EU MC Chairman visits Ministry of Defence

The Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Damir Krstičević and the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, General Mirko Šundov on 27 October 2017 met with the Chairman of the EU Military Committee, General Mikhail Kostarakos in the Ministry of Defence.

The two sides discussed the ongoing EU initiatives focussed on the CSDP with the emphasis on Permanent Structured Co-operation and the possibilities for the member countries with respect to research, the building of capabilities and the strengthening of the European defence industry.

Minister Krstičević underlined the importance of the inclusive models of structured co-operation, complementary with NATO and the rights to autonomous decision-making. The Republic of Croatia has positive expectations from the European mechanisms with regard to its defence industry, said the Minister, who quoted the example of the Croatian soldiers recently deployed to Afghanistan, who are fully equipped with the products made in Croatia.

Addressing the preparations of the Republic of Croatia to take over the presidency over the EU Council, Minister Krstičević informed the Chairman of the EUMC on the incepted preparatory activities. The presidency of the EU is seen a major challenge and an opportunity for the Republic of Croatia to reinforce its position in European security and defence.

The EUMC Chairman, General Mikhail Kostarakos addressed the ongoing EU efforts in the domain of defence and security and extended appreciation to Croatia for its contribution, comprising the relevant knowledge and experience it has to share with other member countries.

General Kostarakos emphasised that the ongoing initiatives had to be inclusive and ambitious, and said that major advances have been achieved in that regard over the past year. The General highlighted the recently established structure (the military planning and conduct capability – MPCC) within the EU Military Staff, responsible for planning and conduct of non-executive military operations.

The European Union Military Committee (EUMC) was established pursuant to the Decision of the Council of the European Union dated 22 January 2001, as the highest military authority within the Council. The EUMC is composedof chiefs of defence of the member countries, represented by permanent military representatives, and is responsible for all military activities within the EU, with particular emphasis on planning and conduct of military missions and operations in compliance with the Common Security and Defence Policy and the development of military capabilities. The Committee also provides adviisory support and recommendations to the Political and Security Committee (PSC). The Committee is headed by the permanent Chairman, elected at EUMC sessions in the CHOD format, and appointed by the Council.