15ICOAF meeting in Vienna
The 15th International Conference of Ombuds Institutions for the Armed Forces (15ICOAF) was held in Vienna (Austria) on 18-20 June 2023. The meeting was co-hosted by the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) and the Austrian Parliamentary Commission for the Federal Armed Forces. EUROMIL’s President, Mr Emmanuel Jacob and …
The Unseen Battle: Mental Health Challenges for Military Personnel
As the European elections draw near and the European Union (EU) unveils its comprehensive approach to mental health, it is crucial to bring attention to the critical issues impacting our society. With different flagship initiatives, the approach aims to prioritize mental health on par with physical health and establish a …
Priorities of the Spanish Presidency of the EU Council
On 1st July, Spain takes over the Presidency of the EU Council. The six-month Spanish Presidency follows Sweden, and will be followed by Belgium from 1 January till 30 June 2024. The Spanish presidency will focus on 4 main priorities: Reindustrialise the EU and ensure its open strategic autonomy Advance …
The EU should prioritise fair regulations for military personnel in the Working Time Directive
Military personnel often work in tough and dangerous conditions: such demanding nature of military service can take a toll on the physical and mental well-being of personnel. Therefore, it is imperative to prioritize the safety and performance of these individuals by ensuring adequate working hours and ample rest time. However, …
European Armed Forces: State of Play 2023
On 8 June 2023, EUROMIL organised a two-panel event on the European Parliament, hosted by MEP Juozas OLEKAS entitled “European Armed Forces: State of Play 2023”. The first panel discussion focused on the implementation of the Strategic Compass and the creation of the Rapid Deployment Capacity. During the opening remarks, …
Gender Equality and Diversity in the Armed Forces
The Armed Forces has been considered for a long time as an only male profession, despite that women are joining more and more the military, stereotypes still prevail. Consequently, substantial change in the Armed Forces cannot be achieved. According to an opinion provided by the FEMM Committee of the European …
Supporting Ukraine: EUROMIL’s meeting with PromoteUkraine
On 30 May, EUROMIL met with a delegation of veterans of Promote Ukraine, a non-profit civil society and advocacy organization for Ukraine. The meeting was welcomed by Emmanuel Jacob, EUROMIL’s President, who highlighted how EUROMIL in the past had Ukrainian and Russian organisations as members. In 2017, contact was re-established …
The EU should focus on building a common military culture
A common culture is defined as a group of people who share similar beliefs, values and behaviours, language or cultural heritage. EU Members states, despite their historical or linguistic differences have succeeded in becoming stronger when working together and be united in diversity. Building a common military culture though is …
The EU should not miss the chance of a timely implementation of the Strategic Compass
The Strategic Compass, adopted in March 2022, represents a first EU “white paper” on defence, providing guidelines for the EU and the Member States to adapt and respond to the new geopolitical environment. The document aims to make the EU and the Member States capable to respond to the challenges …
Spring Session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly – Luxembourg
From 19 to 22 May 2023, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA) gathered for its Spring Session in Luxembourg. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, founding member of NATO and staunch advocate of its shared values, welcomed over 250 NATO parliament members and more than 100 representatives from 16 partner countries …