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.
1. Can you explain the role of Operation ALTHEA?
Since 2004, EUFOR has been responsible for the implementation of the military annexes of the Dayton Peace Agreement. This is carried out on the basis of its executive mandate of the UN Charter. The mission is contributing to the maintenance and stability of a Safe and Secure Environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina and helping to promote a climate in which the peace process can continue. Since 2010 EUFOR has focused on ‘Capacity Building & Training’ for the Armed Forces Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The responsibility for the execution of many tasks has been handed over to the local authorities according to the principle of “local ownership” and in line with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path towards European Union membership. Nevertheless, EUFOR retains full responsibility and authority to re-take control, if the situation so requires.
2. What does Capacity Building & Training for the Armed Forces Bosnia and Herzegovina involve and what role does EUFOR play?
Capacity building and training is one of EUFOR’s main efforts. This programme provides the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities with military expertise and technical support, with the aim of being self-sustaining in due course.
The programme is delivered in close coordination with NATO by training, mentoring, monitoring and advising the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina throughout their command structure. Capacity building and training is accomplished through Embedded Advisory Teams (EATs), Mobile Training Teams (MTTs) and Mobile Monitoring and Mentoring Teams (MMTs).
3. Can you explain the role that EUFOR plays in Physical Security and Stockpile Management within the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina?
EUFOR has the leading role in physical Security and Stockpile Management of weapons and ammunition within Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the primary focus being on ammunition. The “Ammunition, Weapons and Explosives Masterplan” developed by EUFOR and the International Community and signed by the Bosnia and Herzegovina Ministry of Defence delivers the structure to enable this. EUFOR provides essential expertise, support and monitoring not only for the storage sites infrastructure but also for the establishment of an efficient ammunition life cycle management scheme.
4. In terms of Demining in Bosnia and Herzegovina what support does EUFOR provide to both the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities and the population?
EUFOR fully supports the demining battalion of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina by monitoring, advising and assisting their humanitarian demining operations in order to increase their operational and logistical effectiveness. However, the responsibility for physical mine clearance remains with the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities.
Conservative estimates that the number of communities affected by mines in Bosnia and Herzegovina stands at around 1,417 and there are still 1,141.1km2 of suspected hazardous areas for mines throughout the country. EUFOR provides Mine Risk Education all over the country to vulnerable and at risk groups such as farmers, forestry companies and in particular children of all ages in order to raise awareness and promote safe behavior. Currently there are 123 Mine Risk Education instructors (54 EUFOR and 74 Armed Forces of Bosnia And Herzegovina) who are essential partners to the local communities that they operate within.
5. Can you explain how the ‘Berlin Plus agreement’ and EUFOR works?
The Berlin Plus Agreement is a comprehensive package of agreements between NATO and the European Union made in 2002. It allows the European Union to draw on some of NATO’s military assets in its Peace Support Operations. At present EUFOR Althea is the only operation carried out under Berlin Plus agreement. In case of a threat to the safe and secure environment, EUFOR can call on NATO forces for support. This is exercised on a yearly basis during the Quick Response series.
