In a joint session with chiefs of defence from partner nations contributing to EU CSDP missions, namely Albania, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, and Serbia, CHODs had a discussion on the EU training missions and EU military advisory missions: EUTM Mali, EUTM Somalia and EUMAM RCA. 

The European Union Military Committee, chaired by General Kostarakos met on 17 May in Chiefs of Defence (CHODs) format. Chiefs of defence discussed the EU global strategy, naval operations, training and advisory missions, Ukraine and cooperation with NATO.

EU global strategy

Chiefs of defence were briefed by the EEAS Secretary General, Alain Le Roy, on EU Security and Defence matters and the EU global strategy on foreign and security policy. This strategy is intended to guide the European Union's global actions in the coming years.

CSDP naval operations

The chiefs of defence discussed CSDP military operations with a specific view to their planning and conduct. CHODs had an overview of EUFOR Althea and an update on ongoing EU naval operations, EUNAVFOR Somalia Operation Atalanta and EUNAVFOR Med - Operation Sophia.

Operation Sophia Commander Rear Admiral Enrico Credendino informed the meeting that, since the operation had moved to phase 2 at high seas which enables the identification, capture and disposal of vessels used or suspected of being used by migrants' smugglers or traffickers, the operation had contributed to the arrest and transfer to the Italian authorities 69 suspected smugglers and traffickers. The operation has also neutralised 114 vessels and contributed to the neutralisation of a further 208 assets. Furthermore, the operation helped saving close to 14 000 lives.

CSDP training and advisory missions

In a joint session with chiefs of defence from partner nations contributing to EU CSDP missions, namely Albania, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, and Serbia, CHODs had a discussion on the EU training missions and EU military advisory missions: EUTM Mali, EUTM Somalia and EUMAM RCA.

EU Military capabilities and EU/NATO cooperation

Chiefs of Defence then turned to military capabilities and exchanged views with the Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency (EDA), Mr Jorge Domecq. They also had an exchange on EU/NATO cooperation, following a presentation by Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT), General Denis Mercier.