The regional political advisor of the European Union Force (EUFOR) in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Fabien Limonier, said he was satisfied with the achievement of the EU's peacekeeping force's targets from 2004 to the present, speaking on Monday night at the Foundation for Aimos (Balkan) Peninsula Studies in Thessaloniki.

Limonier said inter alia that the EUFOR had succeeded in enhancing peace, security and stability in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the wider region.

He noted that, since 2004 and up to the present, the European force in the region had managed to gather up a substantial number of weapons from the population and to curb organised crime in Bosnia-Herzegovina, thus strengthening stability.

Limonier further explained that the global financial crisis had also reached Bosnia-Herzegovina's doorstep, resulting in a 25 percent drop in exports, but added that the citizens were optimistic that the repercussions would be confronted.

The French diplomat also outlined the work accomplished by the EUFOR commanders from 2004 to the present, as well as force's structure and operation, while also noting the particularities and problems faced by Bosnia-Herzegovina due to the different "constituent" entities that need to work together so that the country's accession course to NATO and the EU may move forward.

The event was organised by the Foundation and the French Consulate General in Thessaloniki.