Lieut Gen Seán Clancy, the leader of the Defence Forces, has been chosen to head the top defence institution in the European Union, the European Union Military Committee (EUMC). This committee comprises the defence chiefs of all 27 EU member nations, who typically have their regular military delegates present.
This appointment marks a significant milestone as it is the first time an Irish individual will take the helm of the committee. Lieut Gen Clancy will take over the reins from the current leader, Gen Robert Brieger of the Austrian Armed Forces, starting May 2025. Even so, he will maintain his role as Chief of Staff until the appointed time.
This move will usher in a promotion for Lieut Gen Clancy, elevating him to a four-star general, a rank no military officer has attained in the past century. Not since the 1920s has such a rank been achieved within the Irish Defence Forces, when Michael Collins, Richard Mulcahy and Eoin O’Duffy held equivalent positions, despite the lack of historic record of such titles.
Micheál Martin, the Tánaiste and Defence Minister, expressed his strong support for Lieut Gen Clancy’s election in these pivotal times, given the increased volatility and insecurity both regionally and globally. He highlighted Lieut Gen Clancy’s extraordinary military career of almost four decades with the Irish Defence Forces, applauding his diverse defence experience and adeptness at fostering partnerships.
According to Mr Martin, Lieut Gen Clancy’s capabilities make him the perfect candidate for chairing the EUMC, particularly amidst the crucial conditions surrounding the military aspect of the EU’s Common Security and defence policy.
The EUMC serves as the platform for mutual military consultations and collaborations among EU member nations for conflict prevention and crisis management. It coordinates all military activities within the EU framework, primarily planning and handling military missions and operations under the Common Security and Defence Policy, and fostering military capabilities.
The EUMC’s decisions are made by consensus and it offers military direction for the European Union Military Staff. The EUMC’s chairperson serves as the committee’s representative, echoing the military expertise encapsulated in the committee. Consequently, the chair is involved regularly in political and security committee meetings, providing military insights and recommendations to the group.
The seat of the EUMC also functions as the official military advisor to the leading representative of the union concerning foreign affairs and security strategy, who is in charge of the European External Action Service (EEAS). This role includes participation in Council discussions that involve defence and security matters. The EUMC’s chairperson also serves as the main liaison for the EU’s military operation commanders.
The opportunity to propose a new chair for the EUMC is given to each of its member states and the appointment happens triennially. In the most recent election, the candidates besides those nominated were from Poland and Slovenia. The voting process consists of a confidential ballot, in which every member state has the chance to cast their first and second choices.