Today, EUFOR held a Change of Command Ceremony for the Multinational Battalion (MNBN) Commander. During the ceremony, outgoing MNBN Cdr Lt Col Matthias Lampl formally handed over command to incoming MNBN Cdr Lt Col Alfred Steingress. The ceremony was presided over by COM EUFOR Maj Gen Habermayer and the parade command was Maj Baranyai from the Hungarian Armed Forces.
Also present at the ceremony were distinguished guests; Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to BiH H.E. Dr Ulrike Hartmann, Ambassador of Hungary to BiH H.E. Mr. Krisztián Pósa, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to BiH H.E. Mr. Valeri Yotov and Minister Counsellor, Embassy of the Republic of North Macedonia to BiH Mr. Borcho Damjanov.
During the ceremony, Lt Col Lampl addressed the parade, referencing the speech he made on the commencement of his tour of duty where he stated that “life is a journey, not a destination.” Lt Col Lampl thanked COM EUFOR Maj Gen Habermayer and COS EUFOR Brig Gen Zoltán Somogyi for their leadership and support, and thanked each MNBN Company in their native language.
As a sign of the Transfer of Authority, COM EUFOR took the MNBN colours from Lt Col Lampl and handed them over to Lt Col Steingress. Following this, Lt Col Steingress addressed the parade, during which he stated that he will lead his soldiers according to the motto “Lead with brains, heart, with toughness and with humor!” Lt Col Steingress thanked Lt Col Lampl for his professionalism and wished him well on returning home.
To conclude the parade, COM EUFOR Maj Gen Habermayer congratulated Lt Col Lampl on completion of a successful tour of duty and presented him with the Common Security Defence Policy Service Medal. COM EUFOR Maj Gen Habermayer noted Lt Col Steingress’ experience as a military commander and wished him success in his new role.