Main results The EU Chiefs of Defence (CHODs) met for the Military Committee meeting

 

Main results 

The EU Chiefs of Defence (CHODs) met for the Military Committee meeting at CHODs level in Brussels, today.(18 Mayıs 2022)

The meeting was the opportunity for discussing the implications of the current geopolitical situation and the main Common Security and Defence Policy military activities, with a special focus on the paramount implementation of the Strategic Compass, and particularly on achieving the EU ability to project security, through the new EU Rapid Deployment Capacity (EU RDC), by 2025.

General Robert Brieger, chairing this meeting for the first time

On a global scenario already severely impacted by different crises around the world, with terrorism, uncontrolled migrations, cyber and hybrid threats, exacerbated by the pandemic, the unjustified and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russia has brought back conventional war on the European soil, with unpredictable consequences on our security. We, the EU CHODs, must be firmly committed to implement rapidly the new tools that the Strategic Compass indicates, for the benefit of the EU and the security of the European citizens. In this regard and in the wake of all my predecessors, I cannot but renew my strongest commitment in this endeavour too.

General Robert Brieger, chairing this meeting for the first time

Concerning the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, the CHODs appreciated the remarkable work done by the EU Military Staff and its Clearing House Cell in monitoring the delivery of military equipment from EU Member States, contributing to declaring their eligibility for reimbursement, under the European Peace Facility mechanism.

CHODs reiterated the importance in establishing and fostering strong relationships with partners that share EU values and principles. In this regard, the meeting was also a good possibility to touch upon the cooperation with NATO and partners, which are currently contributing to EU Training Missions and Operations. The CHODs from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Moldova and the Deputy Serbian CHOD attended the meeting.

During the meeting, CHODs selected Lieutenant General Michiel Van Der Laan (The Netherlands) as the new Director General of the EU Military Staff / Director of the Military Planning and Conduct Capability, to replace Vice Admiral Hervé Blejean, at the end of his term, in 2023.

The EUMC is composed of the CHODs of the 27 Member States, who are regularly represented by their permanent Military Representatives (MilReps). The EUMC provides the Political and Security Committee (PSC) with advices and recommendations on all relevant military matters.

The EUMC has a permanent Chairman, selected by the Chiefs of Defence of the Member States and appointed by the Council for three years.