The European Union Military Committee, chaired by Gen. Bentégeat, met at Chiefs of Defence (CHODs) level to discuss issues capability development, operational and organisational issues. In the first area, the Committee noted the status of play of the Capability Development Plan provided by the Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency, Mr. Alexander Weis, and supported the need to update it.
The CHODs were then briefed on the status of play of the two EU ongoing operations, namely EUFOR Althea in Bosnia Herzegovina (BiH) and EUNAVFOR Atalanta in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia. Gen. McColl, Althea Operation Commander, confirmed the positive assessment in terms of fulfilment of the military responsibilities and progress towards achievement of the military end-state, stressing that any decision on the evolution of the EU military presence in BiH lies on the political level. On Atalanta, Rear Admiral Hudson underlined the so far positive record of achievements and the significant impact on the international communities' counter-piracy efforts. He also mentioned the need to ensure the availability of adequate assets. The Committee welcomed the reports of the Operation Commanders and remained committed to support their Force Generation priorities.
Finally, the CHODs discussed informally on the possible developments in the ESDP following the approval of the Lisbon Treaty, and welcomed the recently agreed organisational arrangements aiming at establishing a European External Action Service that will encompass all existing crisis management bodies, included the EU Military Staff, and the still to be created Civilian Military Planning Directorate (CMPD).

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