Exemplary mission – recognition on Hungarian and international levels

General Böröndi recalled that it was just a few days ago, on 21 January when Major General Sticz completed his tour of duty as commander in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), where he had troops of 24 nations under his command for a year in the framework of a strategically important mission of the European Union. In the person of Major General Sticz, a Hungarian soldier led the peacekeeping EUFOR Operation Althea for the first time.

The Chief of Defence emphasized that the Hungarian Command Year was a huge opportunity and responsibility, and proved to be a clear success story. Major General Sticz and the Hungarian troopss were serving in the Balkans country as part of an increased engagement undertaken in the Hungarian Command Year, giving a praiseworthy and almost incredible performance and demonstrating that they can hold their ground in every situation. The major general’s example shows well that the Hungarian Defence Forces not only participate in international military operations of outstanding significance, but also are capable of and ready for leading them – said General Böröndi.

Through his service, Major General László Sticz PhD earned recognition in Hungary and also in an international environment, so, among others, France and Romania presented him with state decorations in recognition of his performance as commander.

On the occasion of completing the Hungarian Command Year, the major general received the European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) medal and the EUFOR Operation Althea service medal for participation in the mission. In recognition of his outstanding professional conduct in carrying out his tasks and for his outstanding contribution to the strengthening of Hungarian–Romanian cooperation, he was awarded the Partner of Defense Medal, which is the second degree of the Romanian Defense Partnership Medal.

Besides, he received the 290th Joint Honorary Decoration, a numbered medal awarded by the Italian Chief of Defence for enhancing the good reputation of Italian defence, as well as the golden plaquette of the BiH Ministry of Defence for his commitment to EUFOR and his outstanding cooperation with the ministry and the Armed Forces of BiH.

The security of the Western Balkans is of key importance to the security of Hungary and the whole continent. In the Hungarian Command Year, the soldiers and military equipment of the Hungarian Defence Forces were deployed in high numbers with EUFOR Operation Althea, for example, to provide search and rescue and MEDEVAC capabilities involving the service of the newest Airbus helicopters as well.