On 28 June, Vice Admiral Hervé Bléjean will hand over the authority of Director General European Union Military Staff and Director Military Planning and Conduct Capability to Lieutenant General Michiel van der Laan.
High Representative/Vice President (HR/VP) Borrell will on the occasion deliver an address and attend the military parade.
During the ceremony, the HRVP will present Vice Admiral Bléjean with the EU CSDP medal for Extraordinary Meritorious Service. There will also be a formal handing over of the EU Flag from Vice Admiral Hervé Bléjean to Lieutenant General Michiel van der Laan, signifying the transfer of authority.
Press will have the opportunity to take photos at the presentation of the Medal and the handing over of the EU Flag.
Media wishing to cover this event are invited to confirm their participation to Margot.RASKINE@ec.europa.eu by Tuesday noon. Please provide the following information: full name, media, date of birth, nationality, ID/Passport number.
Background
The European Union Military Staff (EUMS) is the primary source of the EU’s military expertise within the European External Action Service and as such responsible for providing military support in all Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) domains at the political-strategic and military-strategic levels. The EUMS works under the direction of the EU Military Committee (EUMC) and is under the direct authority of the High Representative. Activities include early warning (via the Single Intelligence Analysis Capacity – SIAC), situation assessment, strategic planning, Communications and Information Systems, concept development, capacity planning, training and education, and support of partnerships through military-to-military relationships.
The Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) is the permanent command and control structure at the military strategic level. Since June 2017, it is responsible for the planning and conduct of non-executive military missions. It was created in order to enhance the effectiveness of the EU Command and Control structure in the broader framework of strengthening civil/military cooperation.
The MPCC enhances the capacity of the EU to react faster and more efficiently to a conflict or crisis, and ameliorate the coordination of the military with other Common Security and Defence Policy and EU actors. It reports to the Political and Security Committee (PSC), and informs the EU Military Committee (EUMC).
CSDP Medal for Extraordinary Meritorious Service. It is the highest level of recognition for distinguished achievement and service, or for deeds of outstanding gallantry. It is awarded by the High Representative to the Director-General of the EUMS and Director of the MPCC for having provided extraordinary meritorious service with significant positive impact in the interest of the both EUMS and MPCC and ultimately to the benefit of the EU Common Security and Defence Policy.