2839th GENERAL AFFAIRS Council meeting

Brussels, 10 December 2007

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"The Council reviewed Operation ALTHEA and welcomed the positive contribution of the operation to the safe and secure environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The Council approved the Secretary General/High Representative's recommendations on Operation ALTHEA in the light of the advice received from relevant Council bodies. The mandate of the operation was extended for a further 12-month period by the UN Security Council on 21 November 2007 (UNSCR 1785).

The Council welcomed the latest political developments in BiH, including the renewed commitment to police reform, and noted that the security situation remained stable. The Council reiterated that EUFOR continued to provide reassurance and remained ready to respond to possible security challenges throughout the country. The Council stressed that the EU remained actively committed to BiH, including through Operation ALTHEA, and agreed that, as part of the EU's overall engagement in the country, the EU-led military presence would remain there for as long as necessary.

The Council underlined that coherence of EU action in BiH – involving all EU actors, including the Commission and EU Heads of Mission – remained a priority. The Council welcomed the fact that EUFOR continued to maintain a close working relationship, including on operational matters, with its EU partners and other international actors. It noted in this context that co-operation with the EUPM in supporting the fight against organised crime, on the basis of Common Operational Guidelines, was well established and had proved effective; and that the EU Force Commander, the EUSR and the Head of EUPM continued to consult each other regularly prior to taking action. The Council welcomed the recent translation of this co-operation and co-ordination into the mandates (Joint Actions) of the relevant EU actors. The Council noted that co-operation with NATO continued to work well in respect of Operation ALTHEA."