The EU Council confirmed on Monday 14 October, in conclusions adopted without debate, that “the EU is ready to maintain, at this stage, the executive mandate of Operation Althea, in order to assist the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina in maintaining a safe and secure environment, under a renewed UN mandate”, which is to take place in November.
Ministers welcome “the continued presence of Operation Althea which, following the strategic reviews conducted in 2017 and 2019, has refocused on its primary mission, while retaining collective training as part of the operation's task”. They look forward to the presentation of the next Strategic Review in 2021, on the basis of which a debate will be held with Member States on Althea’s tasks and options for its future, “also taking into account the need to support the country's progress in its EU integration process and the security situation on the ground”.
The conclusions also state that the EU Council is aware of the importance of continuing to coordinate the operation with other international actors on the ground.
In parallel, the EU Council continues to call on the Bosnian authorities, with the assistance of the international community, to intensify their efforts to eliminate surplus ammunition, weapons and explosive devices, as well as to clear mines. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)