Summary: A committee of the Chiefs of Defence (CHODS) of member states, usually via permanent representatives (MilReps). It is chaired by a former CHOD. It directs missions and advises the PSC. It has a support staff, supporting in particular a working group (EUMCWG) chaired by a one star.
At stake: While intergovernmental and at arm’s length from the EU, the format alone decouples from the NATO context. The EU’s two-speed approach to integration will increasingly reduce the current need for consensus. Dependency on EUMC inputs will likely be proportionate to its growing staffing.
What they say: “It is the forum for military consultation and cooperation between the EU Member States in the field of conflict prevention and crisis management” – Council Decision 2001/79/CFSP
Exposure: UK participation lapses with Brexit. What follows remains unclear.
Action needed: MPs to discourage standing participation in this format, and prefer NATO, bilaterals, and normal defence diplomacy.
Deep dive: https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-8798-2019-INIT/en/pdf
