Military Mobility Symposium

 
On 7 June 2018, the European Defence Agency (EDA) and the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) will co-organise a Deploy Symposium entitled “Military Mobility – Key to European Security” in Brussels. Political and military decision-makers as well as high level officials of Member States, EU institutions and agencies, NATO, and other relevant stakeholders will assess progress in and exchange views on European Military Mobility.

Military Mobility is key to European security. Today’s security environment demands the smooth, efficient and effective movement of military personnel and assets within and beyond the European Union. As a complex and multidimensional issue, Military Mobility requires a ‘whole-of-government’ approach whilst respecting national sovereignty.

The EU’s Action Plan on Military Mobility, presented by HR/VP Federica Mogherini and the European Commission on 28 March 2018, outlines the steps the European Union is taking to improve Military Mobility. The Action Plan builds on the Roadmap on Cross-Border Military Transportation developed by the European Defence Agency and in close cooperation and coordination with all relevant actors, including NATO. 

At the Symposium, high-level speakers from national governments and armed forces as well as NATO representatives and European defence actors will discuss the way ahead in key note speeches and two panel discussions focussing on the EU and cross-departmental synergies and on military requirements for Military Mobility respectively.

Confirmed speakers include HR/VP and Head of the Agency Federica Mogherini, the Bulgarian Minister of Defence Krasimir Karakachanov, the Dutch Minister of Defence Ank Bijleveld, the Slovenian Minister of Defence Minister Andreja Katič, the Chairman of the European Union Military Committee General Mikhail Kostarakos, the Italian Chief of Defence General Claudio Graziano, the NATO Director General International Military Staff General Jan Broeks, and EEAS Deputy Secretary General Pedro Serrano.

The conference programme is available here.