On November 6-8 Chief of Defence of Lithuania Lieutenant General Jonas Vytautas Žukas takes part in the second European Union Military Committee session this year in Brussels (Belgium). The meeting will address European security and defence.
European Chiefs of Defence are expected to discuss the Global Strategy for the European Union's Foreign and Security Policy, NATO-EU military cooperation on capability development, EU operations and missions, cooperation with Western Balkans.
In the discussion over EU missions and operations the focus will be given to ongoing maritime operations: fight against illegal immigration in the Mediterranean, operation SOPHIA, and anti-piracy efforts in the Indian Ocean, operation ATALANTA.
Another point of discussion on the agenda will be the new European Force (EUFOR) mandate of operation Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina, evolution of the EU Training Mission in Mali, and cooperation with partner nations - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Montenegro, Myanmar, and Serbia.
Six Lithuanian soldiers are currently deployed to three EU-led operations: the Training Mission in Mali, maritime operations Atalanta and Sophia. Lithuania's contribution of military personnel to EU-led multinational operations supports crises management and strengthens the EU Common Security and Defence Policy.
Lithuanians have been training local forces as part of the EU Training Mission in Mali since 2013, two Lithuania's military instructors are currently serving there.
One more Lithuanian officer is assigned to the HQ of the naval counter-piracy operation Atalanta in the Mediterranean in Northwood (UK). The Lithuanian Armed Forces also has deployed 3 Autonomous Vessel Protection Detachments (AVPDs) so far since joining the operation in 2013; the AVPDs for 4-6 months protected World Food Programme chartered vessels transporting humanitarian aid.
Two Lithuanian officers serving in the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean, EUNAVFOR MED, operation Sophia are assigned to the Italian light aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi until the end of the year. One more Lithuanian officer is posted to the operational HQ in Rome (Italy), and two 12-strong Vessel Boarding Teams formed by Lithuanian naval, land and special forces military personnel, and military policemen are ready for 3-month rotation each aboard Germany's frigate Sachsen F124 service. The firs of them will deploy to the area of operation in late November.
***
The European Union Military Committee is the highest EU military institution composed of the 28 Chiefs of Defence of the EU member states. Established in 2001, the Military Committee is in charge of all the EU military activity, primarily planning and execution of the CSDP military missions and operations and development of military capability. The institution advises the EU Polical and Security Committee which shapes the Common Foreign and Security Policy. EU Chiefs of Defence attend the EU Military Committee meetings twice a year.
Phone no: 00370 5 278 5091, cell: 00370 682 25359, e-mail: mindaugas.neimontas@mil.lt
Credit: A. Pliadis
