Major General László Sticz takes over command of EUFOR Althea Mission

Text: honvedelem.hu/MTI | Photo: Noémi Bruzák/MTI | 11:32 February 1, 2024

On 31 January in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, Major General László Sticz took over the command of the European Union’s peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the framework of a ceremony. Major General Helmut Habermayer, the Austrian predecessor of the new Hungarian commander of EUFOR Operation Althea handed over the flag of the mission to him.

For the first time in its history, Hungary is providing the commander of the EUFOR Operation Althea. The handover-takeover ceremony of the commander’s position was also attended by President of Hungary Katalin Novák, Commander-in-Chief of the Hungarian Defence Forces; Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky; and General Dr. Gábor Böröndi, Chief of HDF General Staff.

Hungary is taking over the commander’s position of EUFOR Operation Althea, which is a very important mission – emphasized Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky before the handover-takeover ceremony in speaking to the press on the spot on Wednesday.

The minister of defence pointed out that the significance of this mission lies in the fact that it directly contributes to the Hungarian people’s security. He added that Hungary’s security also depends on the stability of the Western Balkan countries. It is clear that in the age of dangers, we need to be paying attention not only to the East where a war is going on, but also to the route of illegal migration – emphasized the minister, adding that not a long time ago, another major bloody war had been raging in the Western Balkans, the traces of which can be felt to the present day. The ongoing mission guarantees peace and stability here, and it is a great honor and pride to know that a Hungarian general will be leading it – emphasized the minister.

The commander of EUFOR Operation Althea leads a European Union Force provided by 23 troop contributing nations – László Sticz told the press on the spot on Wednesday.

He added that the everyday tasks consist of the command and control of this military capability. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, this is specifically complemented with the requirement of getting to know the state and military leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to carry out the tasks in cooperation with them. EUFOR is mandated to use all its military forces and equipment in support of the work of the authorities and agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina.