EUFOR Commander Major General Maurizio Fronda announced the holding of the EUFOR multinational exercise “Quick Response 2026” from August 22 to September 3 throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, stressing that such exercises ensure EUFOR’s readiness to react effectively whenever necessary and additionally strengthen interoperability with domestic partners.
EUFOR members from 24 countries participating in the mission will participate in the exercise, which will be temporarily reinforced by reserve units from Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, France, Greece, Italy, Hungary, Romania and a rapid response unit from KFOR.
The Frond commander emphasized that “Rapid Response 2026” is one of the most important annual activities of EUFOR.
“It demonstrates our ability to quickly deploy and strengthen forces, efficiently coordinate with partners and maintain a high level of readiness required to fulfill the executive mandate given to us by the United Nations Security Council,” he said at today’s press conference in Camp Butmir.
Major General Fronda assessed that BiH has made exceptional progress over the years and that the mission of EUFOR clearly shows that they helped maintain peace and promote stability within the framework of the Dayton Peace Agreement.
“My priority as EUFOR commander is to support the local authorities in maintaining a safe and stable environment here in BiH. Meetings with key actors in the field of operations are an essential part of my duties,” said Fronda.
He pointed out that these continuous contacts at all levels of society and government, including a large number of chiefs and mayors, confirm the impartial role of EUFOR in promoting cooperation, strengthening stability and supporting long-term peace and security in BiH.
According to him, the security situation in BiH remains stable, but he noted that maintaining stability requires constant readiness, close cooperation and continuous assessment of the security environment.
He also added that regular training, maintenance of operational capabilities and ensuring that mechanisms for strengthening forces remain effective are necessary.
“Our obligation remains clear, to support a safe and stable environment for all citizens of BiH – said the commander of EUFOR, pointing out that the “Quick Response” exercise shows a comprehensive spectrum of military capabilities and serves as an opportunity to confirm EUFOR’s commitment to security and stability, in BiH, but also in the region.
BiH Deputy Minister of Security Ivica Bošnjak also addressed the media, who stated that the key goal of the exercise is to ensure full coordination of all involved institutions and timely exchange of information between local police structures, local communities, entity ministries and law enforcement agencies at all levels in BiH.
As he emphasized, the exercise represents an opportunity to confirm the high level of cooperation and coordination between domestic and international security actors.
Bosniak also emphasized that this activity has special significance because it demonstrates the ability of the BiH Armed Forces and members of EUFOR to work together in crisis situations.
He pointed out that the common goal of all institutions is the preservation of a stable, peaceful and safe Bosnia and Herzegovina and emphasized the importance of continuous training and exercise.
“We must continue with exercises and strengthening the capacities of all law enforcement services and agencies in order to maintain a high level of readiness and be able to respond to all the challenges we may face,” said Bošnjak.
The Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of BiH (OSBiH), Colonel General Gojko Knežević, said that during the implementation of the “Quick Response” exercise, the movement of EUFOR forces on the ground will be increased and their visibility will be increased compared to usual activities.
He pointed out that the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina will also participate in the exercise, and that the final scope of their engagement is still being agreed with the partners involved in the implementation of the activity.
Knežević stated that a decision has already been made to transfer a certain number of locations and facilities at military locations for the needs of EUFOR forces, with the aim of successfully implementing the exercise in accordance with the planned scenario.
Speaking about the cooperation so far, he recalled that in the first half of the year, the Armed Forces of BiH and EUFOR successfully implemented the “Combined Response” exercise, which he assessed as the pinnacle of the joint training of the two forces.
“Rapid Response 2026.” is a key activity by which EUFOR checks its ability to quickly deploy, efficiently coordinate and operate in order to support a safe and stable environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The exercise will be held in several locations in BiH, including Sarajevo, Mostar, Bijeljina, Tuzla, Višegrad, Trebinje, Čapljina, Drvar Laktaši, Livno, Manjača, Krčmarice, as well as certain border crossings, Fena writes.
