The main reason for the Netherlands to contribute to EUFOR Althea is to promote security and stability in the Western Balkans. There has been ongoing tension between different ethnic groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina for some time, which has been increasing in recent years. The war history and the continuous influence and disinformation from, among others, Russia, make Bosnia and Herzegovina vulnerable. It is in the interest of the Netherlands and the EU to counter instability at the EUs external borders, also for tackling organized crime and irregular migration.
The primary objective of the EUFOR Althea operation is to safeguard security in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Dutch infantry unit will be part of the multinational battalion of EUFOR Althea, which has the following tasks: conducting patrols throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, ensuring force protection for EUFOR Althea, acting as a Quick Reaction Force, and supporting combined training with the armed forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
With this contribution to EUFOR Althea, the cabinet fulfills the ambition as expressed in the coalition agreement to contribute to security and stability in important regions in the broader neighborhood region, partly through international missions outside NATO and EU territory. Moreover, this deployment aligns with the aim of countering the growing influence of, among others, Russia in this region. This also demonstrates that the Netherlands is a reliable partner within NATO and the European Union, willing to take responsibility for security on the European continent.
From October 2023 to October 2024, the Netherlands also provided an infantry company to EUFOR Althea.