EUHR Solana's remarks at EUFOR Change of Command Ceremony

Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, made the following remarks at the ceremony held in Sarajevo on 6 December, to mark the change of command of the EUFOR from General Leakey to General Chiarini. General Leakey had been EUFOR Force Commander since the launch of operation ALTHEA in BiH on 2 December 2004.

"It is a great pleasure to be with you today in Sarajevo at Butmir Camp.

This is an important occasion. Clearly, EUFOR has had a very successful first year. That matters most of all to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina. But it is also important for the European Union as we continue to assist Bosnia and Herzegovina on the path towards its eventual destination: the European Union.

Many people have contributed to EUFOR's accomplishments. In particular, I would like to thank the three senior Generals who are present here today:

General Reith who as Operational Commander has supervised EUFOR during its first year of operations.

General Leakey who has provided inspiring leadership over this crucial period.

And General Chiarini who has been appointed to take over the command today.

Let me congratulate General Leakey on having done an outstanding job. You have not only led from the front in theatre. You have also kept Brussels, in particular the Political and Security Committee and the EU Military Committee, fully informed about developments on the ground. We look forward to welcoming you back in Brussels for your valedictory calls tomorrow.

When last year we prepared the launch of EUFOR, we wanted a smooth and seamless transition from SFOR. Which is exactly what happened. We also wanted EUFOR to be new and different. And so it has proved.


From my perspective, the key difference has been the symbiotic relationship with the other EU instruments and actors. EUFOR very much fits into a broad EU engagement with Bosnia and Herzegovina. A broad engagement that brings together military and civilians, that maximises synergies between security, political and economic measures. This comprehensive approach is what modern crisis management is all about.

Moreover, EUFOR matters for the simple reason that this is by far our largest military operation. I am pleased how successfully you have demonstrated that the European Union is fully able to carry out such a large-scale operation, under the Berlin+ arrangements.

The new EU Police Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina continue the good work of its predecessor.

But it should also be more proactively engaged, assisting the local law enforcement agencies in operational matters, notably in the fight against organised crime.

Coherence, as we all know, is everything. That is why it will remain essential for both EUFOR and EUPM to continue to work under the coordination of the EU Special Representative.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the transition process in Bosnia and Herzegovina is now entering a new phase. A few days ago we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Dayton/Paris Peace Accords. The same day Ministers agreed that the EU should open negotiations on a Stabilisation and Association Agreement.

It represents a major step forward on Bosnia's path of integrating itself into the European Union.

The start of these negotiations illustrates how far Bosnia and Herzegovina has come since the terrible days of war. But, as the beginning of a process, it is also a reminder of how much more there is still to do.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a special case of pre-accession country. The trauma of the war still marks the body politic and the wider society.

That is why the European Union will remain engaged and willing to help. But it is also important that Bosnia and Herzegovina's journey to Europe will be led by responsible local forces, and less by outside players. That is one of the key challenges for the years ahead.

Let me conclude by thanking everyone, from both the EU and non-EU countries, for their efforts.

You have done a fantastic job.

There have been many positive developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the past year.

EUFOR has played a full role, not least by guaranteeing a safe and secure environment and by providing reassurance to both the population and authorities.

We must continue that effort - and as long as is necessary.

I wish you every success in 2006."

| Arriba |

• EU Presidency Statement - Situation in Bosnia Herzegovina (15/11/2005)
• Key findings of 2005 Progress Reports on Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro and Kosovo (9/11/2005)
• Speech by Commissioner Rehn - From Peace-Building to State-Building (20/10/2005)
• EU Council Conclusions on EU Support for International Peace and Security (3/10/2005)