The Chairman of the European Union Military Committee (CEUMC), Gen. Syrén, visited the United Kingdom upon invitation of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup. In London, CEUMC visited first the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, where he met the Director for International Security, Mr. Johnston, and the Permanent Under Secretary, Sir Ricketts. He  then had an open exchange of views with the Minister for International Defence and Security, Baroness Taylor, and the CDS. Discussion covered from UK contribution to the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) to the key security challenges the European Union is facing, with particular reference to the humanitarian situation in Haiti.
In Northwood, Gen. Syrén met Air Marshal Peach, Joint Operation Chief at the UK Permanent Joint Headquarters, and was updated on Operation Atalanta by Rear Adm. Hudson and his staff. CEUMC also visited the state-of-the-art facility into which EUNAVFOR Headquarters will move in February.