The Chief of Defence meets the Chairman of EU Military Committee ahead of Danish EU-Presidency

By the Danish Defence Command

The rebuilding of the Danish Defence and the progress of the EU’s military missions were key topics when Acting Chief of Defence, Michael Hyldgaard, met with the Chairman of the EU Military Committee, General Robert Brieger, on October 24 and 25 in Copenhagen.

“Denmark’s security is inextricably linked to Europe’s. Our cooperation with the EU on military missions is already strong, and it will only grow stronger in the future as a complement to the transatlantic cooperation which is a cornerstone of Danish security,” says Acting Chief of Defence, General Michael Hyldgaard.

This is the first time a Chairman of the EU Military Committee has visited Denmark. The visit marks a step in Denmark’s integration into the EU’s military cooperation—a development that gained momentum after a majority of Danes voted in 2022 to abolish the defense opt-out.

Austrian General Robert Brieger, who has chaired the EU Military Committee since 2019, views Denmark’s full participation in the EU’s military cooperation as a great strength.

“I am glad to seize the opportunity and intensify the work with Denmark after your country abolished the opt-out clause and decided to participate fully in the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy. The tectonic shifts in our defence and security environment require a systematic overhaul of Europe’s defence,” says General Robert Brieger.

The Chairman of the EU Military Committee oversees the EU’s military missions and operations, which Denmark also contributes to. For example, Denmark has sent a frigate to protect civilian shipping in the Red Sea and deployed military doctors to the EU peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
You can read more about this here: "Link to article on Danish doctor in Bosnia."

In addition to discussing cooperation on EU military operations, the meeting was also an important preparation for next year. In the fall of 2025, Denmark will take over the EU presidency, which involves close collaboration with EU institutions. This will, among other things, mean that the Danish Defence will have increased influence on the planning and execution of the EU’s military activities.

“The Danish Defence will only be working more closely with the EU on military activities. This meeting marked a step in that direction,” says Acting Chief of Defence, Michael Hyldgaard.

During his visit to Copenhagen, the Chairman of the EU Military Committee also met with the Danish Minister of Defence, the Speaker of the Danish Parliament and paid an audience with His Majesty the King.