A Semester of Strength: Reflecting on Six Months of Defence Leadership and Strategic Engagement

From the training grounds of EUTM Somalia to the strategic port of Djibouti, we’ve reinforced the EU’s role as a global security provider, ensuring stability in regions facing persistent challenges.

The Munich Security Conference and Baltic Military Conference provided critical platforms for transatlantic dialogue, where we engaged with allies on deterrence, hybrid threats, and defence innovation. Meanwhile, the Cyprus Presidency Away Days strengthened our strategic cohesion, ensuring Member States remain aligned on priority security challenges.

European Union

A cornerstone of this semester was our joint visit with NATO’s CMC to Ukraine, where we reaffirmed our solidarity with Kyiv and reviewed progress in EUFOR ALTHEA (BiH) and KFOR (Kosovo)—missions that exemplify the power of EU-NATO cooperation in maintaining peace. Our engagements in Estonia, Latvia, Germany, and Spain further advanced military mobility and defence industrial collaboration, ensuring Europe remains agile and prepared.

At the Shangri-La Dialogue, we discussed maritime security challenges with Indo-Pacific partners, while MILEX 26 showcased the future of defence technology, from AI to autonomous systems. These innovations will be pivotal in shaping our operational capabilities for years to come.

Our CSDP missions—IRINI, ATALANTA, and ASPIDES—continued to deliver critical results: IRINI upheld the UN arms embargo on Libya, ATALANTA countered piracy in the Indian Ocean and ASPIDES protected maritime trade routes in the Red Sea.

These operations demonstrate the EU’s ability to act decisively in defence of international law and stability.

European Union

As we mark the 25th Anniversary of the EU Military Committee, we celebrate a legacy of leadership, adaptability, and unity. Over the past quarter-century, the EUMC has evolved into a strategic leader, shaping Europe’s defence through crisis response, capability development, and partnerships.

Looking ahead, our focus remains on strengthening EU-NATO cooperation, accelerating defence innovation, and deepening global partnerships. Together with our Member States and allies, we are building a safer, more resilient Europe.