EUROMIL - European Organisation of Military Associations and Trade Unions

24/08/2026

🇺🇦 35 years of Ukrainian independence.

“Independence is more than a date in history. It is the freedom to choose your own future and the courage to defend it.”

Today, that message carries greater meaning than ever.

Happy Independence Day, Ukraine. 🇺🇦

21/08/2026

EUROMIL's recent survey on military recruitment and retention was just featured by Euronews English in their latest analysis on the future of European defence.
The article highlights a critical reality: while Europe mobilizes billions to rearm, our armed forces face significant challenges in keeping and attracting the personnel needed to back up these investments.
You can find more information about the survey here: https://euromil.org/recruitment-and-retention-remain-the-greatest-personnel-challenge-for-european-armed-forces/

The European Commissioner for Defence, Andrius Kubilius, says Europe needs to be able to rapidly deploy around 100,000 troops to deter a potential Russian attack. Experts warn about the problems meeting this target.

19/08/2026

🇪🇸 Ceuta: security, humanity and responsibility

EUROMIL member AUGC Asociación Unificada de Guardias Civiles has raised concerns about the recent migration crisis in , calling for stronger and more structural border-management capabilities while underlining that security challenges must not be separated from their humanitarian dimension.

AUGC also highlights the solidarity shown by the people of Ceuta and proposes the city for the Princess of Asturias Award for Harmony.

🔗 Read the full article and AUGC statement: https://euromil.org/spain-augc-calls-for-a-structural-and-humanitarian-response-to-the-situation-in-ceuta/

19/08/2026

Humanity must remain a red line even in war.
Protecting civilians and humanitarian workers, respecting international humanitarian law, and allowing humanitarian assistance to reach those in need are not optional. They are obligations.
On World Humanitarian Day, we honour those who put themselves at risk to protect and assist others and we call on all parties to .

17/08/2026

Five years after Kabul, the responsibility towards the local staff who worked alongside our armed forces remains unfinished.

The new Allied Ledger by AfghanEvac and Local Staff International shows how many commitments to Afghan partners remain unfulfilled. At the same time, LSI’s Guidelines for the Rights & Protection of Local Staff in International Missions, endorsed by EUROMIL, offer concrete lessons for future missions.

Local staff are essential partners in international operations. Their protection cannot start only when an evacuation crisis begins and our responsibility cannot end when the mission does.

12/08/2026

Five years after Kabul: what responsibility do we have towards those who supported our missions?

Local staff worked alongside our armed forces as interpreters, drivers, logisticians and trusted partners, often putting themselves and their families at risk.

A new Deutschlandfunk report asks an important question: "How well does Germany protect its local staff abroad?"

EUROMIL and LSI participated in the discussion, underlining that our responsibility cannot simply end when a military mission ends.

Afghanistan must remain a lesson for future deployments: those who stand beside us must be able to rely on us when circumstances change.



https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/ortskraefte-wie-gut-schuetzt-deutschland-seine-helfer-im-ausland-100.html "Ortskräfte: Wie gut schützt Deutschland seine Helfer im Ausland?"

Ortskräfte unterstützen westliche Staaten bei Auslandseinsätzen. Nach dem Truppenabzug bleiben viele von ihnen zurück. Der Umgang mit ihnen bleibt Streitthema.

28/07/2026

As devastating wildfires continue to affect parts of Southern Europe, EUROMIL expresses its deepest respect and gratitude to all firefighters, first responders, civil protection services, volunteers, and military personnel supporting the response.

Across Europe, military men and women are working alongside civilian emergency services, providing air support, logistics, engineering capabilities, medical assistance, and manpower where communities need them most. Their cooperation demonstrates the strength of whole-of-society resilience in times of crisis.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by these fires, especially those who have lost loved ones, homes, or livelihoods.

Thank you to all those risking their lives to protect others. Stay safe.

24/07/2026

New EUROMIL Survey Published

How are European armed forces coping with recruitment and retention?

EUROMIL's 2026 Survey on Recruitment and Retention in the European Armed Forces, based on responses from military associations in 11 countries, shows that retaining experienced personnel is now an even greater challenge than recruitment. Competition from the private sector, working conditions and career opportunities remain the main reasons personnel leave.

The survey also highlights shortages in technical, cyber and medical professions and their impact on military readiness.

https://euromil.org/recruitment-and-retention-remain-the-greatest-personnel-challenge-for-european-armed-forces/

📄 Interested in the full report? Contact the EUROMIL Office at [email protected]

EUROMIL publishes the results of its 2026 Survey on Recruitment and Retention The European Organisation of Military Associations and Trade Unions (EUROMIL) has published the results of its latest survey on recruitment, retention and personnel readiness across the European armed forces. The survey, c...

23/07/2026

🇵🇹 Portugal: Associação Nacional de Sargentos (ANS) calls for urgent action on military pension payments

The Portuguese National Association of Sergeants (ANS) has called on the General Pension Fund (CGA) to immediately rectify inconsistencies in the payment of the statutory 14th monthly pension allowance to retired military personnel.

According to ANS, while some recently retired military personnel received the payment in July, others in identical circumstances did not, creating unequal treatment and financial uncertainty. The association is urging the Portuguese authorities, including the Minister of Finance, to ensure that all eligible military retirees receive the payments to which they are legally entitled.

📄 Read the original communiqué in Portuguese and the English here:

The Portuguese National Association of Sergeants (ANS) has raised concerns about delays and inconsistencies in the payment of the statutory 14th monthly pension allowance to retired military personnel. According to the association, some military retirees received the payment in July while others in....

22/07/2026

Europe's defence starts with its people.

As Europe invests more in defence, it must invest equally in the people who serve.

The EESC - European Economic and Social Committee's new "Opinion on the Quality Jobs Roadmap" is a timely reminder that quality employment is not only an economic objective, it is also a strategic necessity.

Across Europe, armed forces are facing persistent recruitment and retention challenges. Building military capabilities requires more than new equipment and higher defence budgets. It also requires attractive careers, fair remuneration, safe and healthy working conditions, opportunities for lifelong learning, modern leadership, support for military families and meaningful social dialogue.

These are not "soft" issues. They are fundamental to operational readiness, resilience and the ability of our armed forces to meet today's security challenges.

EUROMIL welcomes the EESC's emphasis on quality jobs, skills and workers' participation. The same principles should guide personnel policies in the military sector, while fully respecting the specific nature of military service.

A credible European defence depends on motivated, well-trained and well-supported military personnel. Investing in people is investing in security.

Claude Rolin

Key points:The EESC: