President Karol Nawrocki has authorised the continuation of Poland’s military contingent in Bosnia and Herzegovina until 31 October 2027, maintaining the country’s contribution to the European Union’s EUFOR Althea peacekeeping operation. The decision allows up to 60 Polish soldiers and civilian employees to serve in the mission, with responsibilities centred on monitoring security conditions and maintaining contact with local institutions.
The presidential decision was signed on 31 October 2026, published in Poland’s official gazette, Monitor Polski, on 2 November and announced by the National Security Bureau on 3 November.
Under the presidential decision published in Monitor Polski, the renewed deployment is authorised from 3 November 2026 until 31 October 2027.
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The order was issued at the request of the Council of Ministers and formally extends Poland’s participation in the European Union’s military operation.
It does not announce an increase in Polish troop numbers or a change in the contingent’s overall mission.
Polish contingent to continue monitoring security
According to the official announcement from the Polish president’s office, the contingent will continue performing peacekeeping duties in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Its responsibilities include monitoring the security situation within its area of operations and cooperating with local government representatives, public institutions and non-governmental organisations.
The authorised strength of up to 60 covers both military personnel and civilian employees. It is a maximum permitted deployment, rather than confirmation that exactly 60 people are currently serving.
The new order closely follows the previous authorisation, signed by Nawrocki on 31 October 2025.
That decision covered the period from 3 November 2025 to 2 November 2026 and established the same personnel ceiling and general responsibilities.
The latest extension therefore maintains Poland’s existing commitment rather than establishing a larger force.
UN renews EUFOR Althea mandate
Poland’s decision follows a separate extension of the international mandate supporting the mission.
On 30 October, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2834 (2026), renewing the authorisation of EUFOR Althea for a further 12 months.
The UN Security Council’s official meeting record confirms that all 15 members voted in favour.
EUFOR Althea supports the implementation of the military provisions of the Dayton Peace Agreement, which ended the 1992–1995 war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The European Union took over the principal international military stabilisation mission from NATO in December 2004.
Its responsibilities include helping maintain a safe and secure environment and supporting the country’s authorities.
In a statement delivered to the Security Council on 30 October, the European Union welcomed the renewal and reaffirmed its commitment to stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The EU said the operation remained important for maintaining security as the country continued to face political and institutional challenges.
Poland’s continuing role in the Western Balkans
Polish military personnel have participated in multinational security and stabilisation operations in the Western Balkans for many years.
In July 2026, EUFOR confirmed a change of command within the Polish contingent, with Lieutenant Colonel Bogacz taking over from Lieutenant Colonel Krawiec.
At the ceremony, EUFOR Commander Major General Maurizio Fronda thanked Polish personnel for their contribution to the operation.
The mission’s official account of the ceremony described the change as part of the continued Polish presence.
Poland also participates in other international operations in the Western Balkans, including the NATO-led Kosovo Force. These are separate deployments, authorised under different arrangements.
The latest presidential decision specifically concerns Poland’s participation in the EU-led operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
It confirms that the Polish contribution can continue through most of 2027 without changing the authorised personnel limit or general range of tasks.
No additional deployment, new operational assignment or increase in troop numbers has been announced in connection with the extension.
