COM EUFOR, Major General Maurizio Fronda, delivered a keynote address on “Women, Peace and Security in the Contemporary Security Environment” at the UN Women, Peace and Security Summer School in Sarajevo on 17th September 2026.
The Summer School, hosted by the Faculty of Criminal Justice, Criminology and Security Studies at the University of Sarajevo, brings together selected students and young professionals from across the Western Balkans to examine contemporary challenges to peace, security and social cohesion.
During his address, COM EUFOR emphasised that the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda is not simply an institutional commitment, but an important element of operational effectiveness. EUFOR integrates the WPS agenda into its operations and has supported WPS related activities in cooperation with the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Ministry of Defence for many years and remains committed to implementing the WPS agenda, guided by its new Gender Equality Strategy for 2026-2030.
Major General Fronda highlighted the importance of engaging all parts of society in developing an accurate understanding of the security environment. EUFOR’s regular engagement with local communities, women’s organisations, young people and citizens contributes to situational awareness and helps the mission identify concerns and potential risks at an early stage.
He also highlighted the role played by EUFOR’s Liaison and Observation Team Houses and mixed gender teams in strengthening engagement with communities throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. Increasing female participation can create additional channels of communication and provide access to perspectives that might otherwise be missed.
COM EUFOR also acknowledged the progress made by the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina in integrating the WPS agenda, including the establishment of gender advisory structures and the incorporation of gender perspectives into training and institutional processes.
Within EUFOR itself, Major General Fronda stressed that integrating a gender perspective is a command responsibility. EUFOR maintains a dedicated Gender Advisor within its command structure and continues to promote an environment in which female personnel can contribute and advance across the mission.
Concluding his address, COM EUFOR underlined the relationship between inclusion, resilience and lasting stability.
“Integrating WPS into our daily operations enhances our mission success.”
For EUFOR, understanding the perspectives and experiences of women is an important part of building a complete operational picture, strengthening trust with communities and enhancing the mission’s ability to support the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina in maintaining a safe and secure environment.