EU Chiefs of Defence Meet to Strengthen Europe’s Defence Readiness

Brussels, Belgium. 20 November 2025

Today, the Chiefs of Defence (CHODs) of the 27 EU Member States convened in Brussels for the biannual European Union Military Committee (EUMC) meeting at CHOD level. The gathering brought together Europe’s highest-ranking military leaders to exchange views on key strategic topics and ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing the EU’s defence capabilities.

Discussions focused on the implementation of the Preparedness Union Strategy (PUS), the Joint White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030, and related defence initiatives, as well as the future of military support to Ukraine and the progress of the Rapid Deployment Capacity (RDC) 2025.

The CHODs reaffirmed their commitment to a stronger and more action-capable European Union, emphasizing their readiness to provide unfettered military advice and calling for early involvement of the EUMC in policy processes with military and defence implications. This approach ensures a more coherent, timely, and effective EU response to emerging security challenges.

The meeting demonstrated the EU’s continued focus on strengthening collective defence, supporting partners, and reinforcing Europe’s preparedness and resilience.

The next EUMC meeting at CHOD level is scheduled for 20 May 2026 in Brussel, coinciding with the 25^th anniversary of the EUMC.

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