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EU defence chiefs are gathering in Brussels this week to mark 25 years since the creation of the EU Military Committee, originally established in response to the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s. But amid the anniversary, the mood has been overshadowed by the ongoing war in Ukraine and rising instability in the Middle East.
Speaking to Euronews’ flagship morning show Europe Today, the Chair of the EU Military Committee, General Seán Clancy, described the moment as “a time for reflection more than celebration,” alluding to the rapid evolution of Europe’s security and defence strategy in recent years.
Clancy said Ukraine remains the EU’s “number one priority,” as European defence chiefs meet to discuss security readiness, military strategy and continued support for Kyiv. His comments come as Russia launched another wave of attacks on Ukraine overnight, reportedly involving hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles.
“The extraordinary resilience of the Ukrainian armed forces and the Ukrainian people has transformed Ukraine into a fortress nation,” Clancy said, arguing that Ukraine’s security is now “integral to the future security of Europe.”
While dismissing the idea that the EU should become a “military powerhouse” comparable to NATO, Clancy stressed that the union plays a crucial role through its economic strength, defence coordination and overseas missions. The general highlighted how the EU Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine has trained more than 93,000 Ukrainian soldiers to date.
“We will continue unrelentingly,” he said, adding that all 27 member states remain committed to helping shape the future of Ukraine’s armed forces.
Watch the full interview in the player above.
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