“Security in Today’s World is not the Responsibility of One Nation Alone!”

Joint efforts of member states enhance the EU’s military preparedness and respond appropriately to today’s security challenges, declared General Robert Brieger, Chairman of the EUMC.

General Brieger emphasized that MILEX-25 shows that commitment, cooperation and joint efforts are rewarding. It demonstrates that the rapid reaction capability of the EU countries’ armed forces is a great step forward in strengthening both European and national autonomy. However, despite the successes achieved, we cannot take a rest. The critical shortages in capabilities require immediate attention, vital investments and committed work.

“Today, with the greatest civilian and military highnesses of the EU, we watched how operational plans worked out in Brussels turned into reality – said the Chief of the HDF Defence Staff. – Hungary’s engagement in this international exercise is of outstanding significance, and not only due to the organization. Our infantry unit armed with Gidráns, which carried out live firing during the exercise in the Bakony in cooperation with several nations, appeared first here”, said General Böröndi with appreciation.

At the visit, Delphine Pronk, Chair of the EU Political and Security Committee, and Lieutenant General Michiel van der Laan, Director General of the EU Military Staff, were also present.

“Today marks a milestone in the European Union’s commitment for security and defence – said Delphine Pronk. – The Military Exercise 2025 has been a resounding demonstration of our ability to act together, to plan together and, if necessary, to respond together. MILEX 2025 has reinforced an essential truth: security in today’s world is not the responsibility of one nation alone; it is a shared effort. Our ability to act as one, with efficiency and determination, defines our credibility on the global stage.” We can mobilize 5000 service members in case of crisis. This is a true breakthrough, which also defends European citizens and supports international stability. She added that the EU is further developing its capabilities, deepening its interoperability and ensuring that exercises similar to MILEX become regular military cooperations.

During the day, the joint operational centre, where operations officers were reading a nine-liner related to an incident, was introduced to the visitors. The visitors watched as two French Mirage 2000D fighter aircraft were reloaded, as well as how an injured soldier was taken care of in the ROLE-2 hospital. Besides these, they were informed about the role of each participating nation in the exercise, and they also saw the military equipment used in the exercise, such as the Hungarian Gidráns and the Airbase’s C-130 transport aircraft.

MILEX-25’s goal is to make practice the European Union Battle Group’s (EUBG-25) standby service alert and strategic regrouping, combined with staff command exercise, joint training for sub-units and company-level live firings.