Sarajevo: The European Union (EU) is enhancing its peacekeeping presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina after Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik took controversial actions, raising concerns about potential separatism.

According to Oman News Agency, the EU announced that it “will temporarily increase the size of its force,” known as the European Union Force Bosnia Herzegovina, or EUFOR. The statement emphasized that this measure is proactive and aims to support Bosnia and Herzegovina for the benefit of all its citizens.

Local media reports indicate that the EU plans to deploy an additional 400 troops to the existing 1,100-strong force next week. This move is part of Operation Althea, a mission tasked with ensuring the enforcement of the peace agreement established after the 1992-1995 conflict in Bosnia.

Dodik, leading the Serb-majority region, was recently found guilty of defying the peace accord, receiving a one-year prison sentence and a six-year prohibition from political activity as ruled by the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina on 26 February 2025. Russia, opposing this decision, labeled the court’s ruling as “politically motivated” and called an emergency United Nations Security Council session last Tuesday to address the issue.