Dear Secretary General of the Department of Defence of Ireland,
Dear Ambassadors,
Generals, 
Admirals, 
Esteemed guests,

General Brieger, Your post in Brussels caps off a truly stellar career. Not least as Commander of the European Union Forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chief of Staff to the Austrian Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence of the Austrian Armed Forces, and finally as Chairman of the European Military Committee.

Apologies if you feel old by me saying this, but almost half a century of public service is something to be immensely proud of. You could not have taken up your final mission as Chairman of the European Military Committee at a more challenging time for Europe.

This is an era-defining moment. Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has brought war back to our continent. And to an extent we have not felt in 80 years. It is upending the international world order. And it is testing European resolve. But Europeans are meeting these challenges with unity and determination. 

I know that you have been personally instrumental in steering the Military Committee the same way, encouraging the Committee to speak with one voice. And you have relentlessly worked to make our CSDP missions and operations more effective. 

Under your watch, our naval mission – Operation Aspides – has escorted hundreds of merchant vessels through the Red Sea and repelled Houthi attacks. 

But it is your work in setting up EUMAM I want to personally thank you for. I know this process can’t have been easy, including setting up the C2 structure for the mission. When you have 27 Member States in a Union, nothing is smooth sailing! But we have trained 75,000 Ukrainian troops now. EUMAM is doing exactly what it is supposed to do.

Which brings me to your successor, General Clancy. General, you take the reins today at another pivotal moment as talks move towards security guarantees in Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire. By no means are we there yet, but we need to have the conversations today, to be ready when the time comes.

EUMAM could be the most substantial EU contribution to security guarantees for Ukraine. It could train Ukraine’s armed forces in Ukraine; and improve the long-term quality and professionalism of Ukraine’s forces. The very best security guarantee is a strong Ukrainian army.

General, as Chief of Defence, you oversaw the expansion and transformation of the Irish Defence Forces in response to new threats. And you ensured they are capable of participating in high intensity Peace Support Operations with the EU, NATO and the UN. 

But it is your interest in understanding leadership and how to improve this within the military system at large that underlines why we are so lucky to have you. I understand that you also championed improvements to conditions for service personal. Anyone who has the best interests of staff at heart is the person you want to lead. 

To briefly conclude, Dear General Brieger, I know that everyone will agree when I say that your service to Europe has put us firmly on the right track. I am sorry we say goodbye today to an ally in our efforts to ramp up European defence, and at the most dangerous period in recent European history.

But your family – including your wife Isabella, your three children and your grandson especially – will be happy to have you home in Austria. And although you will always follow military developments and remain a lifelong advocate of European defence, swapping the shooting range for the beautiful Austrian countryside is a well-earned reward. 

Dear General Clancy, your values-based approach is just what Europe needs today. You are quite simply the right person at the right time. And I truly look forward to having your advice close by.

Thank you.