NATO has delivered a clear message in support of the EU operation “Althea” in Bosnia and Herzegovina, under the Berlin Agreement, emphasizing the importance of continuing the mission’s mandate.
A NATO official at the Brussels headquarters told FENA that the Alliance will not allow a security vacuum to form in the country.
This statement comes in response to recent comments by the former president of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, who in an interview with Russian media announced a planned visit to Moscow, where he intends to request Russia to veto the continuation of the EUFOR mission at the UN Security Council. Dodik also declared that he would seek Russian support for a referendum on the independence of the RS entity.
The NATO official stressed that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s security is essential for regional, European, and transatlantic stability.
“We strongly support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Any threat of secession is destabilizing and dangerous. We support BiH and its state institutions,” the official said.
NATO remains committed to partnership with BiH, deepening political dialogue and practical cooperation, including through the NATO office in Sarajevo and the Political Engagement Support Unit.
The official also highlighted NATO’s support for reforms aimed at making BiH more stable and secure through the Defence Capacity Building Package, which includes assistance in areas such as crisis management, cyber defence, counter-terrorism, and enhancing the interoperability of BiH Armed Forces with NATO.
He noted that several new programs are expected to begin this year in areas such as counter-terrorism, cyber defence, air evacuation, military police, and crisis management.
“Significant steps have been taken. NATO allies and partners have invested over €8 million in a special Trust Fund and continue to deploy experts to implement specific initiatives,” he added.
The official emphasized close NATO-EU cooperation to ensure their efforts are complementary. NATO staff assigned to this cooperation are in constant consultation with the EU on common interest areas such as air surveillance, cyber defence, and counter-terrorism.
Finally, he mentioned that the Defence Capacity Building Package builds on strong cooperation in areas such as professional military education and good governance, and NATO will continue discussions with BiH authorities on further areas of cooperation.
