On the occasion of the Armed Forces Day, the EU handed over today 21 medical and transport vehicles for the Demining Battalion of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This was the first delivery of a total of 68 vehicles that Bosnia and Herzegovina will receive as part of an Assistance Measure worth €10 million under the European Peace Facility (EPF) to support Bosnia and Herzegovina to become mine free. 150 metal detectors under this Measure were already handed over in July 2022.  European External Action Service Managing Director for Europe Angelina Eichhorst said, “The European Union is fully committed to supporting security and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. To this end, we have allocated over €20 million in assistance to the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in addition to the support provided for a safe and secure environment through Operation EUFOR ALTHEA.”

In addition to the Assistance Measure for demining, the EU approved in December 2022 a further €10 million to provide field equipment, key tools for military engineering and CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) material for the Tactical Support Brigade of the BiH Armed Forces. The Armed Forces of BiH further benefit from a €6 million Assistance Measure under the EPF for the Balkan Medical Task Force. As part of this measure, the EU will deliver ambulances, terrain vehicles, equipment for hospitals and laboratories, and IT and communication equipment to medical military units in the region. Through the EPF, the EU emphasises its commitment to stability and security in its neighbourhood and around the world as well as its comprehensive approach to supporting partners, determination to protect democratic values, and readiness to take the role of security provider.