Slovakia to temporarily strengthen its contribution to Operation EUFOR Althea

Slovakia will temporarily strengthen its contribution to Operation EUFOR Althea by deploying additional 121 SVK Armed Forces personnel to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aim is to prevent the local security situation from worsening in the country. The length of the deployment is expected to be up to 30 days.

The MOD has thus responded to the request from the Operational Commander (OPCOM) for Operation EUFOR Althea to bolster the force in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the Intermediate Reserve Force. Among the SVK units to be deployed are: an immediate readiness reserve element and a company from 53 Airborne Battalion Trebišov, which forms part of the Slovak Special Operations Forces.

According to the preliminary assessments, the situation across Operation EUFOR Althea may worsen, even in connection with the Ukraine crisis. As early as 23 February 2022, the EU's Political and Security Committee (PSC) received a brief on the developments in BiH from the Operational Commander.

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: "As a responsible EU member, Slovakia will deliver on its commitment and respond adequately so as to jointly prevent the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina from worsening any further, while closely coordinating with EU Member States."

Parliament gave its approval to the earmarking of SVK military personnel to EUFOR's reserve forces for Bosnia and Herzegovina with Resolution No. 542 of 27 January 2021.