The Chairman emphasised the transformative changes underway within the EU’s defence domain, including as regards military support for Ukraine, the first-ever Live Exercise (LIVEX) under EU command in Spain (October 2023), and the unveiling of the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS). These developments mark significant strides towards enhancing the EU’s military capabilities and asserting its role as a proactive security provider on the global stage.
Among other points, the Chairman highlighted the following:
- Strategic Compass: The Chairman reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to its Strategic Compass, a guiding framework established in March 2022, aiming to direct defence efforts over the next 5-10 years across four pillars: Act, Invest, Secure, and Partner. This initiative reflects a concerted effort by the EU to adapt and respond swiftly to evolving security challenges.
- EU Rapid Deployment Capacity (EU RDC): The EU RDC remains central to the EU’s efforts to enhance its operational readiness and response capabilities.
- European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS): Presented on 5 March 2024, EDIS sets a long-term vision for achieving defence industrial readiness within the EU. This strategy, complemented by the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), aims to foster cooperation on defence equipment procurement and enhance the competitiveness of the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB).
- EU-NATO Relations: General Brieger underscored the importance of EU-NATO relations, advocating for complementary roles that avoid duplication and seek synergy. The EU’s strategic autonomy in defence was highlighted as essential for addressing military capability gaps and reinforcing the European pillar within NATO.
- Future Outlook: The Chairman’s remarks concluded with a call for preparedness in facing high-intensity defence confrontations, the advancement of the European Defence Industrial and Technological Base, and a commitment to providing military advice and insight to support EU defence efforts.
This briefing underlines the EU’s determination to navigate a riskier security environment, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and strategic autonomy to bolster its defence capabilities and contribute to global security.
