Hungary’s leadership in the EUFOR Althea peacekeeping operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina has brought international recognition, Hungarian Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky declared at a ceremony in the Bálna National Defence Centre on Monday. The event marked the official conclusion of Hungary’s command tenure and the homecoming of Hungarian troops.
In January 2024 Hungary assumed command of the European Union’s peacekeeping mission in Bosnia for the first time. Major General László Sticz led the multinational force, overseeing troops from 24 nations, including an expanded Hungarian contingent.
Szalay-Bobrovniczky underscored the strategic importance of the Western Balkans for Hungary’s security, noting that the region has a history of conflict and remains burdened by ethnic, religious, economic, and political tensions. Ensuring stability in Bosnia, he stressed, is crucial for Hungary’s broader security interests.
Hungarian forces have been engaged in the Balkans since the end of the Yugoslav Wars, initially serving under NATO-led missions such as IFOR and SFOR. Over nearly three decades, Hungary has contributed not only through military deployments but also via humanitarian efforts, infrastructure development, and disaster relief.
Reflecting on the past year, the minister expressed pride that a Hungarian officer had commanded EUFOR Althea, affirming that Major General Sticz and his troops demonstrated exceptional professionalism, impartiality, and reliability as partners in the region. Their performance, he said, strengthened Hungary’s international reputation.
Hungary’s involvement in the mission is set to continue, Szalay-Bobrovniczky announced. From May a Hungarian senior officer will serve as EUFOR Althea’s Chief of Staff, while in March 2026, a Hungarian commander will assume the position of Deputy Commander.
At the ceremony, Major General Sticz echoed the minister’s sentiments, highlighting the positive feedback received from both the Bosnian leadership and the international community. He praised the Hungarian troops for their dedication, which he credited as a key factor in the mission’s success.
To commemorate the conclusion of Hungary’s command, Sticz presented Szalay-Bobrovniczky and General Gábor Böröndi, Chief of the Hungarian Defence Forces, with flags that had flown over Butmir Camp in Bosnia, symbolizing Hungary’s leadership in the mission.
As Hungary continues its military commitment to the Western Balkans, its role in EUFOR Althea stands as a testament to the country’s dedication to regional stability and international security.
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