PRESS RELEASE: CEUMC VISIT TO GERMANY

The visit was a fruitful opportunity to discuss the effects of the ongoing crisis on the European Union, in particular the war in Ukraine, and the progress achieved in implementing the Strategic Compass. “This milestone document has paved the way for a real mentale Zeitenwende, in terms of how we – Europeans – will play a role in dealing with challenges and threats to our own interests and citizens,” said Gen Brieger. “Now, it is time for EU Member States to do their part, responsibly and jointly. One element remains paramount: answering calls for a more active role of the EU as a security partner and provider, we must speak with one single voice. What is at stake, is the credibility of the Union, as a collective team, and its ambitions in defence and security”.

As part of the planned meetings, the CEUMC exchanged views with State Secretary Thomas Hitschler and LtGen Andreas Marlow, in charge of the German Special Training Command. In the framework of the EU Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM) for Ukraine, the Command has been providing artillery training for Ukraine’s soldiers. The other part of EUMAM is located in Poland. Together, they aim at strengthening the capacity of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to defend their country. In this context, discussions with military and political authorities focussed on the outcomes of the European Council concluded the day before (9 Feb), and the need to further foster EU support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty & territorial integrity, by all possible means.