Peace, Stability, Blood Donation

The blood donation was part of the series of events organized to mark the 20th anniversary of EUFOR Operation Althea, the European Union’s peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The EU’s peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina took over the military tasks related to the Dayton Agreement putting an end to the Bosnian War from the NATO Stabilisation Force (SFOR) on 2 December 2004. The international mission supporting local authorities for 20 years, this year is being led by a Hungarian commander for the first time, Major General Dr. László Sticz.

The blood donation symbolized the humanitarian activity of the mission, outlining the helpfulness of soldiers and civilians. The special atmosphere of the event derived from the participants’ not only supporting the local medical supply system but also strengthening the spirit of cooperation and solidarity.

The EUFOR has set an example to the international community for 20 years: peacekeeping is not only a military but also a humanitarian errand that connects cultures and nations. The blood donation in Camp Butmir provided a worthy framework for this message, emphasizing that commitment to peace and stability might take blood and sacrifice if needed.