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.
EUFOR's Multinational Battalion (MNBN) Colour is marched on to parade. Photos: WOII Martin Austerhuber
The parade consisted of military personnel from EUFOR and Armed Forces (AF) BiH, 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 the BiH Minister of Defence, Mrs Marina Pendeš; AF BiH Chief the Joint Staff, General Anto Jeleč; VIPs and delegates from BiH and the EU; and representatives of many other nations.
The event comprised of a ceremony outside Army Hall in Sarajevo; a fly-past by helicopters from EUFOR and the AFBiH; the laying of an EU Wreath and speeches by the EUSR and COMEUFOR; followed by a Reception in Army Hall. The EUSR said: “EUFOR forms an important part of the EU’s support to BiH”. COMEUFOR stated: “The focus of this event is the EU’s support for Bosnia and Herzegovina – Past, Present and Future”. He further commented: “The troops on parade highlight the close cooperation that exists between EUFOR, its Troop Contributing Nations and the Armed Forces of BiH. Alongside Euro-Atlantic integration, EUFOR’s contribution in further developing the capacity of the Armed Forces of BiH, and our role in supporting a continued safe and secure environment, highlights our ongoing support of BiH’s development and stability for a peaceful future”.
Europe Day is an annual event and for EUFOR this is the first occasion that an EUSR and EUFOR led, AFBiH supported, event has occurred in Sarajevo. Whilst the event took place on EU Day it is also just one of many events that will be conducted in BiH, by the EUSR, over the coming weeks.
