Military Committee of the European Union (EUMC)

The Military Committee of the European Union (EUMC) is the supreme military body within the Council of the EU. It is the forum for military consultation and cooperation between the EU Member States in the field of conflict prevention and crisis management. This Decision established the mandate of the EUMC.

ACT

Council Decision 2001/79/CFSP of 22 January 2001 setting up the Military Committee of the European Union

SUMMARY

The Military Committee of the European Union (EUMC) is the highest military body within the Council of the EU.

Composition of the Military Committee

The EUMC is composed of the Chiefs of Defence (CHOD), represented by their military representatives (Milreps). It may meet at CHOD or Milrep level.

The Chairman of the Committee, who must be a four-star flag officer, is appointed by the Council on the recommendation of the Chiefs of Defence and has a term of office of three years, unless the Council decides otherwise. The Chairman represents the EUMC at the Political and Security Committee (PSC) and the Council, and chairs the EUMC meetings at Milrep and CHOD levels.

The mission and functions of the Military Committee

The EUMC is the forum for military consultation and cooperation between the EU Member States in the field of conflict prevention and crisis management. It provides the PSC with advice and recommendations on military matters. Military advice is taken on the basis of consensus.

The EUMC can give advice and recommendations on:

In a crisis situation, the EUMC exercises military direction and gives military instructions to the European Union Military Staff (EUMS). More specifically, it:

The EUMC monitors the proper execution of military operations currently being conducted under the responsibility of the operation commander.

Background

At its meeting on 10-11 December 1999 in Helsinki, the European Council approved the establishment of new permanent political and military bodies, such as the MCEU, within the Council of the EU.

References

Act

Entry into force - Date of expiry

Deadline for transposition in the Member States

Official Journal

Council Decision 2001/79/CFSP

22.01.2001

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OJ of 30.01.2001

last update 29.10.2006