By Talha Ozturk
BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - The European Union considers the stability and security of the Western Balkans more important than ever, the EU foreign policy head said Wednesday.
Josep Borrell's remarks came during a multi-day visit to the region.
Borrell arrived in Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital of Sarajevo where he received information in the Butmir camp about the operation of European Military Forces (Operation Althea).
Operation Althea recently received reinforcements of 500 more staff.
"With the Russian invasion of Ukraine, war is back on European soil. The shock waves of the Ukrainian war, of Ukraine’s invasion, will disturb the world economy and will create problems that go beyond the Ukrainian territory," he said.
Borrell said Operation Althea is ready to react to those who may want to destabilize Europe and affect peace and stability in the Western Balkans.
"We are also supporting the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Demining Battalion will be beneficiaries of the European Peace Facility and soon they will receive equipment and vehicles by more than €10 million ($11 million)," he said.
Borrell also met the three-member Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The focus of his visit was relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union, as well as the security of the region.
Borrell earlier visited North Macedonia.