In its opinion on the report on ‘First lessons learned from CSDP decision-making and operational aspects of the current Covid-19 crisis’, the EU Military Committee (EUMC) recommends that the EU take further steps in EU CSDP missions and operations in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Thus, in the document dated 27 October for the Political and Security Committee, a copy of which was sent to EUROPE, the EUMC stresses the need for a permanent assessment of the operational impact of the restrictions imposed by Covid-19 on the theatre of operations, “identifying risks and opportunities”.
“Consistent planning must be carried out to manage difficult situations with due diligence and mandate execution in mind. This could include suspending or reorganising non-essential activities that involve personal contact, setting short-term priorities, minimising the negative impacts of the Covid-19”, the Military Committee's opinion specifies. In its view, if these measures contribute to effective command and control, they could lead to an extension of the period of deployment of troops and personnel abroad.
“Pre-deployment training on aspects of Covid-19 is essential to mitigate the potential impact that the contagion dynamic could have on the subsequent deployment and implementation phases”, the Military Committee considers.
In addition to the priority given to duty of care, the EUMC calls for increased resilience and business continuity within missions and operations, as “it is of paramount importance to mitigate the operational impact of Covid-19 restrictions in theatres of operations, in order not to lose previously acquired advantages and to preserve the operational credibility of the CSDP”.
A joint effort by the EEAS and Member States is needed to ensure increased provision of personal protective equipment, isolation transport, medical stocks and basic supplies to CSDP operations and missions.
The EUMC also stresses the need to strengthen cooperation between the civilian and military sectors, including in the area of medical support, for example through the appointment of a civilian-military strategic medical adviser. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)