On 2nd October, the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) had a privilege to host the visit by General Claudio Graziano, the Chairman of the EU Military Committee and his entourage. The high-level guest was welcomed by the Commandant, Brigadier General Ilmar Tamm, Colonel Jean Trudel, the Deputy Commandant and Chief of Staff, Col (ret) Dr hab Zdzislaw Sliwa, the Dean and College Sergeant Major Peeter Einbaum.

In addition, the visit in the College was privileged by the presence of the Estonian delegation consisting of RADM Igor Schvede, Estonian Military Representative to EUMC and LTC Peeter Kõiv, Staff Officer of the Estonian Defence Forces.

During the visit, GEN Graziano was briefed on BALTDEFCOL’s core mission and tasks as well as academic activities and ongoing developments. After the briefing session faculty, students of all BALTDEFCOL courses and external participants had an exceptional opportunity to listen to GEN Graziano’s lecture “The Challenges to the EU Defence”. During the lecture, General Graziano provided an overview of current EU operations in support of stability and capacity building of respective nations and regions. When presenting the complexity of the security environment, the role of professional military education was highlighted to enhance understanding of its complexity by junior and senior military and civilian staff. The brief was followed by active questions and answers session related to European Union mission and future developments.

GEN Graziano assumed the duties of the Chairman of the EU Military Committee on November 2018. During his extraordinary military service, he has been UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander 2007-2010, Chief of Staff of the Italian Army 2011-2015. In 2015, he was promoted to General and assumed the position of the Chief of the Italian Defence General Staff.