EUMS and USEUCOM expand cooperation, information sharing to boost security

BRUSSELS, Belgium – In an effort to increase cooperation and enhance security Lieutenant General Esa Pulkkinen, Director General of the European Union Military Staff (EUMS), and General Curtis Scaparrotti, Commander United States European Command (EUCOM), signed an Administrative Arrangement today aiming to facilitate the exchange of information and cooperation between both organisations. The arrangement describes their primary roles and responsibilities in crisis management and takes into account the recent establishment of the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) within the EUMS. This is a notable step to increase the ability of the United States and European Union to work together in security and defence matters.

While signing the document, Lt. Gen. Pulkkinen underlined that "This is a marker of progress in intensifying EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) partnerships, as advocated by the European Council and the High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Mrs. Mogherini. The EUMS is determined to enhance its military-to-military cooperation with its reliable, strategic partner, the U.S.”

Gen. Scaparrotti remarked that “The signing of this updated Administrative Arrangement between USEUCOM and the EUMS is evidence of the continuous commitment the two parties have undertaken after the 2014 U.S.-EU Summit, where the United States and the EU pledged to enhance practical EU-U.S. security and crisis response management cooperation.”

EUMS and USEUCOM have increased cooperation through strengthening ties and developing a working partnership. This new arrangement, although not a legally binding document, draws on the precedent signed in late 2015.

For more information about this administrative arrangement, please contact the EU Military Staff - External Relations at EUMS.INFO@eeas.europa.eu +32 2 584 2242.