The EUMC is the highest military body set up within the Council, and is composed of the Chiefs of Defence (CHODs) of the member states, who are regularly represented by their permanent military representatives.

It is the forum for military consultation and cooperation between the EU Member States in the field of conflict prevention and crisis management.

It directs all military activities within the EU framework, in particular the planning and execution of military missions and operations under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and the development of military capabilities.

Based on consensus, it gives military advice and makes recommendations to the Political and Security Committee (PSC), while providing military direction to the European Union Military Staff (EUMS), particularly for:

• the development of the military part of crisis management concepts;
• the military aspects of political control/strategic direction of crisis management operations and situations;
• the risk assessment of potential crises;
• the military dimension of a crisis and its implications, in particular during its subsequent management;
• the elaboration, assessment and review of capability objectives;
• the EU's military relationship with non-EU European NATO Members, candidates for EU accession, other states and other organisations, including NATO;
• the financial estimation for operations and exercises.

In crisis management situations and upon the PSC's request, the EUMC issues an Initiating Directive to the Director General of the EUMS (DGEUMS) to present strategic military options, which are evaluated and forwarded to the PSC, together with a military advice.

Based on the military option selected by the Council, the EUMC authorises an Initial Planning Directive for the Operation Commander.

Based upon the EUMS evaluation, the EUMC provides advice and recommendation:

• on the Concept of Operations (Conops) developed by the Operation Commander;
• on the draft Operation Plan (OPLAN) drawn up by the Operation Commander;

During an operation, it monitors the proper execution of military operations.

The EUMC regularly meets at the level of CHODs.  In the working routine of the weekly EUMC meetings, the CHOD’s are represented by the Military Representatives of their respective countries.  The EUMC is also represented in all meetings of the Council when decisions with defence implications are to be taken.

The EUMC is supported by a military working group (EUMCWG), by the EUMS and by other departments and services, as appropriate.

Historical background:

In the framework of the strengthening of the common foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), and  the common European policy on security and defence (Art 17 of the TEU), the European Council meeting in Nice on 7-11 December 2000 agreed on the establishment of the EUMC, setting out its mission and functions including those of its chairman.

The EUMC was officially set up by Council Decision 2001/79/CFSP of 22 January 2001, which enabled the EU to assume its responsibilities for the full range of conflict prevention and crisis management tasks defined in the EU Treaty, the Petersberg’s tasks.

The EUMC has a permanent Chairman, a Four-star flag officer, preferably a former Chief of Defence of an EU Member State, selected by the CHODs of the Member States and appointed by the Council for a three-year term, normally. Acting in an international capacity, the CEUMC represents the EUMC at the PSC and the Council, as appropriate.

As the Chairman of the EUMC, he:

• chairs the EUMC meetings at Military Representatives and CHODs levels;
• is the spokesman of the EUMC;
• participates in the PSC with the right to contribute to discussions and attends the Council meetings when decisions with defence implications are to be taken;
• performs the function of military adviser to the SG/HR on all military matters, in particular, to ensure consistency within the EU Crisis Management Structure;
• conducts the works of the EUMC impartially and in order to reflect consensus;
• acts on behalf of the EUMC in issuing directives and guidance to the DGEUMS;
• acts as the primary point of contact (POC) with the Operation Commander during the EU's military operations;
• liaises with the Presidency in the development and implementation of its work programme;
• fosters mil-to-mil relationships with all relevant stakeholders, visiting Member States and partner capitals, Missions and Operations Headquarters, on a regular basis.

The CEUMC is supported by his personal staff and assisted by the EUMS, especially regarding the administrative support within the General Secretariat of the Council.

The current Chairman is Gen. Robert BRIEGER (Austria).

Download Gen Brieger CV here