In today’s unpredictable and volatile world, that multiple threats are present, the EU should become a more reliable and stronger partner; it has become essential to enhance its preparedness and readiness both in the civilian and military domains, as the recent report by Sauli Niinistö, former President of the Republic of Finland, indicates.

EUROMIL, as the only European organisation representing military personnel welcomes the various initiatives and recommendations presented at the report and underlines the importance of enhancing cooperation among the Member States, foster collaboration with trade unions and employers’ organisations, as well as boosting military capabilities and civilian-military cooperation.

More precisely, given the multiple recruitment challenges that the Armed Forces are facing in Europe, it is essential to make the military career more appealing to the younger generations. According to the report, collaborating with trade unions and employers’ organizations could take various forms to support the Quality Jobs Roadmap outlined in the 2024-2029 Political Guidelines. Overall, civil society organisations and trade unions can significantly enhance preparedness across various domains. Collaborative efforts can contribute to a more equitable, resilient labour market with high-quality jobs and sustainable growth.

Another important aspect in the military sector that is widely discussed across Europe is conscription, and following the report organised exchanges among Member States could aid in identifying best practices related to national service and conscription models, educational programs, the development of effective reserve systems, and more, and be further supported at the EU level. In this context, the exchange of best practices and the promotion of collaboration among Member States are central to EUROMIL’s mission, and we highly appreciate its inclusion in the report.

Lastly, EUROMIL also welcomes the inclusion of climate change as a decisive factor for the military’s preparedness, as it is essential for defence organisations enhance their resilience for climate change and move towards clean energy transition. This also presents an opportunity to strengthen dual-use and civil-military cooperation within the EU framework.

In conclusion, Sauli Niinistö’s report offers valuable analysis and recommendations on the EU’s need to strengthen its preparedness to effectively meet the challenges of today’s world. The recommendations emphasize the importance of resilience, adaptability, and collaboration among the Member States and with partners, to address evolving and multiple threats. EUROMIL welcomes these initiatives and urges the European Commission and the Council to actively consider these measures to achieve the best possible outcomes.