Committed to the stability of the Western Balkans – Chief of Defence visits Sarajevo

General Böröndi first met with Romanian Major General Florin-Marian Barbu, Commander, European Union Force Operation Althea – the EU’s peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The COMEUFOR, who had relieved Hungarian Major General Dr. László Sticz in this position in early 2025, pointed out that “the tension in the region continues to be present under the surface, so the flexible and prepared response of the nations providing military forces and capabilities is especially important”. He thanked Hungary for its contribution, especially for the deployment of the Hungarian company of the Intermediate Reserve Force. General Böröndi stated that Hungary is committed to continuing its active role in preserving the peace and stability of the Western Balkans.

During the meeting with US Army Brigadier General Matthew Valas, Commander, NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, the topic of regional security and the further strengthening of the excellent relationship between NATO and the EU were high on the agenda of the discussion, and the two delegations also talked about the growing intention within the Alliance to support missions and participate in them. General Böröndi reasserted that the Hungarian Defence Forces are committed to maintaining their international engagement. At the same time, he invited the American brigadier general to Exercise Adaptive Hussars 2025 – a country defence exercise based on NATO’s defence plans and frameworks – that is to be conducted with the participation of Hungarian and international forces.

After the discussions held with the international commanders, General Böröndi met with EUFOR Chief of Staff Brigadier General Tibor Szabó, who gave a comprehensive situational update on the current challenges to the mission and the Hungarian personnel serving with it. He said that based on feedback, the Hungarian contingent’s service and attitude is highly recognized, and the cooperation among different nations can be said to be excellent both on the level of command and on the level of implementation.

Within the framework of a staff meeting, General Böröndi informed the Hungarian soldiers about the changes in the recent period, their background and necessity, spoke about the current and future tasks of the Hungarian Defence Forces and answered questions. At the same time, he expressed thanks to the personnel for their exemplary and dedicated attitude during their service abroad.

Since 2004, Hungary has continuously been participating in the EU’s peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In 2024 for the first time, the mission was led by a Hungarian general, Major General Dr. László Sticz. From this May, Brigadier General Tibor Szabó fills the position of chief of staff operations, and from next year the deputy commander will be a Hungarian soldier, too.

The Hungarian contingent serving with EUFOR Operation Althea consists of an infantry company, a support element, an EOD team and the troops filling positions in the staff of the Multinational Battalion.