In future, the Federal Armed Forces will participate in EUFOR ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina with up to 50 soldiers. The Bundestag has approved the Cabinet's decision. This marks the resumption of the EU-led mission in which the Federal Armed Forces were previously involved from 2004 to 2012, the German Government website said on Wednesday.

The Federal Armed Forces previously deployed liaison and observation teams during Germany’s previous involvement from 2004 to 2012.

“Stability and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina – and in the entire Western Balkans – are of key political importance to the EU and its member states. This is guaranteed by the EU-led security operation EUFOR ALTHEA and the support it provides for the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina. With domestic tensions rising and in view of the Russian attack on Ukraine, increased German involvement is a clear commitment to the sustainable stabilisation of the Balkan state as it pursues its path towards integration in Euro-Atlantic structures,” the German Government said.

The German Bundestag has approved the Federal Cabinet’s decision.

“The internal political impasse and independence aspirations of Republika Srpska, as well as its proximity to Russia, jeopardise Bosnia and Herzegovina’s progress towards EU membership. In this connection, the Federal Government considers it an important signal that the government of Bosnia and Herzegovina has come out in support of the EU sanctions against Russia, as well as voting in favour of the resolutions condemning the Russian attack on Ukraine at the emergency special session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The current political crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina heightens the risk of destabilisation and tensions between the various population groups in the country. In this situation, stability and security are essential to the democratic future of Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially in view of the elections in October 2022.

The Federal Government is particularly committed to multilateral operations. EUFOR ALTHEA is a particularly good example of this since it is the first EU-led operation to involve non-EU member states. In addition, EUFOR ALTHEA is considered a “beacon” of successful EU-NATO cooperation due to the EU’s recourse to NATO structures under the Berlin Plus agreement. The fact that Germany is now to be involved once again sends out a powerful signal in support of EUFOR ALTHEA,” they added.