The campaign to find the new president of the EU’s top military body, the EU Military Committee (EUMC), has begun, with three countries putting forward candidates for the post, a month before the vote is due to take place.
The 27 EU defence chiefs are expected to elect the future EUMC president on 15 May, replacing current Austrian General Robert Brieger, who will complete his term in May 2025.
While the post may not be high-profile, it is a crucial one as its holder advises the EU’s top diplomat, currently Josep Borrell, who heads the bloc’s diplomatic service (EEAS).
While the job is not among the most senior positions in the EU, including that of head of the European Council, Commission and Parliament, and the top diplomat’s post, which will change after the June election, the race will likely influence the allocation of commissioners’ portfolios.
This time, Russia’s war in Ukraine has put defence policy at the top of the bloc’s agenda, adding to the attractiveness of the post.
As with the previous incumbents, the agenda was also influenced by the history and tradition of their own countries: for example, the Austrian Brieger followed the Western Balkans closely, and his predecessor, the Italian General Claudio Graziano, the African continent.
After several months of campaigning, three countries have emerged in the race for first place, Slovenia and Ireland, both ahead of Poland, according to people briefed on the matter.
Ireland’s candidacy, which has an exemption from participating in EU military activities, is an example of how military cooperation has become important for a neutral country and has sparked debates over the past two years about the meaning of its neutrality in light of Europe’s changing security landscape.
Dublin has nominated the country’s current Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy. If appointed, he would also become the country’s first four-star general. in the last 100 years.
Observers say the country’s application for the post shows its growing interest in the EU’s crisis management capabilities, especially as a country with a long history of participation in peacekeeping missions.
Slovenia’s proposal, meanwhile, would offer a compromise candidate that could act as a link between the EU and NATO, as its supporters believe that, due to its geographical and historical circumstances, it would be well placed to balance priorities across the bloc.
Ljubljana introduced its current Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Robert Glavaš, who is considered the most experienced of the three, having been involved in the NATO Mission in Kosovo (KFOR) and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.
Glavaš is also considered the best-connected candidate, with insiders pointing to his close ties to the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe (SACEUR), General Christopher Gerard Cavoli, with whom he served in Afghanistan.
Close ties with the United States would be particularly useful if former President Donald Trump returned to the White House and raised questions about America’s commitment to European security, sources familiar with the matter said.
Poland, the third interested country, has also made clear its growing interest in key foreign policy and defence positions.
Security has been a primary concern for the Warsaw government long before Russia’s war with Ukraine, but it has seen the full-scale invasion as confirmation of its earlier threat assessment.
As a result, Poland decided to undertake a rapid increase in Defense spending to around 4% of GDP, a figure that Tusk’s new centre-right government, despite a likely austerity agenda, has not left behind.
Warsaw, known for its strong attachment to NATO as a cornerstone of Europe’s defence, has also recently begun to increasingly push for a stronger EU role in defence.
The appointment of Lieutenant General Slawomir Wojciechowski, the country’s current military representative to the EU and NATO, is seen by many as a bridge between the two goals.
In this position, the Poles hope to ensure that EU funds will support defence policy to a greater extent, said Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. saying Last month, commenting on the nomination.
However, Warsaw might be more interested in the post of Defence Industry Commissioner, if it were to be created by the next Commission. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has expressed interest in the post, which could be a higher priority for Warsaw.
But then he would have less chance, since he has scored a goal for the EU’s chief military adviser.
(Edited by Rajnish Singh/Alice Taylor)
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