Hungarian Defense Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky confirmed today that the command of the EUFOR Althea mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina will be taken over by Major General Laszlo Sticz from January 1, 2024, and announced the reinforcement of the mission with additional forces during the next year.
“The Hungarian Defense Forces are stepping up their commitment: during 2024, additional forces and vital capabilities will join the EUFOR Althea mission. The experience of Major General Sticz in the development of sgag makes him a strong leader of this mission”, announced the Hungarian minister on the X social network.
According to the Hungarian media, Szalay-Bobrovniczky emphasized that preserving the stability of the Western Balkans is a priority for the Hungarian Government, since the countries of the region play a key role in stopping illegal migration.
He emphasized that the Hungarian Armed Forces will contribute to the Althea mission through helicopter transport, air evacuation and ROLE 1 medical support, as well as a bomb disposal crew, explosive detection dogs and a military police unit starting next year.
He added that Hungary has been part of various regional military missions for decades, and the Althea mission of the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most important.
According to the Minister of Defense, Hungarian soldiers have been recognized for years for their role in the military alliance by leading regional missions.
The appointment of Sticz was supported by the Military Committee of the European Union as well as the commander of the EUFOR Operation Hubert Cottereau.
We remind you that after the announcement of taking over command of the EUFOR Althea mission from Hungary, BiH Defense Minister Zukan Helez said that it is necessary to prevent that move, pointing out the close ties between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Republika Srpska entity president Milorad Dodik.
