Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said soldiers operating under the Hungarian command of EUFOR Althea have earned international respect, noting that a Hungarian took over the leadership of the European Union's EUFOR Althea peacekeeping force in Bosnia-Herzegovina in January 2024.

Major General László Sticz commanded the soldiers of 24 nations and a large Hungarian contingent there, the minister noted at the defence ministry's Balna centre in Budapest at a ceremony marking the end of Hungary's command of the EUFOR Althea mission.

The Western Balkans, he added, was "perhaps the most important region" in terms of Hungarian security interests.

Minister Szalay-Bobrovniczky noted the once-war-torn region is still burdened by ethnic, religious, economic and political tensions. Stability in the region, he added, was a key issue for Hungary.

As well as their role in ensuring the region's stability since the end of the Yugoslav wars, Hungarian service personnel have undertaken humanitarian, infrastructure development and flood protection work as part of various missions.

He referred to Sticz and his troops as "completely impartial, reliable, predictable, precise and determined" allies and partners in the region.

From May, a Hungarian senior officer will take over as the EUFOR Althea mission's chief of staff, he noted, while from March 2026, a Hungarian will hold the position of deputy commander.