EU Military Committee: General Brieger visits Portugal

General Robert Brieger, Chairman of the EU Military Committee (CEUMC), concluded a two-day official visit to Lisbon upon an invitation by General José Nunes da Fonseca, Chief of Defence of the Republic of Portugal.

During his visit, General Brieger said “The visit provided an opportunity to discuss the effects of the ongoing crisis at the borders of the European Union, particularly Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Red Sea. The Strategic Compass has paved the way for a genuine mental turnaround regarding how we – Europeans – will play a role in dealing with challenges and threats to our own interests and security. Now, it is time for EU Member States to fulfil their responsibilities collectively.  We must speak with one single voice. The credibility of the Union as a collective team and its ambitions in defence and security are at stake.”

As part of the planned meetings, the CEUMC exchanged views with Helena Carreiras, Minister of National Defence, General Nunes da Fonseca, Chief of Defence and Admiral Henrique Eduardo Passaláqua de Gouveia e Melo, Chief of Staff of the Navy.

During his visit, General Brieger thanked Portugal for its outstanding participation in EU CSDP Missions and Operations. In particular, Portugal’s commitment and readiness for EU Missions in Africa are of utmost importance to EU efforts in supporting partner capacity building and promoting stability, such as through the EU Training Mission in Mozambique. Portugal regularly provides highly skilled military personnel and assets to EU missions and operations.

The Multinational Helicopter Training Center is another example of Portugal’s desire to participate in a stronger European defence in the field of capabilities development.

Portugal will lead a battlegroup integrated into the EU’s Rapid Deployment Capacity, a true spearhead of the EU, at the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026.