European Union's Operation Althea

European Union's Operation Althea is a European Union (EU)-led peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which began in December 2004, following the completion of NATO's SFOR mission. The operation is conducted in accordance with the United Nations (UN) Charter and is supported by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) through UN Security Council Resolution 1551. The mission involves cooperation with various international organizations, including the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe.

● Introduction

The European Union's Operation Althea is a significant example of the EU's commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Western Balkans, as outlined in the Stabilisation and Association Process (SAP) and the Thessaloniki Agenda. The operation is also closely linked to the Dayton Peace Accords, which were negotiated by Richard Holbrooke and signed in Paris in 1995, with the aim of ending the Bosnian War. The EU's involvement in the region is also influenced by its relationships with neighboring countries, such as Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro, as well as its cooperation with international organizations like the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the Office of the High Representative (OHR).

● Background

The background to the European Union's Operation Althea is rooted in the complex history of the Yugoslav Wars, which involved various countries, including Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo. The conflict led to the involvement of international organizations, such as the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which conducted operations like Operation Deny Flight and Operation Deliberate Force. The EU's decision to launch Operation Althea was also influenced by its relationships with other international actors, including the United States, Russia, and China, as well as its participation in international forums like the G8 and the G20.

● Mandate_and_Objectives

The mandate and objectives of the European Union's Operation Althea are based on UN Security Council Resolution 1575 and are focused on maintaining a stable and secure environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The operation's objectives include supporting the implementation of the Dayton Peace Accords, promoting the rule of law, and facilitating the return of refugees and displaced persons. The mission is also tasked with cooperating with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and supporting the work of the Office of the High Representative (OHR), which is led by the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The operation's mandate is regularly reviewed and updated by the UN Security Council and the EU Council.

● Operational_History

The operational history of the European Union's Operation Althea began in December 2004, when the EU took over from NATO's SFOR mission. The operation is led by a Force Commander, who is responsible for the overall direction of the mission, and is supported by a Headquarters located in Sarajevo. The operation involves the deployment of troops from various EU member states, including Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, as well as contributions from non-EU countries like Turkey, Canada, and Australia. The mission has also involved cooperation with other international organizations, such as the OSCE and the Council of Europe, as well as with local authorities, including the Bosnia and Herzegovina Council of Ministers.

● Contribution_and_Participation

The contribution and participation of various countries and organizations in the European Union's Operation Althea have been significant. The operation has involved the deployment of troops from over 20 countries, including EU member states and non-EU countries. The mission has also received support from international organizations, such as the UN, the OSCE, and the Council of Europe. The operation's success has also depended on the cooperation of local authorities, including the Bosnia and Herzegovina Council of Ministers and the Republika Srpska Government. The EU's commitment to the operation has been demonstrated through its participation in international forums, such as the EU-Western Balkans Summit and the Brdo-Brijuni Process.

● Impact_and_Legacy

The impact and legacy of the European Union's Operation Althea have been significant, with the mission contributing to the maintenance of peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The operation has also supported the implementation of the Dayton Peace Accords and promoted the rule of law in the country. The mission's success has been recognized by international organizations, such as the UN and the OSCE, and has been seen as a model for future EU-led peacekeeping operations. The operation's legacy will continue to shape the EU's relationships with countries in the Western Balkans, including Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro, as well as its cooperation with international organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Category:European Union operations