Romania has taken over command of EUFOR

 

Major General Florin-Marian Barbu took over, today, January 21st, the command of the European Union Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina - EUFOR, during a ceremony held in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, in the presence of State Secretary for Defence Policy, Planning and International Relations, Simona Cojocaru, and the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Gheorghiță Vlad.

By taking over the command of EUFOR, the largest multinational operation in the Western Balkans conducted under the aegis of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), Romania currently commands two out of the nine EU-led military operations and missions, to which it contributes troops and military equipment.

"Romania's operational involvement within EUFOR ALTHEA, whose command will be exercised by Major General Barbu, is proof of our firm commitment to the Western Balkans", State Secretary Simona Cojocaru stated.

After a mandate successfully completed by Brigadier General Ovidiu Lungu, between May 2023 and May 2024, as Chief of Staff of EUFOR ALTHEA, the Romanian Armed Force increased its level of representation in the operation by assuming leadership of the most important multinational force in the Western Balkans.

The exertion of the EUFOR command will increase the prestige and the respect enjoyed by the Romanian soldiers within the Euro-Atlantic community, the Chief of the Defence Staff stated.

"By taking over the command of EUFOR, Romania reaffirms its status as the main contributor to the multinational stabilization force deployed by the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina", General Vlad stated.

Romania will provide several essential functions within the operation, including the command of the multinational battalion, which can react firmly, according to the requirements, in support of the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in order to maintain a safe and secure climate.

The stability of the Western Balkans region is a priority for Romania, which is of strategic importance for the European and Euro-Atlantic security.

Also, starting yesterday, January 20th, the Romanian Air Force Detachment entered the service of the EUFOR ALTHEA Operation, and is tasked to conduct 24/7 medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), airlift and research missions under EUFOR command.

For the next four months, the four IAR 330 helicopters of the Romanian Air Force will perform specific airlift, research and MEDEVAC missions under EUFOR command. Thus, the Romanian Air Force participates in EUFOR ALTHEA Operation after a 20-year period.

The Romanian delegation also included the Chief of Land Forces Staff, Lieutenant General Ciprian Marin, the Chief of Air Force Staff, Lieutenant General Leonard-Gabriel Baraboi, and the Commander of the Joint Forces Command, Major General Valerică Vrăjescu.

 * 

Operation EUFOR ALTHEA was launched on December 2nd, 2004, based on the UN Security Council resolution (Resolution No. 1575/2004), and aims to support the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina in maintaining a safe and stable environment. Currently, there are 24 troop-contributing nations to the operation, including EU and non-EU member states.

 

 

The Press Office