On 16 March 2026, the Commander of the European Union Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR), Major General Maurizio Fronda, conducted an official visit to Zavidovići, where he met with the Mayor, Ms. Erna Merdić Smailhodžić, and visited the Turkish Liaison and Observation Team (LOT) House.
During the meeting with Mayor Merdić Smailhodžić, discussions focused on the current situation in the municipality and ongoing development initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens. The Mayor briefed COM EUFOR on several key projects currently being implemented in Zavidovići, highlighting the importance of the stable and secure environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina for continued local development.
Major General Fronda welcomed the opportunity to exchange views with the Mayor and reaffirmed EUFOR’s continued commitment to supporting a safe and secure environment throughout the country. He emphasized the importance of strong cooperation between EUFOR and local authorities in maintaining stability and strengthening trust with communities.
As part of the visit, COM EUFOR also met with members of the Turkish LOT team based in Zavidovići. The team provided an overview of their activities and engagement with local institutions and communities, underlining the role of Liaison and Observation Teams in maintaining situational awareness and fostering dialogue at the local level.
Major General Fronda commended EUFOR personnel deployed in the Tuzla area for their professionalism, dedication, and strong engagement with local communities, emphasizing EUFOR’s commitment to remain visible, credible, and impartial while contributing to a safe and secure environment for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.