COM EUFOR Major General László Sticz held a press conference with Minister of Defence Zukan Helez, Deputy Minister of Defence Slaven Galić and Brigadier General Tomo Kolenda, Deputy Commander of Joint Staff AFBiH for the purpose of informing citizens of BiH of the arrival of Strategic Reserve Force of EUFOR for training in BiH.

COM EUFOR Major General László Sticz explained EUFOR is a functioning and effective combination of in-theatre forces which can call on reserve forces when required. These reserve forces can be integrated into EUFOR troops that are already deployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A number of European Union member countries have committed to provide these reserve forces. These reserve forces regularly deploy to BiH to conduct familiarization training which will ensure that, if they are ever requested to deploy, they will be familiar with BiH and EUFOR procedures and be able to integrate quickly to complete the task assigned to them. This will ensure that a safe and secure environment (SASE) is continuously maintained in BiH.

The Strategic Reserve Force from France will arrive in the coming week to BiH and will be deployed for approximately one month. Together with Romanian and Italian troops, they will be solely dedicated to EUFOR, forming a battalion size multinational force element of Operation ALTHEA. Approximately 250 soldiers and their equipment will deploy by air, rail and road. The process of deployment (Receiving, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration – RSOMI) will also be part of the exercise. The deployment of this Strategic Reserve Force displays the commitment of EUFOR and European Union to BiH to support local authorities in maintaining a SASE.

The deployment of the Strategic Reserve Force will bear the name MELEAGER, who was the son of ALTHEA, after whom the European Union Forces’ operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is named. Choosing this name for this deployment, "Exercise MELEAGER" aims to symbolize the strong ties between EUFOR in-theatre and reserve forces.

During their time in BiH, this Strategic Reserve Force will conduct training and patrols with EUFOR forces, which will allow EUFOR to practice the effective integration of Strategic Reserve Force into EUFOR force structure. They will also conduct training together with EUFOR and AFBiH. This will further increase cooperation and interoperability between EUFOR and AFBiH.

During the press conference Minister of Defence Zukan Helez outlined how joint training for the purpose of preparation for the Combined Response Exercise is planned and will include the 1st Battalion of the 6th Infantry Brigade of the AFBiH, as well as members of EUFOR. Minister Helez outlined that this is an excellent opportunity for the AFBiH to first train with and then participate in an exercise with the EUFOR, which is a part of their annual plan for training and exercises. He also emphasized that EUFOR is fully committed and a key actor in maintaining a safe and secure environment in BiH.

Deputy Minister of Defence Slaven Galić stated this exercise is of great benefit to increase level of security in BiH and that each training contributes to AFBiH carrying out their task.

The deployment of the Strategic Reserve Force regularly occurs and is planned in advance which was both emphasised by COM EUFOR Major General László Sticz and Minister of Defence Zukan Helez.

EUFOR is a strong, capable and reliable partner to the BiH and remains committed in supporting the authorities of BiH in maintaining a safe and secure environment.