In May 1992, at the summit of La Rochelle, President François Mitterrand and Chancellor Helmut Kohl, took the decision to establish Eurocorps. By doing so, France and Germany demonstrated not only their fierce determination to increase their bilateral military co-operation but also their unequivocal devotion to peace and security in Europe. It was a great step forward and yet another proof of the tremendous creative potential of the two countries. Both nations managed to pave the way, in an exemplary fashion, for the achievement of the European objective: assuming common responsibilities concerning defence affairs.

This bilateral initiative soon assumed a multinational dimension when Belgium joined in 1993, followed by Spain in 1994 and, finally, Luxembourg in 1996. This led to the establishment of a remarkable military organization supported by a large number of personnel and a wide geographical area extending from Kiel to the Canary Islands and bordering the waters of the Baltic Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It is an Army Corps made up of men and women fully committed to common moral values, international law and a multilateral defence of our people. Its composition, objectives and the establishment of its headquarters in Strasbourg make Eurocorps not only one of the most visible and concrete symbols of reconciliation and peace in Europe but also a model of multinational military co-operation in Europe.

Eurocorps was initially created as a heavy major army unit. Following the evolution of the Atlantic Alliance, Eurocorps’ nations decided to transform it into a Rapid Reaction Corps. Nowadays, Eurocorps has a wide range of units earmarked for assignment plus a number of dedicated and affiliated units. Therefore Eurocorps has turned into an extremely versatile Corps, highly capable of conducting Initial-Entry and High Readiness Force missions. Eurocorps obtained the NATO HRF certification in 2002 and the NRF Land Component Command certification in 2006.

Moreover, once the FOC certification had been obtained in November 1995, Eurocorps kept on increasing its operational readiness and taking part in different operations carried out by the international community. In this context, a substantial contribution was made to SFOR HQs in Sarajevo in 1998 and 1999. Eurocorps led a multinational force in Kosovo in 2000 and in Afghanistan (ISAF) between 2004 and 2005.

At the turn of the 21st century, according to a decision taken by its member nations, Eurocorps is available both to NATO and to the EU. Both organizations must face the complex challenges of an increasingly globalized world. That is why, taking into account the telling references of the above-mentioned NATO certifications, Eurocorps today figures on the European defence scene as a front line operational instrument.

Eurocorps is seen by many people as the forerunner and model of other European military structures. One of the most notable characteristics of this unit is its unique concept of multinationality with no single lead nation or sharing of leadership tasks between two nations. On the contrary, in this HQ design, nations share the burden of responsibilities, the key idea being that no single nation can take full control of the Eurocorps. Apart from the Framework Nations, “Sending Nations”, i.e. Austria, Greece, Poland and Turkey, have assigned officers to HQ EC.

Nations provide subordinate units to Eurocorps on a non-permanent basis, except for the French-German Brigade, headquartered at Müllheim, which is placed under permanent operational command of the Commander Eurocorps. This brigade is an example of interoperability, bi-national integration and mutual understanding. It has excellent operational capabilities: its HQ has been certified as NRF Brigade CP and has already given proof of its ability to integrate units from other nations. This brigade is highly qualified to take part in the whole spectrum of NATO or EU operations.

Following the agreement reached by the European Council in June 2007 on the Reform Treaty, Europe is now in a special situation. This agreement set the process of a European construction project in motion again and reflects the fierce determination of EU member nations to come to a common understanding and commitment. Taking into account this promising perspective, Eurocorps is an excellent instrument of defence that could help the EU enhance its role as a global power.

This is why Eurocorps has established its headquarters in Strasbourg, a city that stands as a symbol of peace and reconciliation in Europe. All the men and women lucky enough to be part of this great military organization take pride in serving their respective countries and giving their support to the European idea of being united under the Eurocorps banner. And so we are fully convinced that the work we are doing here under the guidance of our governments is highly important.

Pedro PITARCH
Luitenant Generaal
Bevelvoerende Generaal van het Eurocorps