MEPs visit EUFOR Althea, assess stable but fragile security situation in Bosnia
A Committee on Security and Defence delegation travelled to Bosnia and Herzegovina to visit the EU’s EUFOR Althea operation, in the context of a deepening political crisis in the country.
During their visit on 24 to 27 February, MEPs stressed the need for the EU to increase its focus on the country, to remain committed to the region and its people, and to stay engaged, in particular in the context of uncertainties surrounding the engagement of the U.S. in BiH and the wider region. The security of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and of the Western Balkans as a whole is of paramount importance for the security of the EU.
MEPs inspected the EU’s military operation EUFOR Althea and were impressed by its professionalism and deep commitment. They received positive feedback on the important role EUFOR Althea plays in contributing to a safe and secure environment for the citizens of BiH. They concluded that EUFOR Althea could be more effective in implementing its mandate if it was provided with additional resources to reassure citizens throughout the country. MEPs expressed their gratitude to the men and women serving on behalf of the EU, and also expressed support for the multi-ethnic BiH Armed Forces.
In the current geopolitical context and against the backdrop of increasing malign foreign interference, particularly by Russia and China, MEPs stressed that greater attention is also needed to monitor and address hybrid threats, including disinformation and cybersecurity.
Furthermore, in line with the European Partliament's overall support for BiH, MEPs underlined that EU accession negotiations represents an opportunity and an obligation for BiH’s elected representatives to improve the daily life of ordinary people. In order to open the first negotiation chapters, MEPs stressed that the country needs to make tangible progress on key priorities and, among other obligations, efficiently implement EU sanctions. Members condemned secessionist rhetoric from Republika Srpska, which they say further exacerbates the country’s vulnerability.
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“The visit of the fully-fledged Committee on Security and Defence allowed us to assess the stable but fragile security situation in a country aiming for EU membership and which has also been severely affected by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Following the opening of accession negotiations in 2024, BiH's elected representatives must now take up their responsibility and implement the reforms needed for the accession process. EU member states should step up their support for EUFOR Althea to ensure it continues to contribute to a safe and secure environment for the citizens of BiH throughout the entire country. The stability and progress in BiH is in the interest of EU citizens.” delegation chair Niclas Herbst said.
Background
In Sarajevo, four members from the European Ϸվ’s Committee on Security and Defence, led by Niclas Herbst (EPP, Germany), met with some of the country’s leaders, prominent Members of the Council of Ministers and the Ϸվary Assembly, including the Collegiums of the House of Representatives and the House of Peoples as well as representatives of the international community, such as the High Representative and the representative of the U.S. Embassy. They also made a field visit to Camp Butmir for a briefing by the commanders of EUFOR Althea and NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, and joined a demining exercise conducted by the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In addition to the Chair, the delegation consisted of the following Members: Hélder Sousa Silva (EPP, Portugal), Marjan Šarec (Renew Europe Slovenia) and Mārtiņš Staķis (The Greens/EFA, Latvia).
Contacts:
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Viktor ALMQVIST
Press Officer