NATO Headquarters Sarajevo Commander, Brigadier General James C. Fowler, in an interview with Fena, emphasized that NATO membership is based on meeting criteria and making progress, rather than deadlines. Among other things, he noted that the NEL-2 evaluation is expected this autumn, which will assess the operational readiness of the Armed Forces of BiH (OSBiH) units for participation in NATO-led missions, as well as missions worldwide.
The Commander of the NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, who assumed office in May this year, spoke about the key priorities of his tenure and the contribution he wishes to make to Bosnia and Herzegovina through his activities. He mentioned that since his arrival a month ago, he has held meetings with representatives of the BiH authorities and the international community, expressing particular satisfaction with his talks with the BiH Minister of Defense and the Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“The mission of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo remains clear. We advise and assist the authorities and institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, support stability, strengthen capabilities in the defense and security sector, and contribute to the integrity, professionalism, and cohesion of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. My meetings with the Minister of Defense and his deputies highlighted several important priorities, namely the defense budget, recruitment and retention, and conducting the Defense Review and modernization activities. Likewise, in talks with the Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the senior military leadership, priorities were recognized with a focus on operational sustainability, the quality of life for service members, internal cohesion of the Armed Forces, and strengthening regional military cooperation,” Fowler said.
He emphasized that significant progress is visible within the Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP), the NATO Planning and Review Process (PARP), and the Defense Capacity Building Initiative.
“It is a privilege to witness the deepening of relations between NATO and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The official adoption of the first ITPP cycle for the 2025–2028 period represents a significant step in our joint history, which relies on mutual respect, shared interests, and a firm dedication to long-term stability,” the Commander said, emphasizing that the ITPP is much more than just a framework for cooperation and that it represents a clear roadmap with defined goals, directly supporting the aspirations of the citizens of BiH.
Among other things, he noted that last week he attended the training on Manjača, where he stated that the 6th Infantry Brigade of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a highly professional organization “which is for the people, composed of the people, and working for the benefit of the people.”
“I believe that this is the exact reason why they enjoy a high level of confidence among the citizens, because they are a part of them and are their representatives. In the future, I see them as a force which, with available resources, invests maximum effort to maintain its readiness and provide support to the population,” he emphasized.
He especially pointed out that NEL-2 evaluation is expected this fall, which will assess the operational readiness of the Light Infantry Battalion Group, Military Police platoon, and EOD team of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, so that they can be deployed, not only to NATO-led missions, but also to missions worldwide.
He announced an ambitious work plan for NATO Headquarters Sarajevo in the upcoming period, highlighting that they will continue to provide support to strengthening the capacities of the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasizing that this mission is built upon the long-standing partnership between NATO and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Brigadier General Fowler also spoke about the role of NATO in relation to EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in the context of supporting the development and training of the Armed Forces, highlighting a vitally important component of work in this area, which is close cooperation with EUFOR in accordance with the Berlin Plus arrangements.
“Coordination between our headquarters is ongoing on a daily basis, at both the leadership and staff levels. Earlier this month, I attended the EUFOR – NATO Ambassadors’ roundtable, which provided an opportunity for engagement with Major General Fronda and the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Such engagements reaffirm once again the value of unity of effort among organizations that support stability and security in BiH,” Fowler told Fena.
He emphasized that this is a true joint effort, stating that NATO continues to support EUFOR’s Althea mission within the Berlin Plus arrangements, deepening political dialogue and practical cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina, including activities through NATO Headquarters Sarajevo and the NATO Political Support Department. He added that NATO also supports the reform processes through the Reform Program, the ITPP, and the Defense Capacity Building (DCB) Initiative.
“Looking ahead, all these mechanisms are powerful drivers of reform,” he emphasized, adding that, together with the relevant institutions in BiH, they will continue to support reforms, strengthen capabilities, and enhance the stability and security of the country.
Commenting on the current security situation in BiH and the Western Balkans, as well as potential future challenges to which NATO should pay close attention, he first pointed to the significant progress achieved in terms of the partnershipbetween NATO and BiH over recent years.
“NATO has been committed to Bosnia and Herzegovina for over three decades, and our support for the country and regional stability remains strong. We strongly support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Some challenges undoubtedly exist, such as political blockades and alack of resources for modernization. Bosnia and Herzegovina remains a complex operational environment with significant political, economic, and security challenges. Despite thesechallenges, we are committed to ensuring that progress continues through cooperation, partnership, and continuous engagement,” Fowler said.
He also emphasized that many challenges in the defense and security sector are already well-known, and warned that delays in adopting the BiH budget over the past two years represent an obstacle to progress and, ultimately, undermine state security.
“Although we have seen a proposed budget increase for 2026, I am concerned that most of those funds will be allocated to basic needs, with personnel costs making up 89 percent of the total expenses. There will be very little investment in modernization, and defense spending, currently at 0.7 percent, is far below the level recommended for NATO members,” he warned.
However, he said that he is encouraged by what he has seen during his first weeks of staying and working in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“However, that is a matter for the future. Now, we must focus on what is important today. All political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina support cooperation with NATO and want it to continue. We welcome positive steps related to the Reform Program and hope that a constructive approach will continue without unnecessary blockades. Consensus is not simple. We know that well. It is not always easy to reach, even among allies, when 32 member states must cooperate to achieve progress,” emphasized Brigadier General Fowler.
When asked how cooperation with NATO contributes to the overall stability of the country and the European integration process, he said that the North Atlantic Alliance and the European Union (EU) have different, but complementary roles in supporting the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“NATO helps strengthen security, resilience, and professional defense institutions. The EU serves as the main driver of economic integration, development, and prosperity. These goals are closely connected because sustainable economic growth depends on a stable and secure environment. Through cooperation with NATO, Bosnia and Herzegovina strengthens its defense institutions, builds resilience, enhances reforms, and strengthens democratic oversight. These efforts support thewider goals of the authorities and thus contribute to the country’s European path,” he said.
Ultimately, as he noted, security, strong institutions, the rule of law and economic opportunities are mutually reinforcing, and cooperation with NATO and European integration together contribute to a stable, secure, and prosperous future for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Commander of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo also reflected on the current football World Cup, in which the national team of his homeland – the United States of America – is participating, as well as the national team of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Sport has a unique ability to bring people together. It transcends language, politics, and borders, creating sharedexperiences that foster respect, understanding, and friendship. One of the things that has impressed me the most since I arrived in BiH is the passion that people have for their national team. That passion reflects pride, unity, and a strong sense of community,” he highlighted.
He also stated that sport is actually a reminder that, although we come from different backgrounds and cultures, we often share the same aspirations and values, and for that very reason, it represents a strong bridge between people and nations.
“And if Bosnia and Herzegovina and the US were ever to meet on the pitch, I would simply hope for a good match and anunforgettable event for both teams,” he added.
At the end of the interview with Fena, the Commander of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo stated that he would like to be remembered as someone who worked with devotion for this country and contributed to the progress of reforms needed to have the opportunity to join NATO.
“That is a political decision and it is up to the politicians to make it. However, it is positive that all the politicians I have spoken with share the view that cooperation with NATO is a good thing, and NATO wants a partnership with BiH. That is the direction I would like my mandate to take,” he concluded.
Brigadier General James Fowler joined the South Carolina National Guard in 1992 as a combat engineer, and throughout his career, he has commanded units at all levels, from company to brigade, including serving as the first commander of the 117th Engineer Brigade.
He has experience leading combat operations in Iraq, overseeing international construction missions, and managing civilian relief operations following natural disasters in the US.
In 2005, Brigadier General Fowler entered active duty as a member of the National Guard, with his first assignment to the 157th Infantry Brigade of the First Army, where he was primarily responsible for the training and mobilization of the National Guard and Reserves in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Before his current duty, he served as the Deputy G-3/5/7 for the US Army Western Hemisphere Command.
He is the recipient of several notable military decorations, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Valorous Unit Award, the Combat Action Badge, and the Basic Parachutist Badge.
