Operation Concordia

OPERATION “CONCORDIA”

(31 March 2003 – 15 December 2003)

On the 17th of March 2003, NAC decided to conclude Operation “Allied Harmony” on the 31st of March 2003 and hand over command to the E.U and FYROM Authorities fully agreed upon, in view of the important progress achieved during operation “Allied Harmony” and previous operation “AMBER FOX”, towards restoring stabilization. The European Union took over operational control in FYROM on the 31st of March 2003, responding to President Traikovski’s request and based on No. 1371 U.N. Security Council Resolution. This operation succeeded the previous one that had been concluded on 31 March 2003. The estimated period of operation “CONCORDIA” was initially expected to last six months. Following a new request by the government of FYROM and which was approved by the M.C., the duration of the operation was extended up to the 15th of Dec. 2003.

During the operation, NATO means and facilities were used. DSACEUR, German Admiral Rainer Feist ,was appointed as Operational Commander and the French General Pierre Marcel as Tactical Commander of the Force. In total, 850 military personnel, from thirteen E.U. member-states and fourteen non-member states participated in the operation The main purpose of the operation is to further contribute to the establishment of a stable environment and to enable the FYROM Government to implement the “Ochride Agreement” signed in August 2001. This operation is part of the commitment of the European Union regarding FYROM and its cooperation with EU, through a procedure for stabilization and unity in the country. It also contributes to the efforts towards a peaceful, democratic and prosperous country, as part of a stable area, where the presence of International Security Forces will not be required in the future.

PARTICIPATION OF THE HELLENIC FORCES: Greece contributed cadres, means and forces to the mission, as follows:  Three (3) staff officers to support HQ of the Operation: one of them was assigned as Deputy Commander of the Force. One (1) staff officer in the Operational Headquarters in Belgium and  another one (1) in the Department of the European Union in Naples  Three (3) liaison teams of twelve (12) men and six (6) transport vehicles  One (1) ambulance vehicle with the required medical and nursing personnel ( one (1) doctor, two (2) nurses and one (1) driver).  A security platoon for the Headquarters in FYROM, with eighteen (18) men and four (4) VBL vehicles.  The 424th General Military Field Hospital based in Thessaloniki, for medical support.  A C-130 transportation a/c to make the route Elefsis - FYROM and vice versa.  A Helicopter Team composed of five (5) helicopters (one CH-47 and four CH-1H), based at Stefanonovikio airbase at Volos, Greece, in readiness, to conduct air evacuations, if necessary

The operation was concluded on the 15th of December 2003, succeeded by EUROPOL where Greece provided support for air-evacuation in peace time and allocated the 424th General Military Field Hospital in Thessaloniki.