Major General Johann Luif today completed his 15-month tenure as Commander EUFOR. The EU Special Representative, Ambassador Wigemark assisted in handing over Command of EUFOR to Major General Friedrich Schrötter at the ceremony in Camp Butmir today.
The EU Special Representative for BiH, Ambassador Wigemark (center) passes the EUFOR Mission Flag from the outgoing Commander EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif (right)to the incoming Commander, Major General Friedrich Schrötter (left). Photos: WO Herbert Pendl
Speaking at the ceremony, General Luif stated that EUFOR will continue its Mission in the Capacity Building and Training of the Armed Forces of BiH. General Luif went on to thank many individuals and organisations for their ongoing support of the EUFOR Mission. This included the EU Special Representative, Ambassador Wigemark; BiH Minister of Defence, Madam Pendeš; BiH Chief of the Joint Staff, General Jeleč; and the NATO Headquarters Commander; Brigadier General Giselle Wilz. He stated that he felt the Comprehensive Approach for the EU was being used very efficiently and effectively here in BiH, with continued notable assistance from non-EU Nations in their contribution to the EUFOR Mission.
The new Commander EUFOR, General Schrötter joins from Austria where he was Director of the Operational Requirements Directorate in the Ministry of Defence and Sports. Previously to that he had served as Director of the Operations C2 Division in the Ministry.
The ceremony was hosted by EU Special Representative, Ambassador Wigemark and supported by the Austrian Minister for Defence and Sport, Mr Hans Peter Doskozil. It was also attended by the BiH Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr Boris Jerinic, and many VIPs from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union.