Date of release : 11-03-2005

Policy area : General Affairs and External Relations

Event : Informal Meeting of Defence Ministers

The Council adopted the following conclusion on the 11 October 2004:

"The Council approved the Operational Plan for the EUFOR Operation 'Althea'. This largest European Union - led military operation so far will be part of the EU's comprehensive approach in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It will sustain our long term objective of a stable, viable, peaceful and multiethnic Bosnia and Herzegovina, co-operating peacefully with its neighbours and irreversibly on track towards EU membership.

The Council noted with satisfaction the ongoing progress made in the planning and preparations for this operation. Transfer of Authority from the NATO-led SFOR operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina to the EU-led operation 'Althea' is foreseen on 2 December 2004."

The Council adopted the following conclusion on the 2 December 2004:

"The Council agreed to launch the military Operation ALTHEA on 2 December, 2004. This operation follows the NATO operation SFOR and will make use of NATO common assets and capabilities. The European Union expressed its appreciation for the role played by the NATO military force in Bosnia and Herzegovina since its inception in December 1995. The Council welcomed the participation of eleven third States. Operation ALTHEA is part of the EU's comprehensive approach in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It will sustain the EU's long term objective of a stable, viable, peaceful and multi-ethnic Bosnia and Herzegovina, cooperating peacefully with its neighbours and irreversibly on track towards integration into the EU."