On Tuesday 11 April 2017, Brigadier General József Szpisják assumed the position of Chief of Staff of the European Union Force (EUFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He took over from outgoing Chief of Staff Brigadier General Albert Sáfár.
The ceremony took place in Camp Butmir and was attended by Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner, numerous distinguished visitors and delegates from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the International Community.
In his speech, the new Chief of Staff emphasized that change was not easy and many obstacles still needed to be overcome and further stated “Our mission is to contribute to the peaceful cohabitation of different cultures in a single country”. Brigadier General Szpisják thanked his predecessor and assured Commander EUFOR of his full commitment and support.
The outgoing Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Albert Sáfár, expressed his gratitude to all representatives of the institutions and organizations that had contributed to the common successes over the past year. He also thanked the servicemen and women from 19 troop contributing nations for their commitment and wished his successor all the best for his tour of duty.
Commander EUFOR, Major General Anton Waldner, in his speech pointed out the crucial role of the Chief of Staff in creating a synergy in the multinational EUFOR Headquarters comprising of military as well as civilian personnel of so many different nations. He praised Brigadier General Sáfár’s contribution to the success of the EUFOR mission and cordially welcomed his replacement, Brigadier General Jozsef Szpisják who had already served in this position in 2013.