Hungarian general assumes duties as DCOM EUFOR Operation Althea

Text: HDF Defence Staff | Photo: EUFOR | 15:59 March 23, 2026

Brigadier General Bálint Legoza has taken over the lead of EUFOR Operation Althea, the European Union’s peacekeeping operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the next months, two Hungarian generals will be serving concurrently in the leadership of the mission, as Brigadier General Tibor Szabó will be performing his duties as chief of staff until May.

Speaking at the handover-takeover ceremony held in Sarajevo, Brigadier General Legoza emphasized that close international cooperation is the guarantee of operational success. “The efforts made by the EU mission, NATO, the armed forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the international partners are indispensable for ensuring the stability and development of the region” – he added.

The brigadier general, who recently took over the helm from Italian Brigadier General Uberto Incisa did Camerana, said that the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina represent shared values and common interests. “The objective is to create a more secure and stable Bosnia and Herzegovina and a common European future”.

The Western Balkans region has outstanding significance for Hungary. Since the beginnings in 1995, in order to preserve the peace and security of the region, Hungary has been assuming an active role in the international peacekeeping operations launched in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Hungarian military presence is increasing not only in the strength of the contingent but also in the leadership positions.

In the person of Brigadier General Tibor Nagy, a Hungarian soldier filled the Deputy Commander EUFOR Althea position in 2010 for the first time, and in January 2024, Major General László Sticz PhD took over command of the operation for one year.

Until his posting to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brigadier General Bálint Legoza served as commander of the HDF 11th Motorised Infantry Brigade. He is an experienced leader who had served professionally in Iraq, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Afghanistan, and had been the commander of the Hungarian contingent on his two most recent missions in Kosovo.

The fact that in his person, a Hungarian general serves again in the deputy commander position signals that the international community trusts in the Hungarian soldiers’ professional preparedness and leadership skills, which strengthens Hungary’s credibility in the Common Security and Defence Policy of Europe. Hungary is committed to the stability of the Western Balkans, and contributes to maintaining regional security as an active and reliable actor.