Bosnia-Herzegovina, EUFOR

After intervention by the United States and NATO, the fighting in Bosnia ended in December 1995. For a long period thereafter, NATO maintained troops in the country, who were later replaced in December 2004 by EUFOR – European Union Force in Bosnia, Operation Althea.

EUFOR’s main tasks were to contribute to a safe and secure environment in Bosnia by monitoring compliance with the Dayton Agreement and assisting in building a stable, viable, peaceful, and multi-ethnic Bosnia and Herzegovina. EUFOR also helped create a security environment in which the police could operate against organized crime and supported the International Criminal Tribunal by apprehending indicted individuals.

In the summer of 2007, a Swedish unit conducted deep mine clearance in Bosnia under an agreement between Sweden and Bosnia. For practical reasons, the unit was placed under the Althea force.

From 2010 onward, EUFOR’s mission was expanded to include training and developing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s armed forces into a national institution free from ethnic divisions. EUFOR also works with other parts of the international community to reduce the risks posed by remaining ammunition and weapons stockpiles.

Since November 2012, Sweden contributed two staff officers to EUFOR’s headquarters in Sarajevo, supporting and coordinating the Bosnian army with training from EU and non-EU member states. In addition, Sweden supported training and development efforts through instructors and advisors in so-called Mobile Training Teams. The Swedish Armed Forces’ contribution ended in September 2016.

Since autumn 2023, the Swedish Armed Forces have once again participated in Operation Althea with a staff officer at EUFOR’s headquarters.