EU Chiefs of Defence (CHODs) Met in Brussels

In addition to the Chiefs of Defence of the 28 EU Member States, the Chiefs of Defence and the political leaders of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Georgia, Serbia and Vietnam were invited to the meeting, and could share their opinions and experiences on the EU’s defence related operation. The event provided an excellent possibility for the Member States and the representatives of the invited nations for consultations with a common purpose, in order to strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of the EU’s defence capabilities.

The delegation of the Hungarian Defence Forces (HDF) was led by Lieutenant General Ferenc Korom, HDF Chief of Defence Staff. In his contribution to several items on the agenda he reaffirmed Hungary’s intention for engagement in the different EU-led missions and operations, and stressed our homeland’s commitment to maintain security in Europe.

The Chiefs of Defence received a comprehensive briefing on the EU’s current defence related plans, issues, with an emphasis on the situation and defence capability of the EU’s Global Strategy. In what follows they heard the reports of the commanders of the EU missions and operations, and then exchanged their views. They also had an opportunity to discuss the issues of the future EU-NATO co-operation.

The two-day meeting also provided an opportunity for the review of the capability development initiatives and the related financing initiatives, projects and contributions.

As a ceremonial element of the event, the formal handover of the post of the permanent chairman of the Military Committee took place for General Claudio Graziano, the present Italian Chief of Defence Staff.