The deployment of EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina represents a key development in European Union foreign policy and demonstrates in a practical way how a deepening relationship with Europe can help consolidate the progress which this country had made since the end of the war in 1995.

The skies over Bosnia and Herzegovina are no longer thick with Allied aircraft, and ground patrols are no longer prominent in cities, towns and hamlets, but EUFOR creates the space needed for reform and development, a role that is every bit as important as the role played by the initial IFOR deployment in 1996 – even if, more than a decade on, this role has evolved dramatically. At the same time, EUFOR has in place a capable military force which is able to operate and project force throughout BiH. In addition, forces stationed “over the horizon” are available to reinforce EUFOR – as exercised with the deployment of German troops at the end of August. EUFOR remains a key element of the IC presence in BiH.

The successful modernisation and unification of the BiH armed forces has furnished this country with the capacity to participate in Partnership for Peace and helped minimize the possibility that political divisions will result in military confrontation. EUFOR continues to play an important role in consolidating this process through training and mentoring.

Justice in Bosnia and Herzegovina can only be served when those indicted for war crimes have been brought to justice; a central element in ensuring that this happens is the provision by EUFOR of operational, intelligence and logistical support to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and relevant authorities in their efforts to take suspects into custody.

Recently I had an opportunity to visit EUFOR personnel at one of the LOT houses that have been established around the country. I was struck by the fact that EUFOR has developed a remarkable capacity to detect developments on the ground. Helping to ensure that there is no return to violence is a complex task – and involves much more than the simple deployment of weaponry. By adjusting its operational posture in Bosnia and Herzegovina, EUFOR has shown that the EU has the capacity to make a constructive and effective military contribution to countries beyond its borders.

This is important for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and for the people of the European Union itself. I have the greatest confidence that the men and women now serving with EUFOR have the leadership, the resources and the operational capability to carry out their undertaking in this country successfully.

Miroslav Lajčák is the International Community’s High Representative and the European Union’s Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina.