EUMC Away Day
Following the meeting, the EUMC attended the Cyber-commanders conference on Cyber operations in high intensity conflict, organised within the framework of the FIC 2022, International Forum on Cyber Security.
The MC Away Day was the opportunity for the Chairman to highlight priorities for its mandate, scheduled for three years. In a frank, open exchange of ideas, he recalled how the unjustified Russian invasion to Ukraine has brought war in Europe, and is presenting now all aftermath effects of the conflict, like humanitarian crises, energy and food supplies.
In his opening intervention Gen Brieger stated:
”As a wakeup call to Europe, adding to existing fronts where the EU is already engaged in protecting its interests, the recent crisis demands for the EU to firmly gear up, to become a fully credible security provider and able to better interact with its partners, whenever possible, but also in strategic autonomy, should the situation require.”
He then pointed to three areas where to focus efforts, from a military point of view: cooperation, implementation of the Strategic Compass, support to existing EU missions and operations.
About cooperation, he stressed how investing in networking with relevant stakeholders, where interests converge, within and outside EU Institutions, is a must for the EUMC, which remains a source of irreplaceable expertise.
Of course, this will be instrumental for a swift and coherent implementation of the decisions taken in the Strategic Compass, a cornerstone document recently undersigned by the 27 Member States, showing the way to tackle modern threats and challenges, and build a most needed Common Culture of EU Defence.
This will include stepping up our capacities and capabilities, starting from the paramount availability of the Rapid Deployment Capacity, a concrete tool to project security in crisis management.
At the same time, Gen Brieger stressed how - while we look into the future - we should not lose sight of the present, with all existing EU engagements in military and civilian operations and missions, which are the most tangible evidence of EU Common Security and Defence Policy.
Over three continents, the EU is working towards improving the effectiveness of its missions and operations, providing more robust mandate, for the benefit of host nations, and regional stability.
Concluding its initial intervention, he recalled how a credible military tool, as part of the EU integrated approach, is chorally required by political masters, by our partners and moreover by EU citizens.
In the following discussions, the Military Representatives (MilReps) confirmed their full support for these objectives, and clear willingness to strengthen EU defence thanks also to the military voice, as key deliverables are promptly expected from the military side of the house.
In the afternoon, the EUMC attended demonstrations and a conference on Cyber Security, where they discussed how, to deal with cyber threats, armies must respond to major capability challenges, to include the review of the entire spectrum of available tools.
In the margins of the meeting, the Military Committee took a chance to visit the “citadel”, a military structure built in the 17th century for the defence of the city.
The MC Away Days are traditional, informal meetings of MilReps from the 27 EU member States, who participate in EUMC works, on a permanent basis, along with their Chairman, the Director General of the EUMS and supporting staff. These events are organised by the Presidency in charge for the semester, normally twice each term, and provide an always-fruitful forum and opportunity of discussion on specific, outstanding topics, sometime with the participation of relevant personalities from the academic world.
