Romanian army officially announces an extremely important measure that Romania is carrying out starting these days, and this is because the command of the European Union Force (EUFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been taken over, marking the largest multinational operation in the Western Balkans, carried out under the aegis of the Common Security and Defense Policy.
Romanian army reports that Major General Florin – Marian Barbu took over command of the forces during an official ceremony held in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. Within this operation, Romania will provide several essential functions, including command of the multinational battalion. This battalion is ready to react firmly and quickly, depending on the needs, supporting the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina in maintaining a safe and secure climate.
The EUFOR handover ceremony brought together important figures, including Simona Cojocaru, Secretary of State for Defense Policy, Planning and International Relations, General Gheorghita Vlad, Chief of the Defense Staff, Lieutenant General Hubert Cottereau, Operational Commander of EUFOR, and Luigi Soreca, European Union Special Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"Romania's operational involvement in EUFOR ALTHEA, commanded by Major General Barbu, is proof of our firm commitment to the Western Balkans," said Simona Cojocaru. After a successful mandate by Brigadier General Ovidiu Lungu, between May 2023 and May 2024, Romania is consolidating its presence in the operation by assuming the leadership of the most important multinational force in the region.
The Romanian Army also points out that General Gheorghita Vlad emphasized: "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. The stability of the Western Balkans region is a priority for Romania and essential for European and Euro-Atlantic security."
Operation EUFOR ALTHEA, launched on 2 December 2004, under the mandate of the UN Security Council (Resolution 1575/2004), aims to support the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina in maintaining a secure and stable environment. The force currently includes personnel from 24 nations, both EU and non-EU.
The Romanian Army also confirms that in addition to this responsibility, Romania is expanding its presence within NATO. On Saturday, January 18, at the LEST Training Center in Slovakia, the Romanian Flag-raising ceremony and the introduction of the "Black Lions" Anti-Tank Platoon within the Slovak Forward Land Battle Group (FLF SVK), under the leadership of Spain as the framework nation, took place.
Romanian soldiers, part of the 285th Artillery Battalion "Vlaicu Voda", will train in a multinational context between January and July 2025. The Romanian Ambassador to Bratislava, HE Călin Fabian, and representatives of other armies contributing to the Battle Group, as well as representatives of the "General Ioan-Emanoil Florescu" Joint Forces Command, participated in the event.
The Romanian Army also tells us that the commander of the Multinational Brigade in Slovakia, Colonel Jesus Manuel Martinez Victoria, welcomed the Romanian soldiers and highlighted that their participation strengthens the structure of the group.
The Forward Land Battle Group in Slovakia, established following the NATO Summit in Madrid in 2022, is a measure to strengthen the Eastern Flank of the Alliance. Romania is expanding its military presence within NATO, participating in battle groups in Slovakia, Bulgaria and Poland, demonstrating its continued commitment to regional and European security.
This takeover of EUFOR command and the expansion of its presence within NATO reflects Romania's proactive role in maintaining peace and stability in the Western Balkans region, thus consolidating its position on the international stage and significantly contributing to the collective security efforts of the European Union and NATO.
