EUROMIL

Dé belangenbehartiger van alle Europese militairen

De Europese Organisatie van Militaire Verenigingen (EUROMIL) spant zich in voor de sociale en professionele belangen van alle militairen binnen alle rangen in Europa. EUROMIL vormt een Europese koepelorganisatie van in totaal 34 vakbonden en vakcentrales, die de belangen behartigen van militair personeel in 22 landen. Het EUROMIL-hoofdkantoor bevindt zich in Brussel.

Namens Nederland zijn de AFMP en de MARVER bij EUROMIL aangesloten. Dit doen zij vanuit hun solidariteit met de militaire bonden uit alle Europese landen en natuurlijk met al het hierbij aangesloten militair personeel. Via diverse lobbytrajecten oefent EUROMIL invloed uit op het NAVO- en EU-beleid en op de Europese sociale wet- en regelgeving. Een goed voorbeeld hiervan zijn tien aanbevelingen van EUROMIL, die de NAVO enkele jaren terug heeft overgenomen en nu hanteert bij de planning van missies. Ook de huidige beschermende regels voor goede arbeidsomstandigheden en daaraan gerelateerde wetten voor militairen zijn te danken aan de inspanningen van EUROMIL. Nederlandse militairen zijn hiervan anno 2022 steeds minder uitgezonderd. De wetten vormen een nationale uitwerking van Europese wetgeving, waarin mede dankzij de lobby van EUROMIL in de afgelopen decennia ook steeds meer zaken voor militairen zijn opgenomen.

EUROMIL waarborgt een goede sociale dialoog tussen de Europese militaire bonden. Door deze dialoog, waaraan de AFMP en de MARVER natuurlijk hun steentje bijdragen, ontpopt EUROMIL zich de laatste jaren tot veel meer dan een lobbyorganisatie. Niet voor niets vormt deze organisatie vandaag de dag een serieuze gesprekspartner aan de Europese overlegtafel. Op politiek-strategisch niveau in Europa wordt er dan ook steeds meer geluisterd naar wat EUROMIL als Europese belangenbehartiger voor militairen allemaal te vertellen heeft. De afgelopen jaren namen militaire vertegenwoordigers van de NAVO en politieke vertegenwoordigers van het Europese parlement ook de moeite om tijdens de Presidiums van EUROMIL met leden de dialoog aan te gaan over diverse relevante onderwerpen.

Speerpunten

vakbondsrechten

EUROMIL spant zich in voor de vakbondsrechten van alle militairen in Europa en oefent invloed uit op het NAVO- en EU-beleid & de Europese sociale wet- en regelgeving

sociale dialoog

EUROMIL zet zich in voor het het recht van militairen om deel te mogen uitmaken van een vakbond of belangenorganisatie en zorgt voor een goede sociale dialoog tussen de Europese militaire bonden.

samenwerking

EUROMIL vindt gehoor op politiek-strategisch niveau in Europa. Daarnaast stimuleert EUROMIL internationale militaire samenwerking tijdens financieel-economische crisissen en pandemieën.

terugkoppeling

EUROMIL geeft terugkoppeling in het Nederlands na elk Presidium aan de kaderleden en besturen van onze bonden. Wij informeren jou vervolgens via onze kanalen.

AFMP-publicaties

RECENTE ARTIKELEN

25 Years of Women, Peace and Security: Between Commitment and Implementation
Meest actueel - On 4 November 2025, Friends of Europe held a conference, titled Frontline voices: 25 years of women, peace and security. The conference centred around the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda as it marked its 25th year since the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325. The conference also served as a launch event for the Frontline Voices final report which sets out a series of recommendations to strengthen WPS and improve its implementation.
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Denmark – Expanded conscription raises concerns among NCOs
30 november 2025 - An article from EUROMIL member association CS highlights growing concerns among Danish NCOs as Denmark prepares to extend conscription to 11 months. While sergeants are ready and motivated to take on longer and more demanding training of conscripts, they point out that key information about tasks and the plan for the initial training phase is still missing.
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EUROMIL participates at the 24th Berlin Security Conference
20 november 2025 - EUROMIL participated in the 25th Berlin Security Conference (BSC), represented by President Emmanuel Jacob, 2nd Vice President Johan Öhlen, Senior Policy Officer Dimitra Koutouzi, and Project Officer Imola Csontos. The conference opened with an assessment of Europe’s evolving security environment. Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine has fundamentally reshaped the continent’s strategic landscape, accelerating the need for greater interoperability, improved protection of critical infrastructure, and a strengthened approach to total defence, including in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence. Speakers from EU institutions, NATO, national governments, and the defence industry agreed that European security can no longer be viewed as a purely national responsibility but must instead be addressed collectively at the European level.
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A Forgotten Soldier Finally Laid to Rest — A Lesson in Respect
11 november 2025 - On 10 November 2025, one day before Armistice Day, Belgium paid tribute to an unknown soldier who fell during the First World War. The young man’s remains, discovered in September 2024 along the banks of the Yser River in Diksmuide, were solemnly reburied with full military honours at the Belgian Military Cemetery in De Panne. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the armed forces, local authorities, and Belgium’s Minister of Defence, Theo Francken.
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EUROMIL Files New Collective Complaint Against France
3 november 2025 - After lodging a complaint against Italy, EUROMIL in Complaint No. 253/2025 addressed issues within the French armed forces. We allege that France prohibits professional military associations from exercising trade union activities, fails to promote effective joint consultations and collective agreements, appropriate mechanisms for the settlement of labour disputes, and prohibits professional military associations, as workers’ organisations, from exercising the right to strike, in violation of Article 5 (the right to organize) and Article 6 (the right to bargain collectively) of the Council of Europe’s Revised European Social Charter.
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EUROMIL held its 132nd General Assembly Meeting 16-17 October, in Paris (France)
27 oktober 2025 - On 16-17 October, EUROMIL held its General Assembly in Paris (France). EUROMIL’s President, Emmanuel Jacob opened the conference by welcoming the members and the participants, underscoring the progress made in France on the right of association for military personnel, but also stressed that the journey toward full recognition and implementation of soldiers’ rights is ongoing, calling for stronger representation, more resources, and genuine dialogue. On 16 October, the first panel was dedicated to the legal milestones from international judgements to national reforms, moderated by EUROMIL’s president.
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EUROMIL at the 17th ICOAF: Building Bridges and Promoting Inclusion
9 oktober 2025 - From 7 to 9 October 2025, representatives from more than 35 countries gathered in Johannesburg, South Africa, for the 17th International Conference of Ombuds Institutions for the Armed Forces (ICOAF). Held under the theme “Building Bridges – Awareness and Outreach Efforts by Ombuds Institutions,” the event was jointly organised by the South African Military Ombud (SAMO) and the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF).
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Democracy Under Pressure: Challenges for Europe
5 oktober 2025 - The international environment is today marked by instability and growing threats to democracy. Authoritarian regimes are becoming stronger and are increasingly willing to challenge international law and the values on which Europe is built. At the same time, some democracies themselves are moving in a more authoritarian direction, with governments limiting freedoms, undermining the independence of the judiciary, or restricting the role of civil society. These worrying developments add to the pressure on democratic institutions and weaken Europe’s ability to respond with unity. Their tools go far beyond traditional warfare: disinformation campaigns, cyber-attacks, pressure through energy or trade dependencies, and attempts to destabilise societies from within. Even inside established democracies, divisions and a loss of trust in politics and governance are visible.
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Presidential Candidate António Filipe Meets with Military Associations
29 september 2025 - On 29 September 2025, at the headquarters of the National Sergeants Association (ANS) in Lumiar, Lisbon, presidential candidate António Filipe met, at his request, with the three representative military associations: ANS, AOFA (Association of Armed Forces Officers), and AP (Association of Enlisted Personnel).
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SPAL General Assembly – Soldiers’ Rights and Fair Conditions at the Core
28 september 2025 - On 23 September 2025, EUROMIL’s Luxembourg member, the Syndicat Professionnel de l’Armée Luxembourgeoise (SPAL), held its annual General Assembly. The meeting provided a platform for soldiers to raise concerns about their working conditions, career perspectives, and the future of Luxembourg’s defence policy.
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New Psychological Scheme
27 september 2025 - In this article, titled New Psychological Scheme, our Danish member association CS presents the launch of a new support programme for personnel in the defence sector. The initiative gives employees, trainees, conscripts, and reservists the opportunity to access professional help when dealing with stress or other work-related challenges. The scheme covers an initial six sessions with an authorised psychologist and, if necessary, the possibility of extending the support.
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EUROMIL Files New Collective Complaint Against Italy
14 september 2025 - Fundamental rights should never stop at the gates of a barracks. Yet across Europe, military personnel still face restrictions on freedoms that are taken for granted by other workers. The Collective Complaints Procedure of the Council of Europe’s Revised European Social Charter offers organisations like EUROMIL the possibility to challenge such systemic violations. It is not about individual grievances, but about ensuring that national laws and practices live up to Europe’s shared values of democracy, dignity, and social justice.
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EUROMIL Strengthens Partnerships During Visit to Ukraine
11 september 2025 - From 8 to 10 September 2025, EUROMIL President Emmanuel Jacob visited Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian partners, institutions, and civil society representatives. The visit built on EUROMIL’s ongoing engagement in Ukraine and offered an opportunity to deepen cooperation on issues such as soldiers’ rights, veteran policies, trade union freedoms, and democratic oversight of the armed forces.
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Standing Strong Together: Greece’s Armed Forces Demand Fairness and Respect
9 september 2025 - The President of PFEARFU-ΠΟΜΕΝΣ, Ilias Kollyris, from the White Tower in Thessaloniki, delivered a strong message of unity, responsibility, and determination for the future of Armed Forces personnel. Speaking before thousands of military, police, firefighters, and coast guard members, he stressed that participation was not symbolic but an act of responsibility and advocacy.
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Germany: New Draft Law on Military Service Criticised by DBwV
27 augustus 2025 - On 27 August 2025, the German Federal Cabinet adopted the draft Wehrdienst-Modernisierungsgesetz (Modernization of Military Service Act). The initiative is presented by the German government as a key step to strengthen the Bundeswehr’s personnel base and to move closer to NATO’s long-term capability targets.
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AUGC Raises Sexual Violence Case of Civil Guard to UN
21 augustus 2025 - AUGC reports to the UN the lack of protection and violation of rights of a female civil guard who was a victim of sexual violence within the institution. AUGC reports to the United Nations the inaction of the Civil Guard, which left a victim of sexual violence unprotected and violated laws protecting against gender-based violence. The Unified Association of Civil Guards (AUGC) has submitted a formal communication to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), reporting the serious violation of rights suffered by a female civil guard who was the victim of sexual violence, workplace harassment, and ongoing abuse by a superior officer, recently sentenced to 19 years in prison by the Supreme Court.
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A Balanced View on Peace and Security
29 juli 2025 - The recent joined multi-movement declaration by ITUC and others and call to action, speaks of peace, freedom, equality, and social justice which are goals we all share. Furthermore, EUROMIL fully supports values such as human rights, decent work, and democratic societies. It is difficult to imagine anyone who would not support a better world for all.
Many of the demands made in this call — climate and security, gender equality, labour rights, trade union rights, and decent work for all — are also issues EUROMIL is actively working on. To give an example, EUROMIL has been regularly publishing its position papers on various such topics, as the use of depleted uranium. We also strongly believe that when military personnel are treated with respect, dignity, and fairness, they become the best defenders of these rights and values.
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Europeans Indifferent About Democracy, EMI study finds
28 juli 2025 - A new study by the European Movement International finds that while Europeans are increasingly sceptical with democracy, there is strong support for deeper EU cooperation on security and defence. Nearly half of respondents across seven major EU countries (Germany, France, Poland, Romania, Italy, Spain and Sweden) back the idea of integrating EU militaries to address growing threats, particularly from Russia.
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Veteran Employment in Ukraine: Rights, Not Quotas Alone
26 juli 2025 - In Ukraine, our colleagues from the Military-Security Trade Union are actively contributing to a clear and constructive vision for the employment of veterans. Their work is rooted in a simple but essential principle: the veteran’s will to work must be the starting point. Veterans want to work, and it is the responsibility of the Ukrainian state to create the conditions that make this possible. This includes education, retraining, and upskilling, so that veterans become competitive and confident in the civilian labor market. Legislation must support—not undermine—this process. The law must not be used to create “dead souls” in business.
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In Portugal, after de complaint presented bij EUROMIL
15 juli 2025 - On June 25, 2025, dozens of military personnel answered the call of the Professional Military Associations (APM) for a meeting in the auditorium of the Santo Amaro Academy, in Lisbon. In the light of the recent decision by the European Committee of Social Rights to give effect to the “right of association and claim action for Portuguese military personnel, including special prerogatives for meaningful social dialogue”, the two pillars of the socio-professional/union struggle were discussed as indispensable tools for the work of the APM:
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The historic breakthrough promoted by the AUGC is now law: the reform protecting employment after permanent disability has been published in the Official State Gazette
14 juli 2025 - The Unified Association of Civil Guards (AUGC) celebrates the publication in the Official State Gazette of Law 2/2025, of April 29, a legislative reform of enormous significance that puts an end to the automatic termination of employment after permanent disability, and recognizes the right of public workers, including Civil Guards, to keep their position through reasonable adjustments or professional relocation.
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José Morata: “Returning to the Civil Guard is closing a cycle that began with repression and ends with dignity.”
14 juli 2025 - In a force where for decades speaking out was not allowed, José Morata was one of the first to do so. In the 1990s, he promoted the creation of SUGC (Sindicato Unificado de Guardias Civiles) a clandestine union within the Civil Guard, at a time when joining was punishable by sanction. He paid a high price for it: he was expelled from the Civil Guard. But on the 20th of June 2025, more than 25 years later, and after hard and constant institutional work by AUGC, justice is finally being done.
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NATO and EUCO Boost Defence Goals: Money, Momentum but what about Manpower?
26 juni 2025 - The recent NATO Summit in The Hague and the European Council (EUCO) meeting in Brussels marked a significant shift in European defence posture. While reaffirming core principles such as collective defence and transatlantic unity, both summits were dominated by one clear message: defence spending must rise and fast.
NATO Allies committed to increasing defence and security-related expenditure to 5% of GDP by 2035. This ambitious pledge, outlined in the Hague Declaration, is split into two categories: at least 3.5% for core defence requirements, and up to 1.5% for broader security priorities, including cyber defence, innovation, and industrial support.
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A dangerous bill, Amersfoort, The Netherlands - MARVER and AFMP
25 juni 2025 - The Dutch minister of defence is preparing a law that could reduce Dutch soldiers to pawns without rights and restrict the fundamental rights of trade union representatives. This law is being sold as a necessity to get the armed forces back in order and filled with sufficient soldiers. The so-called ‘defence preparation’. The truth is that this law is a blatant violation of the principles of the democratic constitutional state and can be abused for military control over civilians.
Starting with the rights of soldiers, the minister of defence can, under this law, suspend all rights of soldiers without consultation with parliament or trade unions. Their working time conditions, safety regulations, cases in which they are paid allowances, when they are entitled to a promotion and all other employment conditions are in danger. This reduces Dutch soldiers to pawns that can be moved anywhere without being entitled to anything. Of course, the current minister and state secretary of defence and the defence leadership will say that none of this will be the purpose of this law. And yes, we do indeed trust these people enough to know that they will not use this law in this way. But who are the next people in these positions? The current minister and state secretary are already part of a resigned government. The proposed law provides no guarantees that the next minister of defence can and will not use this law to wipe out all rights of soldiers.
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Denmark’s EU Presidency: A Strong Europe in a Changing World
24 juni 2025 - Under the motto “A Strong Europe in a Changing World,” Denmark assumes the Presidency of the Council of the EU for the second half of 2025. With a sharp focus on security, competitiveness, and green transition, Denmark’s leadership will steer EU efforts in an increasingly volatile global landscape.
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Building Bridges for Military Rights: Highlights from the Rome Conference
9 juni 2025 - Rome, 5–6 June 2025 – EUROMIL co-led a landmark international conference on “Union Protections in European Military Corps: A Comparison for the Future,” hosted by the Italian associations NSC (Nuovo Sindacato Carabinieri) and SIAMO Esercito, with the cooperation of ASSODIPRO. The event brought together legal experts, academics, and political and military representatives to engage in a forward-looking debate on the rights and representation of military personnel across Europe.
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ANS promotes meetings with Sergeants: Pensions, Salaries, Collective Bargaining
5 juni 2025 - The National Sergeants’ Association (ANS) is organising meetings with sergeants to discuss pensions, salaries and collective bargaining. Several dozen sergeants attended meetings in different locations to discuss the three main topics that prompted these meetings.
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131e Algemene Vergadering van EUROMIL: 'Van cruciaal belang om diegenen die dienen te waarderen'
30 mei 2025 - In het Maison des Associations Internationales (Huis van Internationale Verenigingen, red.) in Brussel vonden op 9 en 10 mei 2025 de 131e Algemene Vergadering en Buitengewone Algemene Vergadering plaats van EUROMIL, de Europese Organisatie van Militaire Verenigingen en Vakbondsorganisaties. Namens de AFMP was kaderraadslid Gil Bruel aanwezig in de Belgische hoofdstad. Voorzitter Sven Schuitema en vicevoorzitter René Schilperoort vertegenwoordigden onze zusterbond MARVER.
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Towards Human-Centric European Defence: EUROMIL’s Reflections on Recent EU Initiatives
30 mei 2025 - 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.
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Minister of Defence of Bulgaria Atanas Zapryanov met with the President of EUROMIL, Emmanuel Jacob
13 mei 2025 - After proposition of EUROMIL’s member BUAFWA, the Bulgarian Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov met with Emmanuel Jacob, President of EUROMIL, on 12 May. The discussion focused on people in defence. In detail, attention was paid to the growing need for investments not only in infrastructure, equipment and armaments, but also in human resources.
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PFEARFU’s intervention in Parliament on the Ministry of National Defense bill
2 mei 2025 - PFEARFU recently made a significant intervention in the Hellenic Parliament regarding the Ministry of National Defence’s new bill on the regulation of health issues for the Armed Forces and related provisions.
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Security and Values: Why Climate and Inclusion Still Matter
18 april 2025 - As reported by Politico, NATO is quietly weakening its stance on climate, gender, and diversity in internal documents — a precautionary move designed to avoid potential backlash from the U.S. administration. While some may consider this a pragmatic strategy to maintain cohesion among all 32 member states, it signals a dangerous step away from values the Alliance has long claimed to uphold.
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AUME Celebrates The 20 Years of its Foundation
10 april 2025 - In an event held in Madrid, at the venue of CC. OO. Trade Union, AUME has commemorated the 20 years of the founding of the association, registered on April 12, 2005. During this event, a video of the history of AUME was projected and successively the following spoke.
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EUROMIL Welcomes the Adoption of the Annual CSDP Report
4 april 2025 - On Wednesday, 2 April, the European Parliament adopted its annual report on the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) during the plenary session. EUROMIL welcomes the adoption of this crucial report, which comes at a particularly significant moment given the evolving geopolitical landscape. The current security environment demands bold actions and enhanced cooperation among EU Member States to strengthen European defence.
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PFEARFU celebrates its 8 years anniversary
31 maart 2025 - On Friday, March 28, 2025, the Panhellenic Federation of Armed Forces Union (PFEARFU) held an event to mark eight years of its dynamic presence in the institutional representation of Armed Forces personnel. The event was titled: “PFEARFU: 8 Years Standing by Armed Forces Personnel.” The event was moderated by PFEARFU ’s Gender Equality Secretary, Katerina Kiourtsidou, and Organizational Secretary and EUROMIL Board Member, George Zgardanas.
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A People-Focussed Turn in European Security: EUROMIL Welcomes the European Preparedness Union Strategy
27 maart 2025 - On 26 March 2025, the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy published the European Preparedness Union Strategy, a comprehensive and timely initiative aimed at strengthening the EU’s capacity to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to crises of all kinds. European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib and Roxana Minzatu, EU Commission Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness held a press conference to detailed present the strategy. For EUROMIL, the EU’s Preparedness Strategy represents a most welcome significant shift.
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EUROMIL’s Criticism of the White Paper on European Defence: A Missed Opportunity
19 maart 2025 - On 19 March 2025, the European Commission’s released the long-awaited White Paper on the Future of European Defence which has raised serious concerns within EUROMIL. The Paper was presented by the HRVP Kaja Kallas and Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, with the aim to be a step into building a European Defence Union and the overall defence readiness of the Member States. However, the use of the #EUDefenceIndustry at the background of the presentation raises the question whether the White Paper for European Defence should perhaps be entitled a “White Paper for the European Defence Industry”. In more details, the document extensively discusses investment in the defence industry, but it fails to acknowledge the crucial role of military personnel, leaving a significant gap in the vision for a truly unified European Defence Union.
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BUAFWA meets the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria
17 maart 2025 - The Bulgarian Armed Forces Women’s Association (BUAFWA) met with the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria, Atanas Zapryanov, on March 10 at the Ministry of Defence. The Minister expressed appreciation for the contributions of women in uniform to the development of military capabilities and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for women in the armed forces.
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European Commission work program 2025: Towards a European Defence Union
13 februari 2025 The European Commission presented its work program for 2025 entitled “Moving forward together: a Bolder, Simpler, Faster Union”, outlining a broad set of initiatives aimed at strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy and overall capacities. While the program prioritizes simplification to drive investment and competitiveness through measures such as the Omnibus proposals, the Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act, and the Clean Industrial Deal, defence and security are now more integrated than ever into the EU’s broader policy framework. As Europe navigates an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, ensuring a robust and resilient defence sector is no longer just a strategic ambition but it has become a necessity. To begin with, initiatives like the Omnibus proposals or the Clea
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EUROMIL Meets with Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Leaders to Discuss Defence Reforms
30 januari 2025 - On 30 January 2025, EUROMIL representatives met in Brussels with key figures from the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (NAKO) and the Public Anti-Corruption Council (PAC) under Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense. The discussions focused on Ukraine’s ongoing defense reforms, anti-corruption initiatives, military personnel and veterans and the growing role of civil society in ensuring transparency and accountability within the security sector.
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The firing of US Inspectors General and the possible consequences!
27 januari 2025 - President Donald Trump’s decision to fire several Inspectors General (IGs) from key federal agencies has prompted a flurry of public statements about government accountability and the need for independent oversight in the United States. Among those affected are the inspectors general of the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), whose positions are critical to ensuring trust, efficiency, and ethics in government. The move has raised serious concerns about the potential impact on these agencies, their policies, and the people they serve, including military personnel and veterans.
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Rutte’s Hearing at the European Parliament: Balancing Defence and Social Systems
14 januari 2025 - The hearing of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the European Parliament on Monday 13 January 2025, highlighted critical issues about Europe’s defence spending and its broader implications. Rutte’s call for increased defence investment is timely given the current geopolitical threats, but it also raises questions about balancing this with social systems, recruitment challenges, and divergent priorities among EU nations.
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EUROMIL welcomes the development of a fully fledged Security and Defence Committee
19 december 2024 - The European Parliament has voted for the upgrade of the subcommittee on Security and Defence to a full standing committee, reflecting the importance in addressing Europe’s security challenges. This change, alongside the establishment of other new committees, was proposed by President Metsola and political group leaders to align with citizen concerns and parliamentary priorities. The new Security and Defence Committee will have 43 members, with its responsibilities complementing the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET). The transformation will take effect during the January 2025 plenary session, signalling a stronger focus on strategic defence policy and security coordination at the EU level.
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Priorities of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council
16 december 2024 - On 1st January, Poland takes over the Presidency of the EU Council. The six-month Polish Presidency follows Hungary, and will be followed by Denmark from 1 July till 31 December 2025. The Polish presidency will focus on 7 main priorities:

Defence and Security
Protection of people and borders
Resistance to foreign interference and disinformation
Ensuring security and freedom of business
Energy transition
Competitive and resilient agriculture
Health security

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'Gastheer mag zich helaas geen vakbond meer noemen'
13 december 2024 - In de Hongaarse hoofdstad Boedapest vond onlangs de 130e Algemene Vergadering plaats van EUROMIL, de Europese Organisatie van Militaire Verenigingen en Vakbondsorganisaties. Gastheer waren de collega’s van Honvéd Érdekképviseleti Szervezet (HESZ), wat in het Nederlands neerkomt op landweer belangenvertegenwoordigingsorganisatie. Voorheen was deze organisatie bekend onder de naam HOSZ. Een naamswijziging was echter onontkoombaar, nadat de regering van Hongarije bepaalde dat zij zich per 1 juli 2024 geen vakbond meer mocht noemen. “Een achteruitgang,” zo benadrukte kaderraadslid Gil Bruel die namens de AFMP bij de AV aanwezig was.
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Luxembourg Debates Conscription and Military Reserves
10 december 2024 - Luxembourg’s defence strategy has become a main point of discussion following the statement by the Chief of the Armed Forces on the need to enhance the country’s resilience in todays’ unpredictable geopolitical environment and thus the idea of re-introducing conscription in the country was underlined. However, the Chief of the Armed Forces stated that such decisions are up to the policymakers. Besides, Defence Minister Yuriko Backes has also expressed the need for a discussion on the topic. As a result, a public petition published on 22 November has calls for the right to say “no” to obligatory military service. The petition has so far garnered 30% of the required signatures with still 30 days to go.
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News from Spain: Emergency military workers
9 december 2024 - Following the Casares (Guadalajara) fire in July 2005, which claimed the lives of eleven firefighters, the Zapatero Government, with José Bono as Minister of Defence, decided to initiate a study for the creation of a military unit dedicated exclusively to address emergency situations. The large forest fire had shown a worrying lack of coordination between public administrations, delays in making resources available, deficiencies in command and control of participants, etc. The political debate, following a usual pattern, was polarized about responsibility between rulers of different political affiliations.
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EUROMIL welcomes the 2024 Report of the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD)
4 december 2024 - The recently released 2024 Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) report clearly states that while defence spending and cooperation in Europe have seen progress, there is still significant room for improvement. To ensure readiness and resilience of the European Armed Forces, the Member States need to take decisive actions to sustain investments and further enhance efficiency. Sustained and structured defence expenditure is critical, not only to modernize equipment but also to ensure military forces remain agile and prepared.
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European Commission: A White Paper on the Future of European Defence
4 december 2024 - The new European Commission began its work on December 1st, with an ambitious agenda for the first 100 days of the mandate. Among its priorities, Andrius Kubilius, the in augural Commissioner for Defence and Space, will join HRVP Kaja Kallas to present a White Paper on the Future of European Defence. Such document should address the urgent security challenges Europe faces today, while also outlining strategies to prepare for long-term threats. It aims to set the foundation for a stronger, more resilient European Defence by enhancing capabilities, reinforcing Member States’ armed forces, and lead towards the European Defence Union.
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Military Mobility: is it high time for a Military Schengen?
4 december 2024 - The ability to respond swiftly and effectively to external threats is of paramount importance. However, the movement of military forces across Europe often encounters bureaucratic obstacles and logistical barriers that hinder rapid reaction capabilities. This raises a pressing question: is it time for a “Military Schengen” that ensures seamless military mobility within the EU?
The concept of military mobility, sometimes referred as the “Schengen of Defence,” is not new but has gained renewed urgency due to the war in Ukraine, increasing hybrid threats, and growing instability at the EU’s borders. As the EU and NATO intensify cooperation, achieving a high level of readiness and interoperability depends significantly on the ability to deploy forces swiftly and efficiently across Member States.
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MILEX24: towards a resilient and versatile EU Rapid Deployment Capacity
4 december 2024 - Last year, the EU carried out its first live exercise (MILEX-23) of the Rapid Deployment Capacity (RDC), which took place 16-22 October 2023, in Spain. MILEX-24 was a Command Post Exercise (CPX), that took place 8 April – 3 May in Brussels. Connected to MILEX 24, is the EU RDC LIVEX, which started on the 26th of November in Bergen, Germany. The Operations Headquarters (OHQ) will be situated in the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) in Brussels and the FHQ is Eurocorps.
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Europe’s new College of Commissioners: Is it a turning Point for European Defence?
17 september 2024 - On September 17, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled the new College of Commissioners, introducing a range of portfolios—some entirely new, others updated, and familiar ones like Budget and Transport. Notably, she announced the appointment of a Commissioner for Defence and Space. Over the past months various speculations have been around on what a dedicated EU Commissioner for defence means and what areas will the portfolio cover.
Andrius Kubilius (Lithuania) has been nominated as the new Defence Commissioner, who will work to boost the EU’s defence investment and industrial capacity, and focus on developing the European Defence Union. Besides, most probably we can speculate that he will also oversee the Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS). His responsibilities will include managing key defence industrial programs and policies, such as the European Defence Fund (EDF), the Action Plan on Military Mobility, the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), and the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS). One of Kubilius’s key tasks will presumably be enhancing joint procurement of arms and ammunition, standardizing defence equipment, and addressing critical gaps in EU military capabilities. To achieve this, closer collaboration with the European Defence Agency (EDA) will be highly needed.
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Gender, Inclusivity and the Armed Forces
13 september 2024 - Gender inclusion is a concept that goes further gender equality, specifically it outlines the idea that all services, opportunities and institutions are open for every kind of people and that gender stereotypes are not able to define social roles and responsibilities.
Firstly, to guarantee inclusion is important to use a specific gender inclusive language this means avoiding word or imagery choices that may be interpreted as biased, discriminatory or demeaning.
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The Draghi Report: A New Path for European Competitiveness in the Military Sector
10 september 2024 - The Draghi report, commissioned by the European Commission, sets out a vision for revitalizing Europe’s competitiveness in the face of growing global challenges, especially from China and the United States. The report, prepared by former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, calls for unprecedented investment in the EU’s industrial, defence, and technological sectors. To stay globally competitive, Europe must invest at least twice as much as it did after World War II, with common EU borrowing playing a key role. The goal is to drive innovation, restore productivity, and reduce energy costs.
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News from Greece
10 september 2024 - A major meeting took place of the federations representing Greek security forces and armed forces personnel. It criticizes the government for its recent decision to raise night shift compensation by just 20%, amounting to an insufficient €0.55 gross per hour. The federations express frustration with this symbolic increase, viewing it as inadequate and disrespectful given the challenges these personnel face. They plan further action to push for more substantial improvements and better recognition of their work. A decisive meeting will be held on September 11, 2024.
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Balancing Justice and Duty: The Debate on AWOL and Desertion Reform in Ukraine
5 september 2024 - On 17 July 2024, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) adopted in the first reading of the draft law on the return to service of military personnel after the first absence without leave (AWOL) and desertion.
As noted on the website of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, “draft law No. 11322 opens up the possibility of returning to the service of servicemen and women who voluntarily left a unit or who deserted during martial law for the first time. In addition, they may be exempted from criminal liability.”
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Cοnscription Comeback: How Eurοpe is Reinventing Military Service
2 september 2024 - In respοnse to escalating glοbal tensions, particularly the war in Ukraine and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Eurοpean nations are reassessing their military strategies. A notable trend emerging is the reintroduction or strengthening of conscriptiοn policies across the cοntinent, signalling a significant shift in apprοach to national and regional security.

This resurgence of mandatory military service is not merely a return to old practices but a strategic response to contemporary challenges. Countries like Sweden and Lithuania, which reintroduced cοnscription in 2017 and 2015 respectively, are at the fοrefront of this movement. Their actions reflect a growing recognition of the need fοr robust, trained reserve fοrces capable of respοnding to diverse security threats.
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Navigating global security and defence challenges: a comprehensive outlook for the next months
27 augustus 2024 - The next six months are poised to bring significant security and defence challenges on multiple fronts, with Europe at the center of many developments. From the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine to the volatile situation in the Middle East, and from emerging tensions in Asia to the critical role of the United States, the global security landscape is set to demand robust and coordinated responses. Let’s explore these pressing issues, with a particular focus on Europe’s strategic positioning, the role of the European Commission, and the potential impacts of the upcoming U.S. presidential elections.
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Defending the voice of Italy’s military: a battle for representation rights
25 augustus 2024 - A critical situation is currently unfolding within the Italian military as ITAMIL, the first “military association with trade union character” in Italy, faces censorship and legal threats for its efforts to represent military personnel. ITAMIL, a member of EUROMIL, is under pressure after the Italian Army General Staff ordered the removal of two articles from its website. These articles, published on 26 June and 16 July 2024, critically address the inadequate economic provisions for military personnel in the ongoing contract renewal process.
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Military service: a bridge between youth and society?
14 augustus 2024 - The rising number of young people who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET) is a serious concern, as highlighted by the recent International Labour Organization (ILO) report. This trend points to a deeper issue of disconnection and lack of opportunities for many young people. One potential solution is military service, which has traditionally provided a pathway to education, skills, and a sense of purpose.

However, for the military to be a truly viable and appealing option, it must not only solve its recruitment and retention challenges but also become more closely aligned with the principles of democracy. While this alignment is the case in most democracies, unfortunately, it’s not the reality everywhere. As we’ve seen in some parts of the world, when internal conflicts arise, the military can sometimes act independently or even against the interests of the people. This highlights the critical importance of maintaining a military that is firmly rooted in democratic principles, where it serves the people, operates under civilian control, and is held accountable to the public. Only then can the military truly be a force for peace and stability, rather than a contributor to conflict.
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Strengthening military rights across Europe: tackling challenges in Italy!
7 augustus 2024 - ITAMIL, an Italian member association of EUROMIL, recently hosted MEP Leoluca Orlando. During a significant meeting with the MEP of the Greens/EFA group, discussions focused on the creation of a “European Charter of Rights for Military Personnel.” ITAMIL President Sandro Frattalemi emphasized EUROMIL’s crucial role in supporting this initiative, highlighting the importance of collective efforts to enhance military rights across Europe. EUROMIL looks forward to further discussions with MEP Orlando in Brussels to advance this initiative.

SILF speaks out to defend the rights and dignity of financial officers
3 augustus 2024 - The past week the Sindacato Italiano Lavoratori Finanzieri (SILF) together with FP-Cgil (Penitentiary) and SILP-Cgil (State Police) orchestrated a series of demonstrations across various Italian squares. This significant event aimed to advocate for the rights, interests, and dignity of finance officers in Italy. SILF, renowned for its unwavering commitment to representing finance officers, leveraged this occasion to spotlight the numerous challenges faced by these officers in their daily duties.
The demonstrations were held from morning till late afternoon, spanning major squares in cities such as Rome, Milan, Naples, and Florence. Hundreds of finance officers, union representatives, and supportive citizens gathered in solidarity, creating a powerful visual statement. The primary objective was to highlight the demanding nature of the finance officers’ work, call for better working conditions, and demand respect for their critical role in upholding financial integrity and law enforcement.
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Addressing inequity in military retirement benefits: AUME’s call for reform
3 augustus 2024 - EUROMIL’s member association AUME (Spain) addressed the issue of discrimination in the application of reduction coefficients for military personnel retirement. The organization highlights the disparity faced by military personnel in having their hazardous and strenuous work conditions recognized through appropriate retirement age reductions. AUME has communicated these concerns to the Ministry of Defence, advocating for a fairer system that acknowledges the unique demands of military service and ensures equitable treatment in retirement benefits.
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The Irish Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024
3 augustus 2024 - In December 2023, the Department of Defence (Irish Ministry of Defence) introduced proposals for amendments to the Irish Defence Acts. These proposed amendments would significantly impact the scope of representation and were drafted by the Department and submitted to cabinet (and approved) without any consultation with the Representative Associations.
The Bill provides for the establishment and operation, on a statutory basis, of the External Oversight Body, which was a welcome recommendation of the Independent Review Group. However, it specifically provides that the Oversight Body will oversee recruitment, matters related to induction, training, performance management and selection for promotion. The inclusion of the Secretary General of the Department of Defence as an ex officio member has been identified by speakers from all Government parties (including a former Attorney general and a former Justice Minister) as presenting a clear conflict of interest, and of damaging credibility, independence and autonomy.
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Ursula von der Leyen’s second term: opportunities and concerns for European Defence
23 juli 2024 - Ursula von der Leyen has been re-elected for a second term as President of the European Commission, securing her position with 401 votes in favor out of 707 total ballots cast on 18 July 2024. While EUROMIL supports von der Leyen’s plans to enhance European security by establishing a robust European Defence Union, there are significant concerns that have not been fully addressed in her strategy.
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Celebrating 75 years of NATO: Reflections from the 2024 Washington D.C. Summit
12 juli 2024 - This year marks a significant milestone for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as it celebrates its 75th anniversary. The 2024 Washington D.C. Summit, held in the United States capital, served as a momentous occasion to reflect on the alliance’s rich history and its enduring commitment to collective defense and security. This year’s summit not only honored NATO’s past achievements but also paved the way for future strategies and partnerships in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
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The Washington D.C. NATO Summit: EUROMIL’s call to action for military recruitment and retention!
25 juni 2024 - The upcoming NATO Summit in Washington on 9 – 11 July 2024 is set to make significant announcements regarding the enhancement of defense production capacity for the alliance It should also be noted that high level US representatives underscore that quickly restocking military warehouses in Europe and the U.S. has been a pressing concern for NATO policymakers since the initial large shipments of weapons started flowing into Ukraine in early 2022.
The focus will be on multinational procurement, co-production with Ukraine, and ensuring that defense stocks are rapidly replenished. The summit aims to align NATO’s defense plans with industry needs, assuring long-term demand signals. Additionally, air defense systems for Ukraine will be a critical topic, with initiatives led by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to procure more systems and integrate them effectively.
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PFEARFU: Seminar on Domestic Violence
10 juni 2024 - A seminar on the topic of Domestic Violence: The Social Responsibility of the Armed Forces in Preventing and Addressing the Phenomenon was successfully organized by PFEARFU and its Gender Equality Secretariat on Wednesday, June 5th.
The seminar focused on domestic violence both within and outside the Armed Forces and included the presentation of a Concise Guide for Assistance and Protection & an Informative Guide for the Prevention and Handling of Domestic Violence in the Armed Forces.
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Controversial campaign tactics: the use of military imagery in the European elections
10 juni 2024 - In the lead-up to the recent European elections, a controversial visual campaign by the French Rassemblement National (RN) sparked significant debate and condemnation from various quarters. The image, posted on the social media platform X in early June, depicted an individual in uniform with the caption, I am a gendarme/soldier, I vote Bardella, referencing the RN’s lead candidate Jordan Bardella. This post not only aimed to garner support but also stirred significant controversy regarding the appropriate use of military imagery in political campaigns.

General Christian Rodriguez, the head of the National Gendarmerie, was among the first to publicly denounce the visual. He took to social media to express his disapproval, calling the publication “unacceptable” and reminding the RN that military personnel are prohibited by their status from engaging in such political endorsements. Rodriguez’s tweet, which was retweeted over 2.000 times, highlighted the need to respect the duty of reserve expected of military members, especially during election periods.
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Seminar on Military-Status Police Officers – Spain, 5-6 June
7 juni 2024 - On 5-6 June 2024, the University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM) hosted a seminar titled “Policías con Estatuto Militar” (Police Officers with Military Status). This event provided a platform to explore the unique legal, operational, and historical aspects of police forces operating under a military framework. Key speakers included representatives from among others EUROMIL, EuroCOP, AUME, and AUGC.
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A call to action: Unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of brutal Russian aggression
3 juni 2024 - Several members of EUROMIL, have received a heart-wrenching message from our contacts and friends in Ukraine. This plea, rooted in the harsh realities of the ongoing war, calls for global attention and support to stop the brutal invasion and behavior perpetrated by Russia. We must amplify these voices and remind the world of the dire situation faced by Ukrainians.
“This is what happens if Russia comes to your home, and you try to protect it,” reads the message. The author, Halyna Kavun, appeals to colleagues and friends abroad, expressing regret for having to mention them but emphasizing the necessity of doing so. They are alarmed by the diminishing coverage of the war in the foreign press, highlighting comments from readers questioning if the war is still ongoing. “It terrifies me because the war is gaining momentum, but our voices are heard less and less.”
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NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s dual declarations: Supporting Ukraine and shaping NATO’s future
28 mei 2024 - In a timely move, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA) has adopted two significant declarations at its Plenary Sitting of the Spring Session 2024 in Sofia, Bulgaria. The declarations 489 and 490 collectively emphasize unwavering support for Ukraine amidst Russian aggression and outline a strategic vision for NATO’s future.
The recent NATO PA meetings in Sofia have yielded significant and impactful declarations. However, the responsibility now lies with the parliamentarians to ensure that these declarations are thoroughly discussed and supported within their national parliaments and finally lead to concrete actions. Additionally, heads of governments and states will need to play a crucial role in advancing these discussions and commitments at the upcoming Washington Summit in July.
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Portuguese Military Associations want to be heard by the Minister of Defence on careers and wages
27 mei 2024 - On Saturday 25 May 2024, the Armed Forces’ Sergeants’, Officers’ and Enlisteds’ associations, unanimously approved a motion to hand over to the Minister of Defence, who they hope to hear from soon, about wages and careers.
This position was conveyed to journalists at a press conference at the Santo Amaro Academy in Lisbon, at the end of a meeting organised by the boards of the National Sergeants’ Association, the Armed Forces Officers’ Association and the Enlisteds’ Association, on their socio-professional conditions. All these three organizations representing military personnel are members of EUROMIL.
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AFMP liep mee in mars ter herdenking van Anjerrevolutie
24 mei 2024 - Een afvaardiging van de AFMP en onze zusterbond MARVER nam op de dag voorafgaand aan de 129e AV van EUROMIL, de Europese Organisatie van Militaire Verenigingen, deel aan een mars in Lissabon ter herdenking van de Anjerrevolutie op 25 april 1974, precies 50 jaar eerder dus. Het leger beëindigde destijds de dictatuur in het land, iets wat ongebruikelijk is bij revoluties en coups. In Portugal worden militairen daarom beschouwd als beschermers van het volk en de democratie.

Grote belangstelling
Met de nodige vertraging ging de mars van start. De publieke belangstelling hiervoor was namelijk onverwacht groot en ook wilden groepen meelopen die zich van tevoren niet hadden aangemeld. Volgens een voorzichtige schatting kwamen minimaal 100.000 belangstellenden op de mars af, maar waarschijnlijk waren dit er meer. Onder groot applaus van de toeschouwers namen twee pantservoertuigen de koppositie bij de mars in.

Portugese kameraden
De lopers in de EUROMIL-groep droegen een wit shirt en wit petje met hierop het EUROMIL-logo. De eerste rij mensen droeg een spandoek met de tekst ‘Estamos ao lado dos nossos camaradas portugueses, ofwel in het Nederlands ‘Wij steunen onze Portugese kameraden’. De mars verliep in een goede sfeer. Regelmatig zongen alle aanwezigen het in Portugal bekende Lied van de bevrijding. Voor onze afvaardiging was het mooi en indrukwekkend om de mars ter herdenking van de Anjerrevolutie mee te maken.
Gepubliceerd in op 24 mei 2024 verzonden AFMP-nieuwsbrief.

News from CS
2 mei 2024 - The Danish government, together with most of the parties in the Danish Parliament, has made an agreement for the Defense for the next nine years. The agreement covers up to 2033 but is divided into small chunks, called partial agreements, for the entire period. On Tuesday, the politicians came to an agreement on partial settlement 2, where almost DKK 90 billion Danish kroner, will be used for several new initiatives.
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EUROMIL-publicaties in OpLinie & Interventie
In het vier keer per jaar verschijnende ledenmagazine OpLinie van de AFMP en het ledenmagazine Interventie van de MARVER besteden we regelmatig aandacht aan de inspanningen van EUROMIL. Zo vind je in de oktober-uitgave van OpLinie een uitgebreid verslag van de kader-tweedaagse van de sector Landmacht van de AFMP. Op dag twee van deze tweedaagse brachten onze kaderleden, kaderraadsleden, AFMP-voorzitter Ruud Bergsma en sectorhoofd Landmacht Hans Treffers een bezoek aan Maison des Associations Internationales (het Huis van Internationale Verenigingen, red.) in Brussel. Daar kregen zij een interessante een presentatie voorgeschoteld van EUROMIL-president Emmanuel Jacob. Het verslag hiervan vind je via deze link.

De pdf van de nieuwste OpLinie is hier te lezen. De pdf van de oktoberuitgave van Interventie is via deze link te vinden.

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