European Union Military Committee: General Robert Brieger represents the European Union at the Halifax International Security Forum

The EU’s participation at the highest military level reflects the European Union’s strategic interests and its engagement in the field of security and defence, and sends a strong signal to our transatlantic partners and strategic allies.

On 18 November 2023, at a gala dinner, General Brieger gave an overview of the current security and defence policy situation. He emphasised the role of the European Union in regard to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the emerging developments in China, the conflict in the Middle East and the challenges in Africa, especially in the Sahel region. He referred to the constant implementation of the Strategic Compass and the advancement of the necessary military capabilities, such as the further development of the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity (EU RDC). General Brieger added that all of these activities would be difficult to manage without like-minded partners, especially the transatlantic ones.

On 19 November 2023, General Brieger delivered a keynote at the plenary session entitled For as Long as it Takes: Victory in Ukraine. He emphasized the need to continue to support Ukraine and the way ahead after the war.

At the margins of the forum, General Brieger had informal side talks on the subject of transatlantic relations with the Canadian Chief of Staff General Wayne Eyre.