The text of the Strategic Compass in the light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as the individual chapters of the text related to the practical implementation of the provisions it contains to improve the EU's ability to act and manage crises, were discussed by the heads of the armed forces of the Member States at the meeting of the European Union Military Committee (EUMC) in Brussels on Wednesday, which was attended by the Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Demokritos Zervakis.
According to a statement, the heads of the armed forces of the Member States discussed ways to improve the coordination of the support provided to Ukraine through the mechanism developed by the EU Military Staff.
EUMC members also discussed the strengthening of the EU's rapid response capabilities, as well as EU cooperation with NATO and other strategic partners.
In parallel, views were recorded on the analysis issued by the Commission on Wednesday on the gaps in Member States' defence investment. Among other things, the leaders acknowledged that the proposals recorded would help to further strengthen cooperation in the field of defence capability development and investment, which would allow member states to create economies of scale, reducing both costs and fragmentation of available resources.
Finally, the heads of the armed forces of the Member States reviewed EU training missions and operations in Africa, the Balkans and the Mediterranean.
The meeting was the first to be held since General Robert Brieger took over the Presidency.
In his own statement on the Strategic Compass, the Chief of the National Guard described the Rapid Deployment Capabilities as one of the most important elements of the document and an important tool for the EU to act swiftly and autonomously where a response to emerging threats and evolving crises is required.
In this context, he noted, Battle Groups should be made more attractive to Member States and the staffing of the EU Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) should be complemented. He also stressed the importance of completing the relevant procedures and ensuring command and control tools at the strategic level.
He also noted the need to continue the strategic cooperation with the United Nations and to improve it with NATO through a structured dialogue and in accordance with the principles of inclusiveness, solidarity, transparency and autonomy in the decision-making process.
Major General Zervakis also stressed that the Member States should make concerted efforts to increase the effectiveness of the European Union's strategic partnership with the United Nations. The two leaders pledged to strengthen the existing cooperation developed with the UNIFIL Naval Detachment.
In a private meeting with the Chief of the Armed Forces of Spain, Admiral Teodoro Lopez Calderon, they exchanged views on the expansion of cooperation between the two countries, both within the EU and bilaterally.
Finally, in a meeting with the Chief of the Armed Forces of Malta, Brigadier General Jeffrey Curmi, they exchanged views on EU operations in the Mediterranean and migratory flows. They also explored possible areas of military cooperation between the two countries.
Source: CNA
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
Source
