Operation Althea (updated 21 Jan 2013)

Based on the conclusions of the 1999 NATO Washington Summit and the European Council at Nice in 2000, SHAPE is designated as the location for the EU Operation Headquarters under the Berlin Plus arrangements (when an EU-led mission is carried out with recourse to NATO common assets and capabilities).

Op ALTHEA is part of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) support to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and was launched on 2 December 2004, with the new European Force, EUFOR, taking over from SFOR under NATO. It has successfully contributed to the maintenance of the safe and secure environment in BiH and has gradually been handing over many of its previous tasks to the BiH authorities as they become competent and trained.

The European Union Staff Group (EUSG) is the heart of the EU Operation Headquarters (OHQ) at SHAPE for the EU-lead military Operation ALTHEA in BiH. It draws upon EU doctrines and procedures, and bring the necessary EU perspective, thereby providing the essential EU expertise and connectivity.

The EUSG is composed of 12 military and 5 civilian personnel from Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Chief EUSG is responsible to the Op Comd for the day-to-day running of the operation, coordination of use of NATO assets and capabilities by the EU-led mission and is prepared to undertake short notice operational planning. The EUSG liaises with all Directorate's Branches and offices within SHAPE, particularly through the Strategic Operations Centre, allowing a total interface in all areas.