Major General Serhii Salkutsan, the Ukrainian Military Representative in Brussels, took the stage with composed pride. In his hand, the glint of medals—each one a symbol of gratitude from a nation defending its freedom.

In a simple, solemn ceremony, he awarded the Ukrainian Support of Armed Forces medal to Lieutenant-General Michiel van der Laan, Director of MPCC, along with several key MPCC staff members for their work supporting Ukraine. The medals, he explained, represented more than acknowledgment. They were a gesture of appreciation—for the effort put in, the work done, and above all, the human bonds formed through shared experience.

The recipients accepted the medals with humility. The MPCC has never needed encouragement to stand by its partners, especially not in times of hardship. But as one officer remarked quietly after the ceremony, “Sometimes, recognition like this isn’t about motivation. It’s about memory.”

Indeed, while operations continue and missions evolve, these medals will remain a lasting token—one that speaks to the resilience of partnership and the deep, mutual respect between the Ukrainian Armed Forces and their European allies.

Today was not just a ceremony. It was a reminder: in unity, there is strength—and in solidarity, enduring friendship.

EUMAM UA

MPCC is, amongst others, the strategic headquarters of EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM UA). EUMAM UA is aimed at strengthening the capacity of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to defend Ukraine’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and to deter and respond to possible future military offensives by Russia and other potential aggressors. EUMAM works closely together with all other like-minded international partners to provide training support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. EUMAM is open to the participation of third states. All mission activities are located on EU soil. So far, 24 EU Member States have offered training modules and personnel. The training is supported by the provision of equipment for lethal and non-lethal purposes to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This equipment is provided by Member States and funded by the European Peace Facility.

MPCC

The Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) was established on 8 June 2017 with the aim of enabling the EU to react in a faster, more efficient and effective manner as a security provider outside its borders. The MPCC is responsible for the operational planning and conduct of the EU’s non-executive military missions. It now commands the EU Training Missions (EUTM) in Somalia and Central African Republic, the EU Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM) for Ukraine and the EU Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM) Mozambique. Finally, the military pillar of the EU Security and Defense Initiative Golf of Guinea. Since 2025, it is the preferred Operations HQ for the Rapid Deployment Capacity.