Today, Major General Maurizio Fronda took over the position of commander of EUFOR’s Althea operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina from Major General Florin Marin Barbu, with the message that they will continue the good work done by their predecessors and that EUFOR will remain a reliable factor of stability and deterrence for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The handover ceremony held at the Butmir base included a ceremonial review of EUFOR members and military equipment, and for the first time a platoon of the BiH Armed Forces participated, marching in a machine.
The new commander of the EUFOR Althea mission, Major General Fronda, in his address to the audience, said that he felt great pride in being the third Italian general who received the privilege and responsibility of being EUFOR commander.
– I want to thank the Italian and European authorities who considered me worthy of this special and great opportunity – he pointed out.
For BiH, he said that the mixture of peoples and cultures is of inestimable value for Europe and all Europeans.
– This is the fourth time I am here on a mission and I have developed a deep respect and love for this country, its people and its culture, a great wealth that must be preserved – said Major General Fronda.
He emphasized that they will continue with the good work done by their predecessors, performing their duties transparently and impartially, in close coordination and cooperation with all relevant actors.
– EUFOR will remain a reliable factor of stability and deterrence for all citizens of BiH – said the new commander, adding that he will use all his energy and knowledge to carry out his tasks in the best possible way.
The outgoing commander, Major General Florin-Marian Barbu, also addressed those present, who said that he felt a great honor and privilege that he had the responsibility of serving as the first Romanian commander of the European Union (EU) Forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
– This is the best proof of Romania’s permanent and active commitment to the stability of the Western Balkans and the broader security goals of the EU – he pointed out.
He told the political and military leadership of BiH that, during his mandate, as he committed himself in January last year, EUFOR Althea strongly supported our country as a refuge for all those in need, providing guarantees and acting as a visible, reassuring presence in different communities.
He also added that EUFOR was a path leading to a safer and more stable future through constant cooperation and joint training with the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and law enforcement authorities.
– We worked together to strengthen the foundations of lasting peace and I am sure that this cooperation will continue to develop – he said.
He looked back on the past year, which he assessed as complex and characterized by growing political confrontation, institutional obstructions and conflicting strategic plans in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
– In this context, EUFOR operated in circumstances of constant strategic ambiguity. Our operational structure was adjusted to ensure convincing deterrence, provide capacities for quick reaction and constant information about the situation, which enabled us to act decisively, in case of need, – he said.
He also said that when he assumed the position of commander of EUFOR Althea, he was aware of the challenges ahead.
– Today, when I am handing over the post of commander, I can look back with pride on what we have achieved together. With dedication, professionalism and mutual respect, we have made significant changes in the lives of the people we serve here. This mission remains strong, flexible and ready for the future – concluded Major General Barbu.
At the end of his address, he wished the new commander much success in his new position and expressed his belief that his extensive experience will be of great value to the mission.
The European Union operational commander for Operation Althea, Lieutenant General Ludovic Pinon de Quincy, thanked Major General Florin Marian Barbu for his professionalism and presented him with the EU Common Defense and Security Policy Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of his commitment and leadership in a time of responsibility and challenge.
– Under his leadership, EUFOR strengthened its cooperation with the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, improved coordination with partners and maintained a visible and convincing presence throughout the country. What he achieved, together with everyone under his command, was crucial for the additional consolidation of EUFOR’s credibility – he pointed out.
Addressing the new commander, Major General Fronda, he expressed his belief that under his command and clear guidelines, EUFOR Althea will maintain a key role in providing support to the BiH authorities in maintaining a safe and stable environment for all citizens.
The Special Representative of the European Union (EU) and head of the EU Delegation in BiH, Luigi Soreca, also addressed the audience, saying that in the past year, marked by a serious political and constitutional crisis, EUFOR was exposed to great political attention and pressure.
– However, I could not be more proud of how the forces, under the leadership of Major General Barbu, coped with those pressures. The balanced operation of EUFOR provided guarantees and deterred from causing destabilizing risks, once again demonstrating its key role as a pillar of regional stability since 2004 – he pointed out.
He also emphasized that EUFOR Althea remains the basis of the EU’s unified approach to supporting local authorities in maintaining a safe and stable environment.
– After its executive mandate was extended last October, this mission emphasizes its key role in preserving the security of BiH and providing guarantees to the country – said Soreca.
The ceremony was attended by prominent military and civilian dignitaries from domestic institutions and the international community. This event marked the end of the year in which Romania was at the head of EUFOR and the beginning of the year in which it would be Italy.
