Press releasePublished on 18 February 2026

Switzerland to step up its commitment to the peace support mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2027

Bern, 18.02.2026 — At its meeting on 18 February, the Federal Council adopted a dispatch to Parliament that provides for a temporary increase in Switzerland's contribution: in 2027, an additional 12 armed military personnel will be deployed to the multinational European Union Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR ALTHEA). They will assist with transport tasks and staff work. Against the backdrop of political crises in the country, the EUFOR ALTHEA mission plays a key role in stabilisation. Switzerland's contribution will allow it to support the EU's stabilisation efforts in a region that is important to Switzerland. The deployment of armed personnel must now be approved by Parliament.

Since November 2004, the Swiss Armed Forces have contributed a contingent of 20 armed military personnel to EUFOR ALTHEA, the European Union's international peace support mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This deployment is based on Resolution 1575, which was adopted by the UN Security Council in November 2004. This resolution has since been extended by further resolutions for periods of 12 months, most recently by Resolution 2795 on 31 October 2025. Parliament approved the deployment in December 2004. It should be noted that Switzerland's neutrality does not apply to measures adopted by the UN Security Council.

Stabilising role of EUFOR ALTHEA

Although the security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally regarded as stable, it remains fragile. Recurring ethnic tensions can escalate quickly. The country has experienced a series of political crises over the past several years. Against this backdrop, the EU has had to reinforce the mission from time to time in order to maintain its stabilising and deterrent effect in the country.

Austria is expected to take over command of the EUFOR ALTHEA mission in 2027. As part of this handover, Austria will deploy a support contingent of more than 100 military personnel in addition to the 200 troops already involved in the mission. Switzerland, which is already active in the region, has been asked to contribute to this support contingent.

Switzerland's security policy interests

Switzerland is responding to this request by deploying a detachment of 12 military personnel, comprising a transport group consisting of 10 personnel and 2 staff officers. The additional deployment is limited to the year 2027, i.e. to the period during which Austria will exercise the role of mission command. Temporarily reinforcing the current deployment is in Switzerland's strategic interest. Experience from other missions, particularly KFOR in Kosovo, has demonstrated that even minimal additional support can strengthen Switzerland's defence capabilities. Deploying additional personnel often means taking on new roles and command responsibilities, or accessing new training opportunities. Ultimately, this kind of experience helps to expand the operational expertise of the Swiss Armed Forces.

This deployment aligns with Switzerland's foreign and security policy objectives. Switzerland has a direct interest in peace, stability and prosperity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as in the wider Western Balkans region, all of which form part of its strategic environment. The country is also interested in supporting its European partners in their regional efforts and in strengthening existing partnerships.

Under the Armed Forces Act, additional deployments require parliamentary approval. Deploying the additional 12 armed service personnel in 2027 will cost CHF 2.31 million. Including the 20 personnel already deployed since 2004, the total cost of Switzerland's contribution overall will be CHF 8.2 million. These costs will be covered by the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) budget.