Robert Brieger
 | You can help expand this article with text translated from the corresponding article in German. (October 2018) Click [show] for important translation instructions.
|
Robert Brieger | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Chairman of the EU Military Committee | |
| Assumed office 16 May 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Claudio Graziano (ITA) |
| Chief of Defence of the Austrian Armed Forces (2018-2022) | |
| Preceded by | Othmar Commenda |
| Succeeded by | Rudolf Striedinger |
| Military service | |
| Years of service | 1975–present |
| Rank | General |
Basic Information
[edit]General Robert Brieger (born November 21, 1956, in Vienna, Austria) is an Austrian four star General and currently serves as the Chairman of the European Union Military Committee (CEUMC).[1][2][3] Based in Brussels, General Brieger has held this position since his appointment in May 2022, providing leadership and direction to the European Union Military Committee (EUMC).[4] Before his position as CEUMC, General Brieger served as the Chief of Defence of the Austrian Armed Forces.[5][6]
Early Career and Education
[edit]General Brieger's military journey began in 1975 when he started his service in the Austrian Armed Forces. He graduated from the prestigious Theresian Military Academy in Wiener Neustadt in 1979, specializing as an Armour Officer.[7]
Rise through the Ranks
[edit]Over the years, General Brieger took on increasingly significant responsibilities. By the late 1980s, he had completed the General Staff Officers Course at the Austrian National Defence Academy, a key stepping stone in his career.[7]
International Leadership
[edit]General Brieger's career also saw him lead beyond Austrian borders. His leadership roles expanded to commanding Austria’s contingent in NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR).[8] From 2011 to 2012, he served as the Force Commander of the European Union’s Operation Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina.[9][10] His expertise in logistics, operational planning, and command made him a prominent figure in Austria’s Ministry of Defence and solidified his role in international military operations, setting the stage for his eventual appointment as Chief of Defence of the Austrian Armed Forces in 2018[11].[7]
Chairman of the European Union Military Committee
[edit]The EUMC[12] is the highest military body set up within the EU Council,[13] and is composed of the Chiefs of Defence (CHODs) of the EU Member States,[14] who are regularly represented by their permanent military representatives. In his current role as Chairman of the EUMC, General Brieger is responsible for providing strategic military advice to the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and to the EU’s Political and Security Committee.[15] He plays a central role in coordinating the military aspects of EU missions and operations and contributing to the development of the EU's security and defence policies.[16]
General Brieger’s leadership has made a lasting impact on both the Austrian and European military landscape. His experience, commitment, and strategic insight continue to shape the future of defence and security within the European Union.[17][18][19][20][21]
Honours and Recognition
[edit]Throughout his career, General Brieger has been recognized with numerous awards and decorations, reflecting his exceptional service to Austria and the international military community. These include:
- Grand Golden Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria
- Grand Decoration of Honour of the Federal Province of Burgenland, Austria
- Austrian Armed Forces Operational Medal
- EU Common Security and Defence Policy Service Medal
- Non-Article 5 NATO Medal for Operations in the Balkans
- National Order of the Legion of Honour[22]
- Hungarian For Alliance Medal[23]
- The Pennsylvania Meritorious Service Medal
- Honorary Knighthood of the Order of St. George
Personal Life
[edit]Robert Brieger is married to Isabella, with whom he has three children.
References
[edit]- ^ "General Brieger wird Vorsitzender des EU Militärausschusses".
- ^ "Verteidigungsministerin Tanner verabschiedet Generalstabschef Brieger".
- ^ "European Union Military Committee".
- ^ "EUMC | EEAS". www.eeas.europa.eu. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
- ^ "Bundesministerium für Landesverteidigung / General Robert Brieger - Chief of Defence Austrian Armed Forces".
- ^ "Robert Brieger wird neuer Generalstabschef".
- ^ a b c "CV General Robert Brieger" (PDF).
- ^ "Bundesministerium für Landesverteidigung / General Robert Brieger".
- ^ "EUFOR Change of Command" (PDF).
- ^ "Kommandantenwechsel bei EUFOR".
- ^ "Der neue Generalstabschef des ÖBH, Mag. Robert Brieger".
- ^ "EUMC | EEAS". www.eeas.europa.eu. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
- ^ "The Council of the EU".
- ^ "The Council of the EU".
- ^ "EUMC | EEAS". www.eeas.europa.eu. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
- ^ "EUMC | EEAS". www.eeas.europa.eu. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
- ^ "EU Military Committee: General Brieger participates in the Munich Security Conference | EEAS". www.eeas.europa.eu. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
- ^ "Robert Brieger". Salzburg Summit (in German). Retrieved 2024-09-16.
- ^ "EU Military Committee: General Brieger participates at the Paris Defence and Strategy Forum". 2024-03-19. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
- ^ "European Union Military Committee: General Robert Brieger represents the European Union at the Halifax International Security Forum | EEAS". www.eeas.europa.eu. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
- ^ "Stories & Blogs | EEAS". www.eeas.europa.eu. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
- ^ "French Order Awarded to Austrian General Robert Brieger". Vindobona.org | Vienna International News. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
- ^ "Everybody Praises the Hungarian Soldiers' Activity - Honvédelem". honvedelem.hu (in Hungarian). 2012-12-07. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
  | This biographical article related to the military of Austria is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |