Published: December 08 2023
Hungary will have a significant role in the European Union's largest military mission in the Western Balkans in 2024. The Hungarian Defense Forces will lead the mission and provide various capabilities and support.
Hungarian Troops' Role in the Mission
In addition to the company-level MH EUFOR Contingent, Hungarian troops will be responsible for primary medical care, air search and rescue, helicopter operations, bomb disposal with canine patrol, and logistical support.
Preparations and Training
Multi-level preparations for the mission have been ongoing since March, and the troops have recently concluded their training with a crowd dispersal exercise as part of the High Voltage 2023 exercise.
Hungary's Commitment to Peace in the Western Balkans
Hungary has been actively involved in crisis management in the Western Balkans since the end of the Bosnian war. The Hungarian Defense Forces previously participated in NATO peacekeeping missions and have been fulfilling duties for EUFOR ALTHEA.
The Significance of the Mission for Hungary
Ensuring peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans is crucial for Hungary's security and stability.
Image Source: \[honvedelem.hu]\(link to the image source)
Questions & Answers
What role will the Hungarian Defense Forces play in the Western Balkans in 2024? The Hungarian Defense Forces will be the lead nation of the European Union's largest military mission in the Western Balkans in 2024. They will provide primary medical care, air search and rescue capability, a helicopter sub-unit, a bomb disposal team with canine patrol, and logistical support and supply.
Who is Major General László Sticz? Major General László Sticz is the first Hungarian commander of the European Union's largest mission in the Western Balkans.
What training did the Hungarian troops undergo before their deployment? The Hungarian troops underwent training as part of the High Voltage 2023 exercise. Major General László Sticz observed one of the elements of the exercise, which concluded the training of the unit, on December 6.
What role has Hungary played in the crisis management of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans? Since the end of the Bosnian war, Hungary has played an active role in the crisis management of the region. Between 1995 and 2004, the Hungarian Defense Forces participated in NATO peacekeeping missions, and since then have also been involved in the duties of EUFOR ALTHEA.
