EUFOR: Successful Hungarian Command Year Comes to a Close

“After many years of Austrian command, in 2024, a Hungarian commander and his team was given the opportunity to demonstrate their preparedness in EUFOR Operation Althea, which has been going on for twenty years now” – recalled Tamás Vargha. He pointed out that the significance of Hungary’s assumed role is primarily given by the fact that the peace and security of the Western Balkans region are priorities for the security of our country.

On the last day of his one-year tour of duty in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Major General László Sticz gave the representatives of Hungarian and international press a comprehensive picture of the challenges and accomplishments of the year 2024 in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. As he said, during his service he had also considered occasions like the present one as priorities, because they laid the foundation for further building trust among the forces of the mission, the local civil and military leaders as well as the population.

In his address, he talked about the main objectives of his tenure, and he was able to assess them as accomplishments at once. He mentioned the role of partnership between the foreign mission and the local forces, and the promotion as well as preservation of stability and peace in the Western Balkans country. The latter incorporates efficient reaction to emergencies and disaster situations, which was also manifested during flood relief operations and the air rescue of hikers who lost their way, thanks to the medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) capability.

“One cannot control a military force from an ivory tower, so I seized every opportunity to meet my troops, regardless of their being in the area of operations, in reserve, in Camp Butmir or off the camp. Moreover, I was striving to meet everybody who supports our mission, from the members of the BiH presidency to mayors and policemen of towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina to the young generation” – pointed out Major General László Sticz.

“I’m convinced that actions speak louder than words. I hope that the actions taken by EUFOR tell you the same as they tell me: all efforts made by me and my comrades seem now to be refunded, as the circle of local leaders and the population are increasingly supporting the mission. Moreover, the country is getting closer to becoming a member of the European Union” – this was how the outgoing commander summed up the year that has passed.

By handing over the flag of the mission at the Change of Command Ceremony, the major general symbolically handed over the command task system of 24 nations. In his speech, he noted that this position had been filled by a Hungarian soldier for the first time, which well attests to the trust placed in Hungary. “The future of Bosnia and Herzegovina is full of hope and potentials, and making use of them requires further commitment cooperation and strategic leadership” – said Major General László Sticz in concluding his speech.

Among others, the new Romanian commander of the mission also gave a speech at the ceremony. “EUFOR continues to be ready to guarantee the peace and security of the country. The mission is a safe haven for all those who need it, a fortress that protects against any kind of challenges and provides a straight way to the future. Collectively, we can build the foundation of permanent peace and security” – pointed out Major General Florin-Marian Barbu in his speech.

At the event, Major General László Sticz received the Operation EUFOR Althea service medal for his participation in the Althea mission within the framework of the European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and the second grade of the Romanian Partner of Defense medal for his professional conduct in carrying out his tasks and his outstanding contribution to strengthening Hungarian-Romanian cooperation.

Beyond the above, he also received the numbered chief of staff medal Joint Honorary Decoration No. 290 for his contribution to increasing the recognition of Italian national defence, as well as a golden plaquette of the Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina for his commitment to EUFOR and his outstanding cooperation with the ministry and the armed forces of BiH.

Last year, the Hungarian contingent provided the tactical air transportation and air medical evacuation (Air MEDEVAC) capabilities (with two H145M and, until October, one Mi-17, and in what followed, one H225M helicopter). The Aviation Detachment had already handed over its service a day earlier, and the rotating Romanian team is to perform its tasks with four IAR-333 helicopters. The full close of the Hungarian Command Year will take place on 28 January with the handover of the command tenure of the Multinational Battalion (MNBN), when its outgoing Hungarian commander, Lieutenant Colonel László Nagy will relinquish his position.

Among others, the 12 January event was attended by Lieutenant General Ferenc Kajári, Deputy Chief of HDF Defence Staff as well as CSM Zoltán Kaszab, Command Sergeant Major of the Hungarian Defence Forces.