Fronda: 'Quick Response 2026' an opportunity to reaffirm EUFOR’s commitment to security in BiH

The exercise will involve EUFOR personnel from 24 countries participating in the mission, temporarily reinforced by reserve units from Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, France, Greece, Italy, Hungary and Romania, as well as a rapid reaction unit from KFOR.

Commander Fronda stressed that 'Quick Response 2026' is one of EUFOR’s most important annual activities.

''It demonstrates our ability to rapidly deploy and reinforce our forces, coordinate effectively with our partners and maintain the high level of readiness required to fulfill the executive mandate given to us by the United Nations Security Council,'' he said at a press conference at Camp Butmir today.

Major General Fronda said Bosnia and Herzegovina has made remarkable progress over the years and that the EUFOR mission clearly demonstrates that it has helped maintain peace and promote stability within the framework of the Dayton Peace Agreement.

''My priority as EUFOR commander is to support the local authorities in maintaining a safe and stable environment here in BiH. Meetings with key actors in the area of operations are an essential part of my duties,'' Fronda said.

He stressed that these ongoing contacts at all levels of society and government, including with a large number of mayors and municipal heads, demonstrate EUFOR’s impartial role in promoting cooperation, strengthening stability and supporting long-term peace and security in BiH.

According to Fronda, the security situation in BiH remains stable, but maintaining stability requires constant readiness, close cooperation and continuous assessment of the security environment.

BiH Deputy Security Minister Ivica Bosnjak also addressed the media, saying that the exercise’s key objective is to ensure full coordination among all institutions involved and the timely exchange of information between local police structures, local communities, entity ministries and law enforcement agencies at all levels in BiH.

He stressed that the exercise is an opportunity to demonstrate the high level of cooperation and coordination among domestic and international security actors.

Bosnjak also highlighted the importance of the exercise as it demonstrates the ability of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and EUFOR personnel to act jointly in crises.

He said the common goal of all institutions is to preserve a stable, peaceful and secure Bosnia and Herzegovina, stressing the importance of continuous training and exercises.

Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of BiH, Lieutenant General Gojko Knezevic, said that EUFOR forces would have an increased presence and greater visibility in the field during the ''Quick Response'' exercise compared with their usual activities.

He added that the Armed Forces of BiH would also participate in the exercise, although the final scope of their involvement is still being coordinated with the partners involved in the activity.