On 17 January, General Robert Brieger travelled to Austria for an official visit to deepen and strengthen EU cooperation on the security and defence domains.

The Chairman visited the high-tech compounds of GD European Land Systems Steyr GMBH where he received a presentation of new weapon systems and technologies - supporting military capability development. As part of its force modernisation program, Austria is bolstering its defence expenditures and investing in capability building to enhance both national and European defence potential.

During the visit, the Chairman met Klaudia Tanner, Austrian Minister of Defence and General Rudolf Striedinger, Austrian Chief of Defence to exchange views on the challenges and developments of the European security environment. They also discussed the Austrian Army Force Development Programme and its contribution to EU defence cooperation to enhance security and stability of EU citizens.

General Brieger attended the annual Austrian Defence Attaché Conference as a guest lecturer where he contributed to the discussions with his insights on the EU’s role in the complex and multipolar geostrategic landscape.

Later, he presented the EU’s geopolitical challenges to Austrian military personnel as an invited guest speaker at the Day of Austrian Conscription Service.