EUFOR participated in SIMEX 2026 in Stolac, joining institutions, emergency services and humanitarian organisations from across Bosnia and Herzegovina in a cross agency exercise designed to test preparedness and coordination in the event of a sudden disaster.
Organised by the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration and relevant national, cantonal and local authorities, the exercise tested how participating organisations would respond to the consequences of a major earthquake.
The scenario required authorities to establish and manage a temporary reception site in Stolac while responding to a range of simulated challenges, including medical emergencies, the identification and protection of vulnerable people, public safety incidents and transportation requirements.
EUFOR contributed to the emergency medical component of the exercise, providing an opportunity to test medical evacuation procedures and coordination between civilian and military responders.
The activity focused not only on individual capabilities, but on the procedures that connect them. Communication, notification, patient transfer and coordination between different organisations were tested under realistic exercise conditions.
COM EUFOR, Major General Maurizio Fronda, highlighted the importance of practical cooperation and preparedness, stressing that an effective response to a major emergency depends on organisations understanding one another’s procedures and being able to coordinate quickly when required. Exercises such as SIMEX provide an opportunity to identify lessons before a real crisis occurs, strengthen interoperability and develop the professional relationships that support effective coordination.
EUFOR remains committed to practical cooperation with the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and to maintaining the readiness and relationships that contribute to a safe and secure environment.