- Two experts in counter-disinformation and defence reform will
work with the Bosnian Armed Forces and NATO to uphold peace and
security in the country
- UK will also provide funding to strengthen cyber security in
Bosnia and Herzegovina, making the country more resilient to
attacks
- Russia is stirring violence and secessionism in the country
to undermine the hard-won peace and destabilise the European
continent
UK military specialists will be sent to Bosnia and Herzegovina to
reinforce the NATO Mission and promote stability and security in
the country, the Prime Minister has announced today (Thursday
30th June).
Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently facing the greatest
existential threat in its post-war period, with secessionist
leaders actively working to create further division and conflict.
These plans are backed by Moscow as part of Putin’s drive to
undermine both Bosnia’s Euro-Atlantic integration and its
stability.
At the request of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, a UK military
counter-disinformation expert and a civilian strategic defence
adviser will be deployed to support and train the Bosnia and
Herzegovinian Armed Forces.
The counter-disinformation expert will bolster the NATO HQ and
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s ability to resist malign influences –
helping block Russian and other efforts to sow mistrust and
undermine democracy in the country and region.
The new strategic defence adviser will support defence reform in
the country, helping them to develop a modern, representative
Armed Forces brought up to NATO standard.
In addition, the UK will provide £750,000 to establish a
cyber-security centre of excellent within the University of
Sarajevo. This will bolster Bosnia and Herzegovina’s defences
against cyber attacks – which can hurt people both within and
beyond the country. The UK will work closely with media outlets
and Bosnian institutions to equip them with the tools to identify
and mitigate the effects of lies and disinformation.
The Ministry of Defence is currently working with its Bosnian
counterpart to keep the country rooted on a Euro-Atlantic
trajectory, developing the capability and resilience the Bosnian
Armed Forces need to tackle the security challenges they face.
The assistance recognises the UK’s leadership in countering
malign influence and fostering security and stability. The UK has
a longstanding commitment to peace and security in the region,
starting in the 1990s when British soldiers formed an integral
part of humanitarian efforts during the Bosnian War. UK troops
have continuously served it the country ever since, helping it to
rebuild and protecting and promoting peace.
The Prime Minister said:
“We cannot allow the Western Balkans to become another
playground for Putin’s pernicious pursuits. By fanning the flames
of secessionism and sectarianism Russia seeks to reverse the
gains of the last three decades in Bosnia and Herzegovina, gains
that have brought more stability to our whole continent.
“That is why we are stepping up support to Bosnia and
Herzegovina, answering the call from our friends to help protect
the peace they so rightfully deserve to enjoy.”
In addition to military support to the Bosnian Armed Forces and
NATO, the UK is working politically to uphold the historic Dayton
Peace Accords. We have sanctioned those working to undermine rule
of law in the country and last year the Prime Minister appointed
a new Special Envoy to the Western Balkans to tackle serious and
organised crime and other joint security challenges.
Notes to Editors:
- NATO HQ in Sarajevo has the primary mission of assisting the
authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina with reforms and support
their integration with NATO. It also supports the EU Force in
Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR).
- EUFOR has had responsibility for the military peacekeeping
aspects of the Dayton Peace Agreement since 2004. The mission has
been integral to upholding peace and security in the region and
preventing a return to war.
- £750,000 of UK funding will facilitate the establishment of
an academic cyber security excellence centre (CSEC). CSEC will be
hosted by the University of Sarajevo, and from the outset help
academics build Computer Security Incident Response Team
expertise, building links with the private sector and ultimately
supporting the cybersecurity workforce development in Bosnia and
Herzegovina.
