Chief of Defence Gen Daniel Zmeko takes part in EUMC in CHODs session in Brussels

SVK Chief of Defence (CHOD) Gen Daniel Zmeko took part in the EU Military Committee (EUMC) in Chiefs of Defence session in Brussels on Monday and Tuesday (25-26 October 2021). The meeting of EU Chiefs of Defence coincided with the 20th anniversary of the EUMC.

At the beginning of the session, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell outlined the issues and options available in the Strategic Compass, emphasising that the aim of the document is to provide political guidance on the EU Level of Ambition, including on security and defence.

Subsequently, EU Chiefs of Defence discussed the preparation of the Strategic Concept draft, with a focus on crisis management and military expertise to be worked into the document. Importantly, they agreed that military inputs and recommendations need to be put forward on completion and submission of the first draft for consideration.

In his statement to an audience of EU CHODs, SVK Chief of Defence Gen Zmeko said: “On crisis management, robust and flexible mandates need to be provided for EU missions and operations, and their assets and human resources, while we must plan predictively with a view to securing the adequate operational readiness needed to conduct EU missions and operations.”

On the EU rapid response toolbox, EU CHODs considered the options for expanding the EU's military readiness to respond promptly to potential crises, with EU rapid response forces deployable in a timely manner. They then discussed the requirements and modalities for developing such capabilities. In this context, Gen Zmeko supported the ongoing revision of EU Battlegroups and rapid response forces to be capable of responding to all scenarios at short notice and of delivering stability in the EU's areas of interest.

On EU missions and operations, the EUMC consulted on the fulfilment of individual mandates for missions and operations, including the development and effectiveness of specific missions, the provision of coordination with the EU's additional tools under the EU's Common Defence and Security Policy (CDSP), including drawing on the European Peace Facility (EPF) funds.

On Climate Change and Defence, Generals accentuated the growing influence of climate change on peace and security, including the challenges associated with future energy risks and sustainability of resources. They stressed the need for deeper dialogue and cooperation with NATO in implementing such measures and sustaining operational capabilities.