“The Common Security and Defense Policy of the European Union and EUFOR’s Role in Bosnia and Herzegovina”

Lecture Held by the Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker

On invitation of the University of Sarajevo, the Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker, delivered a lecture on the topic “The Common Security and Defense Policy of the European Union and EUFOR’s Role in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, on Monday, 17 November 2014.

Rector of the University of Sarajevo, Prof. Dr. Muharem Avdispahić, dr. h. c., opened the lecture and in his welcome speech pointed out the significance of collaboration between the academic sector, diplomacy and Peace Corps in the purpose of promoting peace, democracy and stable development.

The lecture aims at pointing out how EUFOR is embedded into the framework of the Common European Security and Defense Policy (CSDP), what EUFOR’s mandate and roles are, and how mission ALTHEA is contributing to the safe and secure environment in BiH. EUFOR ALTHEA is the oldest of the ongoing CSDP missions and the only EU military mission under the “Berlin Plus” agreements. “Berlin Plus” means that EUFOR ALTHEA is EU-led but can – at the same time – draw on NATO assets and capabilities. With regard to its mandate, mission ALTHEA combines two main responsibilities: to support Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities to maintain the safe and secure environment and to assist the Armed Forces of BiH through capacity building and training. With EUFOR’s support, the Armed Forces of BiH are on the best way to become forces of “dual use” – able to participate in international peacekeeping operations and assisting the own population with humanitarian aid and disaster relief. This development is a key element in BiH’s changing role from a security consumer to a security provider, stated Major general Heidecker.

 
The Commander EUFOR, Major General Dieter Heidecker ended his lecture by saying “Schools and universities are key players when it comes to laying foundations for peaceful and prosperous future, including the tolerant and open society where all of us would live in. During the past two years of my serving as the EUFOR Commander, I had an opportunity to meet and work with young BH experts, out of whom majority was educated in this country. Their high professional standards and culture still impresses me. I think the intellectual capacities of this country’s youth is one of its greatest assets.   My wish for this country is that its politicians and leaders recognize this ability and by taking right steps through implementing needed socio-economic reforms, open the doors of bright future. The peace mission is important for bringing the armed conflicts to the end for security after the conflict. The only peace corps are well natured people who love peace and focus their efforts into economic, cultural and social progress”.


Major General Dieter Heidecker (born 1954) has been Force Commander of the EU Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Operation “ALTHEA”, since December 3, 2012. He graduated from the Austrian Military Academy in Wiener Neustadt, in 1979, and went through the regular career of a commissioned infantry officer, including international experience. After his graduation from the General Staff Course at the National Defense Academy in Vienna (1988) and the “École Supérieur de Guerre Interarmées” and “Cours Supérieur Interarmées” in Paris (1993), he served as the first Austrian Military Attaché to the Western European Union in Brussels and Deputy Defense Attaché for Belgium

From 1997 to 2002, MG Heidecker was the Austrian Defense Attaché for France, Tunisia, Morocco and Luxemburg. On 1 September 2006, he was appointed Deputy Commander of the Austrian Armed Forces.