Dear Generals, dear colleagues, soldiers of EUFOR,
As of today, additional troops from Czech Republic, Italy and Romania will reinforce EUFOR Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This is the second time in three years that the EU decided for EUFOR to activate part of its reserve forces in order to underline the EU’s commitment to security and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
EUFOR Althea represents a vital contribution from the EU in supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path towards integration in the EU.
By assisting local authorities in maintaining a safe and secure environment, the mission plays a key role in fostering stability.
A safe and secure environment, let me remind, is essential for BiH’s commitment to move forward on the EU and the NATO agenda.
The EU will not lightly jeopardize the progress made in recent years to a political crisis which challenged the political functionality of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the recent months.
Your units, therefore, were called to reinforce EUFOR Althea, also to send a political message. The EU will do everything to safeguard the positive developments achieved on the EU path by Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Let me conclude by ensuring that your units contribute directly to the EU’s commitment in supporting the country’s EU path.
The European Union and myself count on your dedication to ensure peace, stability and progress for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Through continued collaboration, dialogue and concrete action, we can achieve the shared vision of a prosperous, democratic and European future for the country.
Let me also express my special thanks to the ambassadors, to the troops from Italy, Czech Republic and Romania for their important contribution to EUFOR.
Thank you.