EU Military Committee discusses strengthened European defence cooperation in Copenhagen

By the Danish Defence Command

The European Union Military Committee (EUMC) and its chairman convened on Thursday     to discuss how EU member states can strengthen their collective defence through closer cooperation between industry, authorities, and the armed forces.

The meeting took place against the backdrop of ongoing war in Ukraine and growing threats to Europe’s critical infrastructure from hybrid threats such as drones. 

Denmark currently holds the EU Presidency until the end of 2025, and Thursday’s meeting reflected the Danish political priority of enhancing both European and Ukrainian build-up and resilience, as well as fostering closer cooperation between the public sector and the defence industry. The programme also included a panel discussion on hybrid threats with participation from Danish defence companies.

Vice Admiral Trojahn, General Sean Clancy and Joachim Finkielman, Deputy Director for Defence and Security at the Confederation of Danish Industry. Photo: Anders V. Fridberg / Forsvaret

“It’s about turning words into action,” said Vice Admiral Frank Trojahn, Denmark’s Military Representative to the EU and NATO.

“Denmark contributes by building bridges between EU-level decisions and operational needs in the field. My role is to help create the best conditions for a strong, coherent, and competitive European defence complimentary with NATO.”

Vice Admiral Trojahn highlighted the establishment of the Ukrainian defence company Fire Point at Air Base Skrydstrup in Denmark as a concrete example of how political will can be turned into real capability benefiting Ukraine, EU and the host country.

“Fire Point is a symbol of political courage and industrial determination. It demonstrates how cooperation between industry and the armed forces can strengthen Ukraine’s combat power and Europe’s overall security of supply,” said Frank Trojahn.

The Chair of the EU Military Committee, the Irish General Sean Clancy. Photo: Anders V. Fridberg / Forsvaret

The Chair of the EU Military Committee, the Irish General Sean Clancy, also emphasised the importance of strengthening Europe’s defence industry and pointed to Denmark’s support for Ukraine as an example for other EU member states to follow.

“Today’s meeting reminds us that Europe’s strength lies in the combination of national initiative and collective purpose. When our industries, our armed forces, and our institutions work together, we ensure that Europe remains capable, secure, and united,” said General Clancy.

Holding the meeting at Danish Industry's facilities reflected the EU’s ambition for closer cooperation with industry as part of its goal of achieving a stronger and more capable European defence by 2030. “ReArm Europe” is the European Commission’s plan for the future of European defence and includes a number of initiatives designed to strengthen the shared European defence industrial base – an initiative that Denmark strongly supports.

Joachim Finkielman, Deputy Director for Defence and Security at the Confederation of Danish Industry. Photo: Anders V. Fridberg / Forsvaret

“It’s about creating new links between industry and the military and bringing technology to the warfighter,” said Joachim Finkielman, Deputy Director for Defence and Security at the Confederation of Danish Industry and host of Thursday’s EUMC event.

“The EU is stepping up when it comes to understanding the need for a strong defence and an industrial base. It’s deterrence through production, innovation, and speed,” said Joachim Finkielman.