European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana today hailed the impending launch of the bloc's first ever defence and security operation, saying it would help cement stability in the Balkan region.
The 15-nation EU formally takes over the United Nations' policing operation in Bosnia on January 1st.
"It is not without some emotion that we will see for the first time our European colours adorn the national uniforms of our police officers in a mission on the ground," Mr Solana said.
"It is a strong symbol of the collective will of Europeans to act jointly in this key task of consolidating stability and security in our continent," he said in a statement.
The 500-strong EU force will include police officers from outside the Union. Its task is to train a professional, multi-ethnic police force for Bosnia, which is still recovering from the violent breakup of Yugoslavia during the 1990s.
Also in 2003 the EU, keen to boost its political and security role on the global stage, aims to make fully operational a rapid-reaction force of up to 60,000 troops able to conduct humanitarian and low-risk military missions.
The EU force is expected in February to take over NATO's small peacekeeping role in the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia. The EU force has also offered to take over the larger peacekeeping force in Bosnia.