In recent weeks, the European Commission published two key initiatives that aim to shape the future of its security and defence architecture: the White Paper on the Future of European Defence and the European Preparedness Union Strategy. Both documents are part of an effort to respond to increasing geopolitical uncertainties and build a more resilient, secure, and strategically autonomous Europe.

While acknowledging and supporting the EU’s ambitions, EUROMIL firmly believes that any defence strategy must be firmly anchored in a strong human dimension. As previously expressed in our initial reactions “a sharp critique of the White Paper” and “a cautiously optimistic endorsement of the Preparedness Strategy”, we believe the effectiveness of these plans depends fundamentally on their recognition of those who serve.

EUROMIL’s President Emmanuel Jacob remarked, “Defence is not only about equipment, structures or investment. It is first and foremost about people. Without people, there is no defence.”

The White Paper: Building Industry, Forgetting Human Capital

The White Paper presents a far-reaching vision for boosting Europe’s defence industry and technological capabilities. However, EUROMIL views it as a missed opportunity. The document fails to meaningfully address the needs, conditions, or rights of military personnel. The men and women who operationalise the EU’s security goals on the ground and give life to its strategic ambitions.

“It is remarkable,” said Jacob, “that the White Paper highlights the shortage of skilled personnel in the defence industry, yet is completely silent on the similar, and in many countries even more acute, challenges faced by the armed forces themselves. The people who are expected to be ready, resilient, and interoperable are simply not acknowledged.”

No mention is made of working conditions, fair pay, mental health support, or the status and needs of veterans. This lack of focus on the human element undermines the paper’s credibility and risks weakening the very foundations of a future European Defence Union.

The Preparedness Union Strategy: A Step Toward a More Inclusive Vision

In contrast, the European Preparedness Union Strategy marks what EUROMIL sees as a step in the right direction. By addressing the importance of individual and societal resilience through training, education, and enhanced civil-military cooperation, the strategy offers an opening for a more people-focused approach to security.

“The Preparedness Union Strategy shows that the EU is beginning to understand that resilience is not only built with systems and stockpiles, but it is also about people, communities, and the capacity to adapt,” Jacob noted. “But we still miss a clear and explicit recognition of the role military personnel play in building resilience.”

EUROMIL’s Broader Reflections

Following a more in-depth review of both documents, EUROMIL took the initiative to address the European Commission, reiterating its concerns and presenting a constructive pathway forward. In this message, we called for a comprehensive, coherent strategy that puts personnel at the heart of European defence and preparedness policies.

EUROMIL argues that the EU must now take decisive action to create a lifecycle strategy for military personnel: from recruitment and training, through active service, to retirement and reintegration into civilian life. “Armed forces personnel must be treated with dignity, with access to fair conditions, healthcare, mental health support, and social protections,” said Jacob. “A modern defence policy must support the people behind the mission.”

We also stress the need for a dedicated EU-level policy for veterans. Their skills and experience make them valuable assets in resilience building and crisis response. Yet to this day, no European framework exists to recognise or support them. This omission, in our view, is no longer tenable.

The Need for a Personnel-Centered Policy Framework

One of the most striking gaps in the current approach is the lack of integration of personnel issues into EU defence planning. The Strategic Compass, the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity, and industrial strategies are moving forward. However, the corresponding roadmap for the people tasked with carrying them out is lacking.

In April 2024, EUROMIL adopted a set of minimum standards for European soldiers. These include basic requirements such as fair pay, regulated working hours, safe infrastructure, access to healthcare, mental health services, and the right to organise and unionise. These principles must be mainstreamed into all future defence initiatives.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Dialogue and Recognition

As EUROMIL continues its advocacy, we reiterate our willingness to engage in a structured dialogue with EU institutions and stakeholders. Military personnel through the associations that represent them must be part of the conversation when shaping the future of European security.

“Our members represent the reality on the ground. They are part of the ones who know what works and what doesn’t. Their voices need to be heard, not just in times of crisis, but also when policies are being drafted,” said Jacob.

The publication of the White Paper and the Preparedness Union Strategy marks an important moment in the EU’s defence evolution. Now, the Union must ensure that it does not overlook its most valuable asset: its people, their Citizens in Uniform!

EUROMIL stands ready to support this goal and engage in meaningful, constructive exchange to ensure that the future of European defence is both strong and just.