuver unit operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), presently made up of two Motorized Infantry Companies from Hungary and Turkey and an Austrian led Battalion HQ.

The mission of the Multinational Battalion (MNBN), stationed in Camp BUTMIR in SARAJEVO, is to be prepared to conduct operations autonomously or in support of the BiH authorities or European Union/International Community Agencies in Theatre when requested, in order to maintain a safe and secure environment (SASE). It is the only international military maneuver unit operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), presently made up of two Motorized Infantry Companies from Hungary and Turkey and an Austrian led Battalion HQ.

On Tuesday the 5th of November 2013, the EUFOR members from Slovak contingent in the Operation ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina provided assistance to a married couple who crashed their car near to Visegrad.
Captain Vladimir Toth and Sergeant 1st Class Juraj Stelbacky from the Slovakian Liaison and Observation Team (LOT) Visegrad witnessed the accident. The driver of the car lost control due to the wet weather conditions which overturned onto its roof.

On 18 November 2013, Anne-Marie Esper Larsen, the newly appointed representative of the United Nations Agency for gender equality and for women empowerment in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UN Women in BiH), met with the Commander of EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, at the EUFOR Headquarters in Camp Butmir.
The UN and EUFOR share the same goal when it comes to improving the position of women in the area of peace and security in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325. UNSCR 1325 and subsequent resolutions reaffirm the important and indispensible role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peace-building, peacekeeping, and post-conflict reconstruction. These resolutions also underline the importance of women’s equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security.

On 13 November, the Peace Support Operations Training Centre (PSOTC) in cooperation with EUFOR opened a conference on Gender in the Security Sector of BIH. The aim of the conference, which will take place over two days, is to ‘Strengthen the Gender Perspective within the security sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina’. The conference was opened with statements from Mr. Zekerijah Osmić, BIH Minister of Defense, Major General Dieter Heidecker, the Commander of EUFOR, Major General Anto Jeleč, Chief of the Joint Staff of the AF BiH and Lieutenant Colonel Rob Tomlinson MBE the UK Defense Attaché.

On 06 and 07 November 2013 the 7th Joint EUFOR/Armed Force of Bosnia & Herzegovina Engineering Conference was conducted inside Camp BUTMIR, HQ EUFOR. The aim of the Conference was to establish and agree on the necessary foundations for the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AF BiH) to progress towards engineering inter-operability and a self-sustaining engineering training programme.

On the morning of 30 October 2013, the Austrian Federal President, His Excellency Dr Heinz Fischer, arrived in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) for an official visit on board of a military aircraft C-130 Hercules at Sarajevo International Airport.
The Austrian President was accompanied by a delegation headed by Austria's Minister of Defence and Sports, Gerald Klug, and including Lieutenant General Bernhard Bair, Deputy Chief of General Staff and Brigadier General Dr. Johann Frank, Head of Division for Security Political Analysis.

On the 10th October 2013, Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, welcomed General Necdet Özel, the Chief of the Turkish General Staff who is on an official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), to EUFOR HQ, Camp Butmir in SARAJEVO.
During an Office Call the Generals discussed the overall security situation in the country and the wider region, EUFOR’s activities in delivering the overarching European Security and Defence Policy mission in BiH and the recent training activities by EUFOR personnel with the Armed Forces of BiH as part of the Capacity Building and Training programme.

On 12 September 2013, EUFOR’s two-week “Exercise Quick Response 2” climaxed with a Distinguished Visitors Day (DVD) at the BiH Army Barracks in LIVAČ.
The event began with a Press Conference which included the Minister of Defense for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Minister Zekerijah Osmić, the Head of the European Union Command Element Lieutenant (Lt) General Leonardo di Marco, the Commander of EUFOR Major General Dieter Heidecker and the Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AF BiH) Major General Anto Jeleč.

On 12 September 2013, EUFOR’s two-week “Exercise Quick Response 2” climaxed with a Distinguished Visitors Day (DVD) at the BiH Army Barracks in LIVAČ.
The event began with a Press Conference which included the Minister of Defense for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Minister Zekerijah Osmić, the Head of the European Union Command Element Lieutenant (Lt) General Leonardo di Marco, the Commander of EUFOR Major General Dieter Heidecker and the Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AF BiH) Major General Anto Jeleč.

On 12 September 2013, EUFOR’s two-week “Exercise Quick Response 2” climaxed with a Distinguished Visitors Day (DVD) at the BiH Army Barracks in LIVAČ.
The event began with a Press Conference which included the Minister of Defense for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Minister Zekerijah Osmić, the Head of the European Union Command Element Lieutenant (Lt) General Leonardo di Marco, the Commander of EUFOR Major General Dieter Heidecker and the Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AF BiH) Major General Anto Jeleč.

On 07 September 2013, members of the Intermediate Reserve (IR) Force under the leadership of the Commander of the Multinational Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Christoph BLASCH, and under the watchful and critical eyes of Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, and Chief of Staff EUFOR, Brigadier General József Szpisják, underwent the final test before having proven their “Full Operational Capability”.

On 07 September 2013, members of the Intermediate Reserve (IR) Force under the leadership of the Commander of the Multinational Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Christoph BLASCH, and under the watchful and critical eyes of Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, and Chief of Staff EUFOR, Brigadier General József Szpisják, underwent the final test before having proven their “Full Operational Capability”.

On 5 September 2013, Major General Dieter Heidecker the EUFOR Commander visited RAJLOVAC barracks, SARAJEVO to inspect the training taking place as part of the Integration Phase for Exercise Quick Response 2. Quick Response 2 is part of the EUFOR’s annual training regime and rehearses the activation, deployment and integration of over the horizon forces (Intermediate Reserve Companies) into the EUFOR structure and demonstrates EUFOR’s ability to maintain the Safe and Secure Environment.

On 5 September 2013, Major General Dieter Heidecker the EUFOR Commander visited RAJLOVAC barracks, SARAJEVO to inspect the training taking place as part of the Integration Phase for Exercise Quick Response 2. Quick Response 2 is part of the EUFOR’s annual training regime and rehearses the activation, deployment and integration of over the horizon forces (Intermediate Reserve Companies) into the EUFOR structure and demonstrates EUFOR’s ability to maintain the Safe and Secure Environment.

From 30th August 2013, soldiers from the European Reserve Forces of Slovakia and Austria will be arriving in Bosnia and Herzegovina to conduct integration training with the EUFOR Multi-national battalion and also practice Peace Support Operations with the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

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On 20 August 2013 the Outgoing Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Alfred STEINGRESZ, relinquished command of EUFOR’s Multinational Maneuver Battalion (MNBN) to his Austrian compatriot Lieutenant Colonel Christoph BLASCH. With this transfer, the unit's future performance and the accomplishment of the MNBN mission and the welfare of the troops has become the responsibility of Lt Col Blasch.

On 20 August 2013 the Outgoing Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Alfred STEINGRESZ, relinquished command of EUFOR’s Multinational Maneuver Battalion (MNBN) to his Austrian compatriot Lieutenant Colonel Christoph BLASCH. With this transfer, the unit's future performance and the accomplishment of the MNBN mission and the welfare of the troops has become the responsibility of Lt Col Blasch.

After learning that that Mr. Hamid Bašagić died yesterday in BIHAC hospital as a result of injuries sustained during a car accident involving a EUFOR vehicle, Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker today sent a letter of condolence and sympathy to the wife of the deceased.

SARAJEVO, August 10th – One local person was seriously injured when a civil passenger car and a EUFOR vehicle crashed this morning at 10:00 hours on the road exiting the town of CAZIN in north-western Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).
The injured person, a 32 year old male from BiH, was taken to the local hospital but then further transferred to BIHAC hospital for medical treatment. His condition is reported as not life threatening. None of passengers of the EUFOR car were injured in this car accident.

New faces in Camp BUTMIR
Those who frequently visit EUFOR’s Camp BUTMIR in SARAJEVO will surely have noticed many new faces and quite an increase in the number of Hungarian soldiers. The reason is that the soldiers of the Austrian Infantry Company, who were part of the Multinational Battalion (MNBN), have recently been replaced by Hungarian military personnel. Austrian and Hungarian combat units took part in the EUFOR “Althea” Peace Support Operation (PSO) since the beginning and served together as part of one military unit perfectly well some years. 

EUFOR, the European Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), currently consists of soldiers from twenty-three different nations, out of which five are from non-EU member states. One of them is from Latin-America, namely Chile, a country some 14,000 kilometres away from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since 2003, more than four-hundred Chilean soldiers were deployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina with up to 55 personnel at a time in the initial phases. Chile is very proud to be the only Latin-American country working together with the EUFOR troops as Chile is particularly interested in international cooperation and considers EUFOR playing an important role within BiH.

On 16 Jul 13, the current Austrian troops held at readiness inside EUFOR’s Camp Butmir, SARAJEVO were replaced by a new contingent of Hungarian soldiers.
In accordance with Annex 1A of the Dayton Peace Accord and reviewed on an annual basis (currently UN Security Council Resolution 2074), EUFOR holds a mandate to ensure that the Safe and Secure Environment (SASE) is maintained in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

On 16 Jul 13, the current Austrian troops held at readiness inside EUFOR’s Camp Butmir, SARAJEVO were replaced by a new contingent of Hungarian soldiers.
In accordance with Annex 1A of the Dayton Peace Accord and reviewed on an annual basis (currently UN Security Council Resolution 2074), EUFOR holds a mandate to ensure that the Safe and Secure Environment (SASE) is maintained in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

On 16 July 2013 members of the EUFOR LOT house in BRCKO organized the donation of 5 Zimmer frames to the local Red Cross office to help people with temporary and permanent mobility issues.
In a small ceremony, and in the presence of local media, in front of the Red Cross office in the BRCKO District, members of the EUFOR LOT House handed over 5 walking frames or “Zimmer” frames to the Red Cross Office Manager Denis ŠEHANOVIĆ.

July 13 saw a new Hungarian Company join the Multinational Battalion, EUFOR’s military maneuver unit inside Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Maintaining stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is considered very important to the Hungarian Government and this has been demonstrated through their continued support of the EUFOR mission.  Hungarian Defence Forces (HDF) have been participating in Operation ALTHEA since 2004 as one of the main troop contributing nations.

July 13 saw a new Hungarian Company join the Multinational Battalion, EUFOR’s military maneuver unit inside Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Maintaining stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is considered very important to the Hungarian Government and this has been demonstrated through their continued support of the EUFOR mission.  Hungarian Defence Forces (HDF) have been participating in Operation ALTHEA since 2004 as one of the main troop contributing nations.

On 05 July 2013 the departing soldiers of the Multinational Battalion (MNBN) were awarded with the “European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal”.
This memorable ceremony was attended by the Commander of EUFOR, Major General Dieter HEIDECKER, as well as other high-ranking staff officers from the Headquarters of EUFOR, including the Chief of Staff, Brigadier General József SZPISJÁK.

MNBN Medal Parade

In his address to the troops, General Heidecker expressed his sincere appreciation for the excellent work and conduct displayed by each and every soldier in the course of the last 6 months and urged them to maintain their high spirits on their return to normal duties back home.

In his speech, the Commander of the MNBN, Lieutenant Colonel Alfred STEINGRESS, stressed the fact that the last few months had been very demanding.  The many challenges they faced included the planning and execution of some combined training with the Armed Forces of BiH, the rotation of the Turkish Company, the securing of Camp BUTMIR and various trainings and live fire exercises.

Lt Col Steingress further emphasized that the highlight of this tour of duty undoubtedly was the participation in Exercise “Quick Response” in April, when his battalion was reinforced by two Intermediate Reserve Force companies. During these two weeks, the MNBN proved that they were prepared at any time to receive and integrate additional companies and to fulfill all given tasks according to the intent of the Commander of EUFOR.

MNBN Medal Parade

Lt Col Steingress thanked his staff and soldiers for their loyalty, motivation and companionship.  He pointed out that working together with soldiers from different nations is particularly challenging, as it is fundamentally important for a group of soldiers to become a cohesive team as quickly as possible. His special thanks went not only to his Deputy and Chief of Staff, Major Csaba HALASZ from the Hungarian Armed Forces, and the Commander of the Austrian Infantry Company, Captain RESCH, but to all soldiers of the MNBN.

On 05 July 2013 the departing soldiers of the Multinational Battalion (MNBN) were awarded with the “European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal”.
This memorable ceremony was attended by the Commander of EUFOR, Major General Dieter HEIDECKER, as well as other high-ranking staff officers from the Headquarters of EUFOR, including the Chief of Staff, Brigadier General József SZPISJÁK.

On 26th of June 2013, the Commander of EUFOR, Major General (MG) Dieter HEIDECKER, accompanied by the MA to the OP CDR, Lt Colonel Nikolas Meunier from Mons, visited the Liaison and Observation Team (LOT) in Trebinje. The LOT is composed of members of the Swiss Contingent of EUFOR and their great hospitality was felt throughout the day.

Consistent cooperation and engagement by all social levels within a population are essential for a sustainable positive impact from the LOT concept in Bosnia & Herzegovina (BIH).
For many years an excellent example of this has been the open minded exchange of opinions between OS MEJDAN School, and the LOT TUZLA.

COM EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker and COS EUFOR, Brigadier General József Szpisák both received awards from COM NATO Brigadier General Walter Lord at NATO HQSa Dining-In Ceremony on 5 June 2013 at the Army Hall in Sarajevo.

Today (5th June 2013) a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between EUFOR and the 17 Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) was signed at EUFOR Headquarters, Camp Butmir, Sarajevo at 11:00 hrs.

COM EUFOR, Major General Dieter HEIDECKER invited distinguished guests to join his staff for an evening of summer festivities, including displays of traditional dancing by a local school group, at Archer Base, Camp Butmir on Friday 31st May 2013.

Mine Risk Education Instructors from EUFOR and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AF BiH) conducted Mine Risk Education on Sunday, 26 May 2013 at an a major scout convention at STOJCEVAC (Sarajevo).

(EUFOR/Airport SARAJEVO) On Tuesday the 16th of April 2013 Brigadier General Jozsef Szpisjak, Chief of Staff EUFOR and member of the Hungarian Army, opened the Media Event after the landing of an ANTONOV airplane at Sarajevo International Airport with the words “The Exercise has begun”.

In order to mark the official start of “Exercise Quick Response 2013” on 15 April 2013 all participants were formally welcomed and addressed by the Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter HEIDECKER, and EUFOR Chief of Staff, Brigadier General József SZPISJÁK. This small ceremony took place inside ARCHER BASE, the Black Hawk helicopter hangar inside Camp BUTMIR. General Heidecker highlighted the importance of the role that EUFOR has still to play and thanked all participating nations for their valuable support and commitment. General Szpisják expressed his sincere appreciation of the excellent work demonstrated by his staff that had paved the way for a successful start of the exercise. A total of approximately 800 personnel will be actively involved in the conduct of the exercise.

From 18 to 22 March 2013 a joint training program held in Glamoc with Turkish soldier from EUFOR’s Multi-national Battalion (MNBN) and the 6th Brigade of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AF BiH).  The training was led by the commander of the Turkish Company within the MNBN Captain Ergun Düzü.

From 18 to 22 March 2013 a joint training program held in Glamoc with Turkish soldier from EUFOR’s Multi-national Battalion (MNBN) and the 6th Brigade of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AF BiH).  The training was led by the commander of the Turkish Company within the MNBN Captain Ergun Düzü.

The victorious elementary school teams who won the top prize in the EUFOR Soccer Cup – a VIP trip to the UK’s top football and tourist venues - returned from their from London to Sarajevo Airport yesterday evening (12 March) where they were welcomed home by COM EUFOR, Major General Dieter HEIDECKER and representatives of the British Embassy, including the Defence Attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Rob Tomlinson MBE.

A high profile seminar and keynote speakers address was convened at EUFOR ALTHEA HQ, Sarajevo on International Women’s Day which highlighted the contribution made by women serving in the military and promoted the EU-wide commitment to gender equality. Distinguished guests from the Armed Forces and Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), NATO Headquarters, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) joined the staff from EUFOR to highlight key issues to be faced and breakthroughs achieved by women within their organisations.

After six months service in the Bosnia and Herzegovina area of ​​operations, the outgoing Commander of the Multinational Battalion, Colonel Hartmut ÖMER, handed over command at 05 March 2013, to the new commander Lt. Col. Alfred STEINGRESZ.

After six months service in the Bosnia and Herzegovina area of ​​operations, the outgoing Commander of the Multinational Battalion, Colonel Hartmut ÖMER, handed over command at 05 March 2013, to the new commander Lt. Col. Alfred STEINGRESZ.

THE Commander of Turkish Land Forces, General Hayri KIVRIKOĞLU visited EUFOR ALTHEA on 5 March 2013, and was welcomed by the Commander of EUFOR (COM EUFOR), Major General (MG) Dieter HEIDECKER.

A ceremony to mark the handover of the position of EUFOR Chief of Staff (COS) took place at Camp Butmir today, 01st March 2013. The ceremony took place in the presence of Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter HEIDECKER and Brigadier General János HUSZÁR, who is Head of Land Forces at Hungary’s Joint Force Command. In attendance were Ambassadors from the representative countries, Senior Officers of Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Senior National Representatives from the 23 EUFOR troop contributing nations.

THE Commander of EUFOR, Major General (MG) Dieter Heidecker,  welcomed Mr Emil DIMITRIEV, the Deputy Defence Minister of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to EUFOR HQ at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo (26 February 2013).

President of the Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik met with Commander EUFOR in BiH Major General Dieter Heidecker in Banja Luka today. The President of the Republika Srpska expressed his belief that good co-operation between the Republika Srpska and EUFOR would continue during the commandership of Major General Dieter Heidecker.

THE Commander of EUFOR, Major General (MG) Dieter HEIDECKER, hosted a meeting with the Minister of Security of BiH, Mr Fahrudin RADONČIĆ, in Camp Butmir, on Friday 22 February 2013.

THE Commander of EUFOR, Major General (MG) Dieter Heidecker, received a warm welcome from Her Excellency Ambassador Ulrike Maria Knotz during a courtesy visit to exchange policy briefs at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Sarajevo (15 February 2013).

A routine EUFOR MEDEVAC training exercise took place on the morning of Friday 8 February 2013 and, as part of the exercise, conducted a winch lowering of the senior doctor within the Austrian Contingent, Major MD Stefan Schachner on to a site close to SOS Kinderdorf. Clearly visible during the descent was a gift wrapped cheque for BAM 6,100 which was presented to the assembled children and SOS Kinderforf’s Director, Mr Damir Mahmić.

In 2005 the politicians of Bosnia and Herzegovina agreed on and adopted the Law on Defence.
The years following the adoption of this law in BiH have clearly demonstrated the successful implementation of positive reform for defence.

THE Commander of EUFOR, Major General (MG) Dieter HEIDECKER, attended a courtesy call with the President of FBiH Živko BUDIMIR in Sarajevo on 22 January 2013.
MG HEIDECKER briefed President BUDIMIR on current EUFOR priorities including Capability Building and Training for the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the requirement to dispose of surplus ammunition and weapons stocks.

On 24 January 2013 the Commander of EUFOR, Major General (MG) Dieter HEIDECKER, accompanied by Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Colonel Fatih ILHAN, was visiting the Liaison and Observation Teams (LOT) in  Travnik and Zenica. Both teams are composed of members of the Turkish Contingent of EUFOR and their great hospitality was felt throughout the day.

FOLLOWING recent debate on the impact of IEBL technical problems affecting the BiH census, the Commanders of EUFOR ALTHEA and NATO Headquarters Sarajevo (NHQSa) wish to clarify the responsibilities of all Parties concerned with resolution of IEBL issues. The parties – namely the State of BiH, the Federation of BiH, and Republika Srpska – have specific roles and responsibilities as governed by UNSC Res 2074 (2012) and the terms of Annex 2 of the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA).

COM EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, as part of his inaugural tour, has recently paid visits to the first 3 out of a total number of 17 EUFOR Liaison and Observation Teams (LOT), namely to Novo Sarajevo, Jablanica and Mostar. The teams in the LOT houses briefed the General on the present situation in the area and the ongoing LOT activities, but were also given the opportunity to exchange ideas with their Commander.

THE Commander of EUFOR, Major General (MG) Dieter HEIDECKER, attended ceremonies marking RS National Day on 09 January 2013, at the invitation of RS President Milorad DODIK.

THE Commander of EUFOR, Major General (MG) Dieter Heidecker, received a warm welcome from His Excellency Ambassador Gilles during a courtesy visit to exchange policy briefs at the French Embassy in Sarajevo (07 January 2013).

THE Commander of EUFOR, Major General (MG) Dieter HEIDECKER, visited the Memorial Centre Srebrenica- Potocari at 1030 this morning (04 January 2013) where he laid a wreath in tribute to the victims of Srebrenica and also to all victims of armed conflict throughout the world.
Upon laying of the wreath, which was simply inscribed “In deepest respect”, a minute of silence and reflection was observed.

THE Commander of EUFOR, Major General (MG) Dieter HEIDECKER, visited the Memorial Centre Srebrenica- Potocari at 1030 this morning (04 January 2013) where he laid a wreath in tribute to the victims of Srebrenica and also to all victims of armed conflict throughout the world.

The Commander of EUFOR, Major General (MG) Dieter HEIDECKER, attended a meeting with His Excellency (HE) Mr Miroslav MOJŽITA, the Slovakian Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in Sarajevo on Monday 10 December 12.

The newly appointed Commander of EUFOR, Major General (MG) Dieter Heidecker, attended his first official meeting with the Minister of Defence, Mr. Zekerijah Osmic, this morning (Friday 7 December 12).  Lieutenant General (LTG) Milojcic, the Chief of Joint Staff, Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AF BIH) was also in attendance.  

This year’s EUFOR Soccer Cup concluded on 24th November with Mustafa Ejubović Šejh Jujo Elementary School from Mostar winning the boys’ competition and the 21st March Elementary School from Matusiči winning the girls’ competition.

The finals in Sarajevo’s Zetra Centre were the climax of the EUFOR tournament which had been taking place throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina over the last two months.  This year a total of 285 teams entered the competition of which 205 were boys’ teams and 85 were girls’ teams.  During the regional qualification tournaments these were whittled down to 37 teams which then when on to participate in the grande finale on 23rd - 24th November in the Zetra Centre.

Lieutenant General Edward Gruszka, the Operational Commander of the Polish Armed Forces, was welcomed to Camp Butmir by the Commander of EUFOR, Major General Robert Brieger, on 20 November 2012.

Major General Robert Brieger refers to the regrettable incident in Banja Luka  n 11th November 2012 involving two Austrian soldiers.

In close coordination with the Austrian authorities, it has been decided to end their deployment ahead of their planned rotation. It should be noted that this decision is without prejudice to any future decisions on that matter.

The last two EUFOR Soccer Cup 2012 regional qualification tournaments have been played this week in Mostar and Tomislavgrad.
On 6th and 7th November, 24 boys’ teams and 12 girls’ teams took part in the Mostar regional tournament which was held in the Karting Club Sports Hall.

The EUFOR Soccer Cup 2012 continues to gain momentum, with regional tournaments being played in Brcko and Tuzla this week.
On 31 October the EUFOR Spokesperson Lieutenant Commander David Collins formally opened the Tuzla tournament which is being held at the Bambi sports hall.  The fun packed tournament will see 32 boys’ teams and 16 girls’ teams play non-stop football over the next three days.

Lieutenant General Günter Höfler, the Commander of the Austrian Joint Forces Command, was welcomed to Camp Butmir by Brigadier General Ernő Péter Siposs, the EUFOR Chief of Staff on 29 October 2012. General Höfler’s arrival at the EUFOR HQ was marked by an Honour Guard comprising soldiers from the troop contributing nations.

It has been a busy week for the EUFOR Soccer Cup with regional tournaments held in Gracanica on 22-23rd October and Zenica on 24th October.
The EUFOR Chief of Staff Brigadier General Ernő Péter Siposs formally opened the Zenica tournament which was held in the impressive three pitch Gradska Dvorana sports hall. The fun packed tournament saw 32 boys’ teams and 16 girls’ teams play non-stop football throughout the day.

Over 80 EUFOR Soccer Cup matches are being played in Banja Luka between 17th to 19th October 2012.
A total of 40 teams from Banja Luka and its surrounding areas: 32 boys’ teams and eight girls’ teams are taking part in three days of fun packed non-stop football at the Sportska Dvorana - Univerzitetski Campus.
The EUFOR Cup 2012 has once again proved to be extremely popular with schools throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.  This year there are 285 teams taking part, these are made up of 205 boys’ teams and 80 girls’ teams.
The event was opened by the EUFOR Spokesperson Lieutenant Commander David Collins who said: “The aim of the EUFOR Soccer Cup is to bring together young people from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina, to not only play football together but also to make new friends.”  

The EUFOR Cup 2012 was formally opened in Ilidza by the Commander of EUFOR Major General Robert Brieger on 9 October 2012.
Teams from 285 primary schools have been eagerly awaiting the start of the fourth EUFOR Cup, which has once again proved to be extremely popular throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.  This year 285 teams are taking part: these are made up of 205 boys’ teams and 80 girls’ teams.

Dr Gjorge Ivanov, the President of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was welcomed to Camp Butmir on 4 October 2012 by Major General Robert Brieger, Commander of EUFOR.
The President’s arrival was marked by an Honour Guard comprising soldiers from the 23 troop contributing nations. Dr Ivanov was accompanied during his visit by His Excellency Mr Rami Rexhepi, the Ambassador of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

The Liaison Observation Team (LOT) members in Camp Butmir were honoured to be visited by the EUFOR Commander, Major General Robert Brieger on 21 September 2012.  This was General Brieger’s first visit to the newly created LOT Coordination Centre (LCC) which has replaced the three Regional Coordination Centres (RCCs). 

On Tuesday 28 August 2012 the ceremony marking the Change of Command for the Multi-National Battalion MNBN took place in Camp Butmir.
A number of distinguished guests, including the Governor of Carinthia Mr. Gerhard DÖRFLER, Brigitte Pfriemer of the Austrian Embassy in Sarajevo, the Deputy Commander Operational Command AFBiH Brigadier General Mirko TEPŠIĆ, the Commander of the 4th Infantry Brigade AFBiH Brigadier Tomo KOLENDA and Commander NATO HQ Sarajevo Brigadier General Walt T. LORD witnessed Major General BRIEGER, COM EUFOR, passing the Command of the MNBN from LTC Thomas HOLZBAUER to LTC Hartmut ÖMER.

Major General Robert Brieger, the Commander of EUFOR and the Swiss Ambassador, His Excellency Dr André Schaller visited the Swiss run Liaison Observation Team (LOT) at Trebinje on 2 July 2012.
The purpose of the visit was to meet the Swiss soldiers and receive an update on recent LOT house activities in the area.  Switzerland is one of several non European Union countries that contribute personnel to the EUFOR mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  Currently Switzerland is providing approximately 20 personnel to EUFOR in variety of roles in Trebinje, Mostar and Sarajevo.

Between 25-29 June 2012 Austrian troops from the multinational battalion went to Zenica for a joint training exercise with platoons from AF BiH.
Initially training was undertaken in station drill procedures covering the following activities: temporary checkpoint, contact drill, barma-drill (searching for IEDs close to vehicles) and finally crowd control.

On the 15 June 2012 the Liaison Observation Team (LOT) in Bratunac organized a reception for guests from regional and international organizations as well good friends from the local area. The aim of the reception was to meet socially and informally away from daily business and to allow the LOT to thank the local representatives from the municipalities of Bratunac, Srebrenica, Milici, Vlasenica, Zvornik, Sekovici, Osmaci, Sapna and Kalesija for their good cooperation and support.

Fifty five personnel from the EUFOR HQ, Multi-National Battalion and Hungarian National Support Element took part in a 8km running race at Trebevic on 15 June 2012.  All the competitors, 49 male and 6 female, successfully completed the race.

On Thursday 31 May 2012, the Commander of EUFOR (COM EUFOR), Major General Robert Brieger, visited the Liaison and Observation Team (LOT) House in Livno and afterwards met with the Mayor.

Between 21st to 25th May 2012 the mixed platoon from the Multinational Battalion (MNBN) conducted training with the troops from the 6th Infantry Brigade at the Kozara barracks.
The training covered crowd riot control, mine awareness and combat life saving. It allowed the troops from the MNBN and the AF BiH to work together and exchange ideas and experiences.

Major General Robert Brieger, Commander of EUFOR (COM EUFOR) visited Doboj on 16 May 2012.  The purpose of the visit was to meet with EUFOR personnel stationed in LOT Houses in Doboj and the surrounding area and to receive a briefing on the ongoing activities of the LOTs.  The visit also afforded COM EUFOR an opportunity to meet with members of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AF BiH).

Major General Robert Brieger, Commander of EUFOR (COM EUFOR), undertook a visit to the Mostar area on 14 May 2012. The purpose of the visit was to receive briefings on the activities of the LOT Houses situated in Mostar and the surrounding area and to meet with the EUFOR personnel deployed to the region. He also took the opportunity to participate in a number of meetings in the area.

On Friday 11 May 2012, the Commander of EUFOR (COM EUFOR), Major General Robert Brieger, visited the Liaison and Observation Team (LOT) House in Cazin and met with a number of elected representatives, as well as members of the Armed Forces of  Bosnia and Herzegovina (AF BiH).

Between 19th and 23rd of March 2012 the Turkish Company (T–Coy) of the Multi-National Battalion (MNBN) conducted Joint training with the troops of the 4th Infantry Brigade in the Forward Operation Base (FOB) at Glamoč.

The Austrian Company of the Multinational Battalion (MNBN) conducted a joint training exercise with Bosnian soldiers from the 5th Infantry Brigade from 23rd to 27th April 2012.
The training covered both theoretical and practical parts at platoon level.

On Thursday 26th April 2012, the Commander of EUFOR (COM EUFOR), Major General Robert Brieger, visited the Liaison and Observation Team (LOT) House in Foca and met with the Mayor of the town.

On Friday 20th April 2012, the Commander of EUFOR (COM EUFOR), Major General Robert Brieger, visited the Liaison and Observation Team (LOT) House in Visegrad and met with the Mayor of the town. The purpose of the visit to the LOT house was to meet with the EUFOR personnel deployed in Visegrad and receive a briefing on the activities of the LOT personnel, in particular, the interaction of the team with the local community.

Between 16th and 19th of April 2012 the multinational battalion (MNBN), under the command of LTC Thomas Holzbauer, conducted an exercise in the area of Manjaca and Glamoc.  The topics were to guard the weapon and ammunition storage sites and to protect ammunition transport convoys.

Major General Robert Brieger, Commander EUFOR (COM EUFOR), visited the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) of the Armed Forces of BiH (AF BiH) and EUFOR’s Liaison and Observation Team (LOT) House in Travnik on 28 March 2012.  COM EUFOR was accompanied by the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Capacity Building & Training Division, Colonel Hayri Kaymaz, and Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Colonel Celalettin Coban, who is responsible for the LOT Houses throughout BiH.

The whole of the Multi-National Battalion (MNBN) had chance to improve their skills in the first Battalion sized Field Training Exercise (FTX) of 2012; Exercise “Waterfall”. The FTX included the topics of Civil Disturbance Operations (CDO) and rescue of civilian persons from an urban area including via medical evacuation, plus the utilisation of the Austrian and Turkish EOD teams.
After the Hand-Over / Take-Over phase in January and a training phase at nearby Pazarić for Full Operational Capability, the Hungarian Company (‘H’-Coy) of the Multi-National Battalion, along with the Albanian EOD team, conducted the Field Training Exercise (FTX) “Snowball”.

The Commander of EUFOR (COM EUFOR) undertook a two day visit to Liaison and Observation Teams (LOT) based in the North East of Bosnia and Herzegovina on 22/23 February 2012.
The purpose of the visit was to meet the EUFOR personnel deployed in the LOT houses, and to receive briefings on the activities of the teams and their interaction with local communities.

On Wednesday 15 February 2012 the ceremony marking the change of Command for the Multi-National Battalion (MNBN) took place in Camp Butmir.
A number of distinguished international guests witnessed Major General BRIEGER, COM EUFOR, passing the Command of the MNBN from LTC Friedrich ÖLBÖCK to LTC Thomas HOLZBAUER.

A EUFOR Search and Rescue Helicopter (type Bell 212) evacuated 4 Border Officers and 1 Customs Official from a remote area in the Foca region to the Foca Soccer Stadium today.  All five officers were in good health and required no medical assistance even though they had been stranded for six days.

In the night hours between the 4th and the 5th of February EUFOR was requested by the Ministry of Security, to provide air rescue at the area of Kalinovik. A family, three adults and one child, became victims of the heavy snowfalls of the last two days.

The Austrian Company, commanded by Capt Hiebler Harald has been part of the Multinational Battalion (MNBN) since February 2012.
The company consists of one command squad, one supply squad, one sniper squad, three infantry platoons, one EOD team and one attached Recce platoon. Overall it contains 160 soldiers, of which 36 are from the Austrian Armed Forces Reserve.

Major General Robert Brieger, the Commander of EUFOR visited Capljina Barracks to witness a Multinational Battalion (MNBN) Training Exercise on 11 January 2012.

COM EUFOR, Major General Brieger, today visited the memorial centre at Potocari, where he laid a wreath in tribute to those victims commemorated at this location and to the victims of armed conflict throughout the world.
Major General Brieger conveyed his personal thoughts through a message entered in the book of condolence at Potocari in which he expressed his empathy with all innocent victims of armed conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Busy week for the MNBN
As we know from media studies: “Truth is not what A says, but what B understands”
This statement is the basis of a good communication strategy. As we all know, only by training on a regular bases can you ensure that units act as the Command wants.

Major General Robert BRIEGER, Commander EUFOR visited (Regional Coordination Centre, Centre) RCC C and (Liaison and Observation Team) LOT House Zenica on 20 December 2011.
COM was met and briefed by Chief RCC Centre, Cdr Tan DERVISOGLU and by Chief LOT ZENICA, Maj Erol ISIK, both Officers from Turkey.

Major General Robert BRIEGER, Commander EUFOR visited Regional Command Centre (RCC) South and LOT House Sarajevo on 16 December 2011.

A live exercise took place from 1st to 2nd September 2011, involving all manoeuvre units and headquarters staff of the Multinational Battalion (MNBN), the Integrated Police Unit (IPU) and the EUFOR Helicopter Detachment (HELDET).

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COM EUFOR visited the EUFOR Liaison and Observation Team (LOT) House located in Modrica on Monday 17th October 2011. He was accompanied on this visit by the Chargé d’affaires of the Portuguese Embassy; Ms. Sónia Maria Melo e Castro. This LOT House is commanded by Lt Col Joɑ̃o Junqueira of the Portuguese Army. He has five other members of the Portuguese Army serving in the LOT House with him.