NATO’s relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina
How did relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina evolve?
In August 1995, NATO air strikes were instrumental in bringing an end to the bloody three year conflict in the country. In December 1995, the Alliance deployed its first-ever peacekeeping mission, the Implementation Force (IFOR), to implement the military aspects of the Dayton Peace Agreement. IFOR was replaced a year later by the Stabilization Force (SFOR), which helped maintain a secure environment to facilitate the country's reconstruction as well as supporting reform of the Bosnian armed forces.
As the security situation gradually improved, the number of peacekeepers was progressively reduced from the 60 000 that were originally deployed to 7000 in 2004. SFOR’s mission ended in December 2004, when responsibility for maintaining security was handed over to the European Union. NATO continues to provide support to the EU operation in BiH (Operation Althea) within the framework of the Berlin Plus arrangements.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is now far more secure. Developments on the civil side continue to progress. NATO Allies are committed to aiding Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to develop, prosper and move towards Euro-Atlantic standards through the Partnership for Peace (PfP) framework.
More details on NATO operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina...
Key milestones
| 1993 |
In April, NATO begins Operation Deny Flight to prevent aerial intrusion over
Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| 1994 |
On 28 February four warplanes violating the no-fly zone were shot down by
NATO aircraft in the Alliance’s first military engagement |
| 1995 |
In August, Allied air strikes on Bosnian-Serb positions help compel the warring parties into peace negotiations. |
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The Dayton Peace Agreement is signed on 14 December. |
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The 60 000 strong NATO-led Implementation Force (IFOR) deploys to implement the military aspects of the peace agreement. IFOR is NATO’s first peacekeeping operation. |
| 1996 |
In September, the first elections are held in Bosnia and Herzegovina; the Allies agree to maintain a security presence in the country to facilitate the country’s reconstruction. |
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The Stabilization Force (SFOR) replaces IFOR in December. |
| 2004 |
In December, the European Union peacekeeping force (EUFOR) takes over responsibility for maintaining security in Bosnia and Herzegovina. NATO supports the operation through the Berlin + arrangements. |
| 2006 |
Bosnia and Herzegovina joins the PfP and agrees its first Individual Partnership Programme (IPP). |
| 2008 |
Bosnia and Herzegovina starts working with NATO on an Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) in January and discusses with Allies its IPAP Presentation Document in February. |
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In April, the country is invited by NATO to begin an Intensified Dialogue on the full range of political, military, financial, and security issues relating to its aspirations to membership. |
