The European Union Military Staff Marks 25 Years with Photo Exhibition

Established in late 2022, EUMAM UA's performance in training, cooperation, and long-term planning has demonstrated both strength and flexibility in  responding to Ukraine's evolving needs. Pictured are Ukrainian soldiers training in urban combat scenarios, honing coordination and weapons discipline. The scene reflects the scale and intensity of the EUMAM UA training mission—a sustained international effort to strengthen Ukraine's  defensive capabilities. To date, EUMAM UA has trained over 87,000 Ukrainian soldiers, with the goal of increasing this figure further. 

Eurosatory is the largest international exhibition for the land and air-land defence and security industry. It is held every two years in the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre. 

The staff of the EUMS and MPCC, September 2025.

On 2 December 2004, 9 years after the war ended, the European Union launched a military operation entitled EUFOR Operation ALTHEA. 
The EU deployed a robust military force (EUFOR) at the same manpower levels as NATO's SFOR (just under 7,000 troops) to ensure continued compliance with the Dayton/Paris Agreement and to contribute to a safe and secure environment (SASE) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 
The photo shows EUFOR Operation ALTHEA engaged in supporting civilians during a training exercise for natural disasters in May 2014. 

Lieutenant General Rainer Schuwirth (DE), right, was the first Director General of the El-JMS from June 2001 to March 2004. He is pictured handing over command of the EUMS to Lieutenant General Jean-Paul Perruche (FR), left. 

EUNAVFOR MED IRINI commenced operations on 31 March 2020 as a concrete and tangible contribution to achieving peace and stability in Libya. 
As part of the wider European Integrated Approach to Libya, IRINI is a military maritime security operation deployed in the Mediterranean Sea under the EU Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP). 

An Italian servicewoman hoists the European flag aboard an Italian Navy vessel: a symbol of unity, duty, and shared commitment under EUNAVFOR Operation ASPIDES. She stands not only for her crew but for all women contributing to peace and maritime security across borders.

Spanish troops conduct an amphibious assault as part of LIVEX 23. Overall, 31 units from 19 Member States, including 25 aircraft, 6 ships and approximately 2,800 personnel were deployed in this simulated Theatre of Operations for LIVEX 23.

EU HR/VP Kaja Kalias reviews EUFOR Operation ALTHEA personnel with COM EUFOR Major General Marian Barbu and H.E. Luigi Soreca, Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 02 December 2024 marked the 20th Anniversary of EUFOR Operation ALTHEA, demonstrating the European Union's commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina is clear and resolute.

In the open plan offices of the Justus Lipsius Building, the very first staff members of the European union Military Staff (EUMS) toast their arrival with Interim Director General Major General Graham Messervy-Whiting CBE (UK), centre. In March 2000, Major General Messervy-Whiting was recruited by SG HR Javier Solana to design a Military Staff for the EU, thus becoming the Director General of the Interim Military Body (iMB). His task for the next 12 months was to recruit, house, equip, train and deliver a fully capable Military Staff. Note the availability of only one computer in the photo. This was shared by all eight staff members, before moving to the purpose-adapted Kortenberg Building a few weeks later. In the next three months the EUMS would build from a staff of 8 to eighty. Major General Messervy-Whiting would go on to become the first Deputy Director General and Chief of Staff of the EUMS from June 2001 to March 2003.

EU SDI Gulf of Guinea trainers working with Beninese forces during four weeks of ground-air cooperation training in Cotonou and Ouidah. Combining theory and practical exercises, the activity strengthens skills, confidence and partnership, supporting regional security and helping West African states address evolving threats in the Gulf of Guinea. 

Under the supervision of the EUMAM Ukraine training mission, two Ukrainian soldiers support one another during a training exercise in which one soldier simulates being injured. Mutual trust and teamwork are essential not only to achieving training objectives, but also to surviving in combat. Practicing medical skills under realistic conditions ensures that soldiers are prepared to save lives and continue their mission when it matters most. 

Under the supervision of the EUMAM Ukraine training mission, two Ukrainian soldiers support one another during a training exercise in which one soldier simulates being injured. Mutual trust and teamwork are essential not only to achieving training objectives, but also to surviving in combat. Practicing medical skills under realistic conditions ensures that soldiers are prepared to save lives and continue their mission when it matters most.

Building on EUTM Mozambique's success, EUMAM MOZ supports the National Armed Forces of Mozambique (FADM) Quick Reaction Forces to sustain effective operations by June 2026. The mission strengthens preparation, deployment and support, contributing to improved security and stability for communities in Cabo Delgado. 

After a busy year it is important to take a moment to sit together as a team and reflect on the year gone by and prepare for the following year. All EUMS Directorates celebrate Christmas in their own way; some take a lunch at an outside venue while others celebrate within their Directorates. 

Throughout the summer of 2013, EUFOR Operation ALTHEA assisted local agencies and communities in the fight against massive forest fires which raged across Bosnia and Herzegovina. EUFOR Helicopters were used to drop water in areas that were difficult to access using other means.

A crew member from EUNAVFOR Operation ATLANTA, provides aid and supplies to a fisherman in distress. 

Swedish personnel from the Swedish Warship HMS Stockholm provide humanitarian assistance to Somali refugees, as part of EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA.