(B2) It is the current head of Austrian defense, General Robert Brieger, who will serve as president of the EU military committee within a year, from June 1, 2022. He was elected by his peers during the military committee this Wednesday (May 19)
General Robert Brieger at the EU military committee (credit: Council of the EU)
This is the first time that a general from a neutral country and from Central Europe has taken the helm of the EU military committee (1). But the Austrians have already occupied positions of choice in the European military hierarchy, notably with General Wolfgang Wosolsobe at the head of the EU general staff, between 2013 and 2016.
A mechanized infantryman
Born the November 21, 1956, graduated from the officer school of the 'Theresianische Militärakademie' in Wiener Neustadt in 1979, he served in the 3rd staff battalion of Mautern, as reconnaissance platoon leader, then in the 33rd armored battalion of Zwölfaxing as commander of the 3rd Company and commanded the 9th Mechanized Infantry Brigade of Götzendorf (1994-1995).
Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina
Robert Brieger was deployed to Kosovo as head of the Austrian KFOR commander (2001-2002), just after the NATO intervention in the former Serbian province, and deputy for operations at the Austrian Ministry of Defense (2008 ) — where he participated in the planning of the operation in Chad (EUFOR Chad). He then leaves for Sarajevo as commander of the EUFOR / ALTHEA force in Bosnia and Herzegovina between 2011 and 2012 (read: An artist general appointed to lead Althea).
From operational planning to logistics and the ministerial cabinet
In 2013, he became head of the stewardship department, then in 2016, responsible for managing the logistics group, and in 2017, became chief of staff of the Minister of Defense, Mario Kunasek (FPÖ), minister in the Kurz government I. He took over as chief of staff on July 24, 2018, replacing Othmar Commenda. It's the " right man in the right place, an impeccable soldier » greets Defense Minister Mario Kunasek upon his appointment, according to the daily Die Presse.
One of the best of his generation
BAlthough quite close to the conservative (ÖVP) or nationalist (FPÖ) parties, he is not a member of them, and considered above all as a “ competent man » title the Upper Austria newspaper. " One of the top favorites for this top job. » He particularly ardently defended the increase in the defense budget and a strengthening “ significant » of the armed forces. “ It is necessary to catch up with regard to the equipment of the armies » he pleads in The basic. " Response capacity must be strengthened to be prepared for current and future threats. » NB: he must leave his position at the end of 2021 normally, having reached the age limit.
(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)
(1) The position has been occupied until now mainly by Nordics or Latins: successively a Finn (Gustav Hägglunds 2001-2003), an Italian (Rolando Mosca Moschini 2003-2006), a French (Henri Bentégeat 2006-2009), a Swede (Håkan Syrén 2009-2012), a Frenchman (Patrick de Rousiers 2012-2015), a Greek (Mikhaïl Kostarakos 2015-2018), another Italian (Claudio Graziano 2018-2022).
Chief editor of the B2 site. Graduated in European law from the University of Paris I Pantheon Sorbonne and listener to the 65th session of the IHEDN (Institut des Hautes Etudes de la Défense Nationale. Journalist since 1989, founded B2 - Bruxelles2 in 2008. EU/NATO correspondent in Brussels for Sud-Ouest (previously West-France and France-Soir).
