Hungarian Major General László Sticz, who is taking over the command of European Union military deployment in Bosnia and Herzegovina as of January 2024, said ahead of his arrival that “the peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans is vital for Hungary.”

Media in Hungary reported that in 2024, the Hungarian Defense Forces will play a key role in the Western Balkans, as the lead nation of the European Union’s largest military mission.

The command takeover and reinforcement of the EUFOR ALTHEA mission was announced by Hungary's Defence Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky in early October.

“Hungary's Defense Forces are stepping up their commitment: In 2024, additional forces and vital capabilities will join EUFOR ALTHEA. Major General Sticz's experience in force development makes him a strong leader for this mission,” the minister said.

Hungarian troops will provide primary medical care for the international mission, air search, rescue and evacuation capability, a helicopter sub-unit, a bomb disposal team with canine patrol, and logistical support and supply, according to Hungary Today.

Before deployment, Major General László Sticz, the first Hungarian commander of the European Union’s largest mission, observed one of the elements of the High Voltage 2023 exercise, which concluded the training of the unit, on December 6. As part of the closing exercise, outgoing personnel performed a spectacular crowd dispersal exercise.