EUFOR has Hungarian Chief of Staff again after Command Year

Like at the NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, the position of chief of staff in the European Union Force Operation Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina is traditionally filled by Hungarian soldiers for one-year tenures. Last year was special, because in the person of Major General László Sticz PhD, a Hungarian general led EUFOR Operation Althea for the first time, so the chief of staff position was temporarily filled by an Austrian candidate for one year.

Throughout one year, the Hungarian general led the mission in an exemplary way, earning appreciation from all sides involved. Just like the Hungarian soldiers providing support to the operation from home, he and the Hungarian servicemembers stood their ground, in an environment that was familiar to them but posed new challenges.

During a discussion held with the Commander of EUFOR Operation Althea Major General Florin-Marian Barbu, Lieutenant General Ferenc Kajári reasserted Hungary’s unchanging commitment to the success of the mission, pointing out that we are ready to send a reserve company to the mission insofar as the operational commander deems that necessary due to the changing security situation.

Major General Barbu took over the command of the peacekeeping mission made up of 24 nations in January 2025.

After the successful Hungarian Command Year in 2024, Hungary continues to undertake an important and visible role in EUFOR Operation Althea. This clearly demonstrates our commitment to the security and stability of the Western Balkans.

“Brigadier General Szabó is a seasoned, well-prepared and committed soldier. I am certain that he will be effectively managing the staff of the operations headquarters so that EUFOR Operation Althea can successfully complete its EU-mandated tasks and effectively contribute to the stability of the region. The deployment of the reserve battalion in September further shows Hungary’s commitment to regional security and stability” – said Lieutenant General Kajári.

In his speech delivered at the handover-takeover ceremony, Brigadier General Tibor Szabó emphasized that he is honored personally and professionally to take over the EUFOR Chief of Staff position. He pointed out that the mission represents not only the European Union’s commitment to the peace and stability of the country but also the responsibility of all of us for the security of the European continent.

He added that as chief of staff of the operation, he is well aware of the challenges ahead of him, which arise from the support to the stability and social cohesion of Bosnia and Herzegovina besides maintaining operational readiness and flexibility. The EUFOR contributes its presence and professionalism to this stability and cohesion, while it continues to support the work of local authorities in maintaining a safe and secure environment.

Hungarian Change of the Chief of Staff position

During May, the handover-takeover of the chief of staff position also took place at NATO Headquarters Sarajevo (NHQSa). On 13 May, the NHQSa, led by Brigadier General Matthew A. Valas bid farewell to Colonel Ferenc Kiss and at once welcomed Colonel Tibor Csipszer in the chief of staff position.

Hungary’s decades-long participation in the peacekeeping missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina is an outstanding sign of its commitment to the peace and stability of the Western Balkans and at once a significant contribution to the security of Europe and Hungary as well.