P. Gajdoš: EUFOR ALTHEA is an effective instrument for the stabilisation of the Balkans, Slovakia plans to strengthen it with new capabilities

Slovakia plans to strengthen EUFOR Operation ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina by new capabilities to help stabilise the Western Balkans. This announcement was made by Slovak Minister of Defence Peter Gajdoš after todayʼs informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers in Vienna.

On EUFOR ALTHEA, SVK Minister of Defence Gajdoš said: “This time there wonʼt be any change in the staff levels, but the current mandate will be altered to allow two Slovak servicemen to undertake reconnaissance and intelligence duties. EUFOR Althea is of immense significance for the stabilisation of the Western Balkans and I am very happy that we have been part of it since its inception.” Further cooperation and support to the Western Balkans countries will proceed according to the EU Strategy for the Western Balkans, which was adopted in February 2018.
 
During the meeting, Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) was a resonating issue with all, with much of the current focus on PESCO projects and the rules for Third States participation in PESCO projects. Slovakiaʼs EuroArtillery Indirect Fire Support project is being implemented as part of the initial collaborative PESCO projects.

 
Ministers also discussed the proposal for a new European Peace Facility (EPF), which is aimed at funding the common costs of selected activities under EU military and civilian missions and operations as well as building the defence capabilities of partner countries.
 
In addition to this, EU Defence Ministers talked about the implementation of Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD), an instrument for identifying niche defence capabilities and removing such deficiencies through mutual cooperation. CARD will be submitted by EU Defence Ministers on a biannual basis.
 
The future of Operation Sophia was on the agenda too, especially the relocation of migrants rescued in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. On Operation Sophia, the Slovak delegation recognised its decisive role in enhancing maritime security in the Central Mediterranean and contribution to containing illegal migration. Minister Gajdoš noted that when it comes to the transfer of disembarked migrants from one EU Member State to another EU Member State, it is important to preserve the principle of voluntariness.