The recent selection of Lieutenant General Seán Clancy to head the EU Military Committee has been welcomed as a much-needed vote of confidence in the Defence Forces. From next May, the current chief of staff will occupy the top military role within the European Union, following his endorsement by fellow EU colleagues. Despite the challenges faced by the force he commands, his peers continue to display trust in his leadership.
The Defence Forces’ delivery of operational responsibilities continues to be hampered, largely due to staffing shortages linked to profound issues within its organisational culture. A forthcoming tribunal will be set up to formally address the treatment of claims related to discrimination, bullying, harassment, and inappropriate sexual behaviour.
Upon his commissioning, Clancy will chair a council composed of the EU member states’ military heads. This group carries out several duties, with the most significant one being the coordination of military operations under the Common Security and Defence Policy. This is aimed at facilitating better collaboration when dealing with conflicts and crises.
Additionally, he will serve as the top military adviser to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The current occupant of this role is Josep Borrell, whose term concludes in December. Effectively, Clancy will bridge communication between the EU’s leading military and the High Representative.
This advancement will see Clancy deeply involved in the EU’s ongoing attempts to adapt its security and defence strategy amidst the fallout from the Russian incursion into Ukraine in February 2022. Post invasion, the EU pledged to shoulder more of its collective security burden and build independent capabilities.
Though the situation in Ukraine might have evolved by the time Clancy commences his role, the existing divergences among members on dealing with Russia’s threat are likely to persist. The cautious strategy of Ireland towards the expansion of the EU’s military role paired with its enduring commitment to military neutrality might allow Clancy to mediate effectively in this matter.