The UK will be sending 90 additional Army personnel to support the EU mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) during the election period.
Two reconnaissance platoons will be deployed to BiH for a period of up to six months in the election period and will be based at the EUFOR ALTHEA HQ in Sarajevo. Their deployment will strengthen the mission’s capacity to foresee, monitor and prevent civil unrest across BiH.
The UK is a long standing supporter of the EU Mission and its role to ensure a safe and secure environment in BiH. The British Army has contributed personnel to the mission since 2004.
The Minister for International Security Strategy, Andrew Murrison, said: “The October elections are an important milestone in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s journey towards long term security and prosperity. This additional contribution from the UK will strengthen the mission to maintain stability over the election period.This is a further example of the UK’s commitment to ensuring a secure and stable Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
This additional support comes after a request from the Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR) to EU Member States. A lessons learned exercise, carried out after civil unrest in BiH in February of this year, highlighted the need for additional capability in EUFOR, including situational awareness and operational planning.