The Council of the European Union decided on 12 July 2004 (Council Joint Action 2004/570/CFSP of 12 July 2004) to conduct a military operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in the framework of the EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The EUFOR ALTHEA operation was launched on 2 December 2004.
 

This EU-led operation contributes in a significant way to EU's overall reinforced engagement in BiH , while  EU´s assistance programmes are helping BiH to make further progress towards the European integration in the context of the Stabilisation and Association Process.
 

The main effort of the operation is to provide capacity-building and training support for the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina while retaining the capacity to intervene to support BiH efforts in maintaining the safe and secure environment.
 

Major General Dieter Heidecker (AT)  assumed command of EUFOR Althea on the 3 December 2012 as the new EU Force Commander of the operation. He succeeded Major General Robert Brieger (AT).