Romania has handed over command of the European Union Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina

State Secretary for Defence Policy, Planning and International Relations, Sorin-Dan Moldovan, and the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff for Operations and Training, Lieutenant General Iulian Berdilă, participated today, January 21st, in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, in the command handover/takeover ceremony of the European Union Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR ALTHEA), the largest multinational operation in the Western Balkans, conducted under the aegis of the European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy.

After 12 months since Romania had taken over the command of EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina, our country handed it over to Italy. Thus, Major General Florin Marian Barbu handed over the command of the European Union Force to Major General Maurizio Fronda.

Romania's involvement in this theater of operations, within EUFOR ALTHEA, was clear proof of our firm commitment to the stability of the Western Balkans," State Secretary Sorin-Dan Moldovan said.

As a token of appreciation for his exceptional dedication and leadership, the operational commander, Lieutenant General Ludovic Pinon de Quincy, awarded Major General Florin Marian Barbu the European Union Medal for Common Security and Defence Policy for Extraordinary Merits.

The Romanian Armed Force has increased its level of representation within the operation by taking over the leadership of the most important multinational force in the Western Balkans. Lieutenant General Iulian Berdilă highlighted that exercising EUFOR command has increased the prestige and respect enjoyed by the Romanian soldiers within the Euro-Atlantic community.

"Romania reaffirmed its status as main contributor to the multinational stabilization force deployed by the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina," Lieutenant General Berdilă emphasized.

It is worth mentioning that, starting May, Romania will man, through Brigadier General Traian Maghercă, the position of Chief of Staff of EUFOR ALTHEA in the Bosnia and Herzegovina Theater of Operations, as a firm proof of Romania's commitment to the Western Balkans.

Romania manned several essential positions within the operation, including the command of the multinational battalion able of reacting promptly, when necessary, in support of the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to maintain a safe and stable environment.

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

Also, starting January 20th, the Romanian Air Force Detachment handed over 24/7 medical evacuation responsibilities (MEDEVAC), as well as airlift and reconnaissance missions, to the Italian Land Force Detachment.

The Press Office