| Robert Brieger | |
| Office: | Chairman of the EU Military Committee |
| Term Start: | 16 May 2022 |
| Predecessor: | Claudio Graziano (ITA) |
| Office1: | Chief of Defence of the Austrian Armed Forces (2018-2022) |
| Predecessor1: | Othmar Commenda |
| Successor1: | Rudolf Striedinger |
| Serviceyears: | 1975–present |
| Rank: | General |
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]
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]
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.
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] .
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]
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:
Robert Brieger is married to Isabella, with whom he has three children.