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EUFOR “Althea” mission in Bosnia Herzegovina

On 22nd November 2007 the European Gendarmerie Force officially took over the responsibility for the Headquarters of the Integrated Police Unit (IPU) within the framework of the EUFOR "Althea" mission in Bosnia Herzegovina. On the same date, after the evaluation of the positive results of the conduct of a Command Post Exercise, it was declared the Initial Operational Capability of the reshaped EGF-led IPU Headquarters.

The engagement in "Althea" mission, which represents the first mission of EUROGENDFOR since its creation in 2004, surely marks a milestone in its constant development as a credible and valid tool, mainly at disposal of the EU but also of the other relevant International Organization, in the field of Crisis Management Operations.

As a crucial asset of EUFOR and according to the mission mandate and the IPU inner nature of police asset with an information gathering orientation, the IPU will continue, under EGF leadership, to contribute to the safe and secure environment through supporting the civilian implementation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace.

Colonel Giovanni Pietro BARBANO (Italian Carabinieri), IPU Commander, was appointed by the CIMIN (High Level Interdepartmental Committee) as the first EGF Force Commander on 25th October 2007.

1. Fen Desk sarajevo (22/11/2007)
2. EU Council conclusions on ESDP (paragraph 16 - BiH)