EUFOR is deploying 500 personnel from its reserves stationed outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the country over the next two weeks to reinforce existing forces “as a precautionary measure.”
The personnel, which will make up four companies, are being sent to the Balkan state to more effectively support it in maintaining a safe and secure environment.
“The deterioration of the security situation internationally has the potential to spread instability to Bosnia and Herzegovina,” EUFOR said, adding that the deployment of these forces is a precautionary measure to strengthen stability in BiH.
The move followed Russia’s launch of an invasion in Ukraine on February 24.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has been a source of instability in the region ever since the end of the war in 1995, which was one of several fought in the Balkans following the break up of Yugoslavia. The Dayton peace agreement that ended the war resulted in the separation of the country into two entities, one of which – Republika Srpska – is led by Milorad Dodik, who has been growingly leading destabilizing activities in the country. He was imposed with new sanctions by the US Treasury earlier this year due to actions that “threaten the stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of BiH and undermine the Dayton Peace Accords, thereby risking wider regional instability.”
Dodik is widely believed to closely coordinate his moves with Moscow, as well as the Serbian government in Belgrade.
EUFOR has been deployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2004. EUFOR comprises of a total of approximately 3,500 personnel of which 600 are currently deployed in country. The companies that will soon be deployed will bring the total number of EUFOR forces stationed in BiH up to 1,100. These personnel will come from Austria, Bulgaria, Romania and Slovakia.
Their mission will be to demonstrate the EU’s determination to maintain stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a prudent and proportionate measure which reflects the EU’s and EUFOR’s unequivocal commitment to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
EUFOR noted that its current assessment is that there is currently no threat to the safe and secure environment that would require EUFOR’s support. “The situation is being continually monitored and further reinforcements can be brought in if necessary,” it was added.
