EU Military Committee Chairman Holds Discussion in Hungary

While introducing the military priorities of the Hungarian EU presidency, General Gábor Böröndi PhD, Chief of HDF General Staff said that the EU Strategic Compass program must be supported in the fields of crisis management, military capabilities and the development of the defence industry. The situation of the Western Balkans is still a priority for Hungary and the Hungarian Defence Forces, which is also faithfully reflected in the Hungarian engagement. This year, for the first time in the history of EUFOR Operation Althea, a Hungarian commander is leading the EU military mission in the Balkans. The chief of the General Staff called the development of European rapid reaction forces important and reaffirmed that Hungary would participate in the creation of the first EU battle group to be established by 2025 on the basis of a new concept. As for the defence industry, he said that the Hungarian presidency would support the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB). “The Hungarian defence industry is an integral part of this” – he added. Hungary supports the informal document signed by Austria, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, which aims at bringing the Western Balkans “more into the focus of the European Union”, including the possible deployment of the EU’s rapid reaction capability in the future if the situation requires that, he said.

“We not only support the strategic autonomy of the EU by contributing to its battle groups but with the National Defence and Armed Forces Development Program, launched in 2016, we are also building committed and powerful national armed forces” – he added. The general also said that in October, they will receive the EU’s chiefs of defence, and will present the capabilities of the Hungarian Defence Forces to them during Exercise Brave Warrior combined with live firing, declared as part of the EU Exercise Integrated Resolve, thus emphasizing the indispensable role of these training events in improving crisis management-related decision-making and enhancing interoperability.

General Robert Brieger – whose visit coincides with the preparation for the Hungarian EU presidency – told us that the aim of his visit to Hungary is to strengthen cooperation and discuss the key issues of the Common Security and Defence Policy. “The current situation in Ukraine and the Red Sea region requires personal meetings, during which I had the opportunity to discuss current and urgent geopolitical security and defence priorities within the EU framework. I took the opportunity to reiterate the EU institutions’ thanks for Hungary’s outstanding participation in EU operations,” he stressed.

He added that “Hungary is a role model when it comes to commitment to the EU’s common security and defence policy. Hungary’s expertise, based on its long-term experience in the Western Balkans, is of utmost importance in supporting EU efforts to build capacity and promote stability. The EU’s Operation ALTHEA is a good example of this relevant expertise, as well as of Hungary’s key role in ongoing peacekeeping efforts.” The general concluded that the EU’s military objective for the next ten years is to enhance its capabilities to act as a credible security provider with viable elements and renewed ambition for the greater benefit of member states and our regional partners.