Czech Republic deploys 150 soldiers to bolster security in Bosnia

The Czech Republic has decided to send a contingent of 150 soldiers to Bosnia and Herzegovina in light of a deteriorating security situation. This decision was confirmed by the army on March 12, 2025. The deployment, which is set to last for a month, is part of a coordinated effort alongside Romanian and Italian troops to enhance the security and stability in the Balkan region. The reinforcement is intended to support the European Union Force (EUFOR) mission that has been active in Bosnia since 2004, primarily focusing on the adherence to the Dayton Peace Agreement, which was crucial in ending the war that ravaged the country from 1992 to 1995. Tensions in the region have escalated notably after the February conviction of Milorad Dodik, a prominent Bosnian Serb leader, which has contributed to the current instability. The EUFOR mission, consisting of about a thousand personnel in total, aims to maintain a secure environment and assist the local armed forces in developing their capabilities and training units. This collaborative effort includes soldiers from multiple European nations and underscores the importance of stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina at a time of increased conflict risks. The Czech army's participation is a continuation of their commitment to peacekeeping in the region, a role which they have been undertaking since their return to the mission in 2010, having previously ceased participation in 2008. The Defense Minister of the Czech Republic, Jana Černochová, discussed the matter with journalists, emphasizing that this deployment is a preventive measure orchestrated in response to the calls from the EUFOR Althea mission's operational commander due to the recent security challenges. The Czech troops are expected to be stationed at Camp Butmir in Sarajevo, where they will be involved in monitoring activities, thereby contributing to the overall mission objectives. The precautionary nature of this deployment reflects the Czech military's rich experience and history in the region, which helps bolster their effectiveness as peacekeepers in Bosnia and Herzegovina.