According to Politico’s text from Thursday, a no-deal Brexit could have "significant implications" on an EU-led military operation (EUFOR/ALTHEA) in Bosnia.
They said that Great Britain which plays a crucial role in Operation Althea, the EU’s peacekeeping mission in Bosnia, could withdraw from the mission abruptly in case of a no-deal departure.
“Helga Schmid, secretary-general of the European External Action Service (EEAS) — the bloc's diplomatic body — warned over the potential impact of a no-deal on Operation Althea during a meeting of EU ambassadors on Wednesday.
Maja Kocijancic, the Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, confirmed that this scenario is in the Brussels’ focus.
“The UK’s exit from the EU will certainly have consequences for some EU missions and operations, including the EUFOR Althea operation, in Bosnia. Certain orders were issued and the command of the ALTHEA operation was transferred last week, to the new commander of the operation; French Lieutenant Colonel Olivier Rittimanna who effectively took over the Operation Command from General Sir James Everard,” Kocijancic said.
N1’s diplomatic sources from Brussels confirmed that the situation concerning the EUFOR/ALTHEA Operation is in the focus of diplomatic discussions.
“We are talking with member states on how to bridge the potential impact of Britain's withdrawal from the EU without discussing this operation. Securing the operational efficiency of the Althea operation is crucial for us,” N1’s diplomatic source from in Brussels, noted.
The UK currently provides ‘most of the capabilities’ of the mission, Politico said.
The EU's Althea dilemma highlights the military consequences of Brexit. The U.K.'s departure will leave a significant void in the EU's joint military capabilities — as Britain is not only a nuclear power with a permanent seat at the UN Security Council but also home to one of the Continent's strongest armies.
The problem is “not about money, but about replacing the staff,” Politico’s source said.
The bulk of the reserve force — soldiers in standby ready to be deployed if necessary — “has a significant British presence, and there's the need to replace British staff in intelligence and surveillance on the ground as well as those in the reserves.”
Politico noted that the EU27's options are limited: Either they must fill the gap with additional contributions, or use EU battlegroups — battalion-sized forces comprised of approximately 1,500 soldiers, which have never been deployed, mainly because of funding disputes — or have the Council issue an interim decision until a permanent solution is found, the diplomat said.
The EUFOR/ALTHEA operation once had 7,000 troops, but it now has 600 soldiers and a budget of € 10.2 million.
