In Dublin, challenge: find 2 helicopters for EUTM Mali

(BRUSSELS2 to Dublin) EU Defense Ministers (or their representatives) meeting in the conference room of Dublin Castle will discuss the question of operations this morning (13 February). On the table: the future training operation of the Malian army (EUTM Mali), the reorientation of the training mission of the Somali army (EUTM Somalia) and Operation Atalanta. The three heads of operation: the French general F. Lecointre, the Irish general G. Aherne and the British rear-admiral B. Tarrant are present. Two questions are more crucial. This is to complete the generation of forces for the EUTM Mali operation. And to see how the EUTM Somalia mission will be moved to Mogadishu (it is currently in Uganda).

For EUTM Mali, the only blocking point remains the medical evacuation helicopters. Several options are or could be considered with other countries (United Kingdom, Luxembourg, etc.). But the most logical solution would be Belgium, whose helicopters are already there. Defense Minister Pieter de Crem, who was not originally supposed to be present, finally made the trip. Sign of significant interest in this meeting (in addition to the partnership with NATO). If confirmations could not be announced immediately, a movement could therefore be made. To endorse any Belgian decision, a select council of ministers (a Kern) would then have to be convened. But this can happen quickly, confirmed a Belgian official. " We can meet a kern at any time, if necessary a weekend ». To be continued...