EU Training Mission in Mozambique Welcomes Visit from Lieutenant General Van der Laan

• The EU Military Training Mission in Mozambique (EUMAM MOZ) welcomed a visit from Lieutenant General Michiel van der Laan, Director of the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) of the European Union and Mission Commander of EUMAM MOZ

During the visit, Lieutenant General Van der Laan held meetings with several local authorities, including the recently appointed Chief of the Staff of the Mozambican Armed Defence Forces (FADM), General Júlio dos Santos Jane.

Lieutenant General Van der Laan expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the mission, stating he was ‘very pleased with the cooperation between the FADM and EUMAM MOZ’, and highlighted the strong partnership with local leadership. ‘Over these two days, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with several members of the FADM, who underlined the importance of our partnership and the work we are carrying out’, he said.

Launch of Maintenance Management Programme

A key milestone of the visit was the official inauguration of the Maintenance Management Programme at the Military Driving School of the Mozambican Armed Defence Forces. The six-week course, involving 29 students, has been jointly developed by EUMAM MOZ and the FADM’s Logistics Department. It aims to enhance the military’s effectiveness in managing maintenance operations.

The programme’s main objective is to ensure the long-term sustainability and proper upkeep of equipment and assets provided by the European Union to the FADM, in order to maintain high levels of availability and operational readiness.

About EUMAM Mozambique

Currently under the command of Brigadier General Luís Barroso, EUMAM MOZ is a non-executive mission, operating in close coordination with Mozambican authorities. The mission currently includes around 83 military and civilian personnel from 10 EU Member States —Belgium, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Romania, and Spain— as well as from one non-EU country, Serbia.

On 16 April 2024, the Political and Security Committee (PSC) agreed that the EU Training Mission (EUTM) Mozambique —launched in 2021— would transition, between June and September 2024, to a new model of support combining advisory, mentoring, and specialised training for Mozambique’s Rapid Reaction Force units. Consequently, the mission was restructured and renamed as the EU Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique (EUMAM Mozambique).

EUMAM is now tasked with consolidating the gains achieved under EUTM, while also facing new challenges. Its main objective is to advise the FADM in the deployment and operational use of its Quick Reaction Forces (QRF). It also aims to maintain and improve these units’ operational capability in complex scenarios, always within the framework of International Humanitarian Law.

The mission further seeks to better integrate training capabilities within the FADM’s organisational structures, ensure effective coordination, and continue delivering the support required to address insurgent threats. This shift includes a redistribution of resources and an update of training plans to align with Mozambique’s current security needs.

Spain’s Contribution

Spain has played a key role in the mission since its inception, initially through the deployment of military observers to EUTM Mozambique. This contribution has continued under the EUMAM mandate. Spain’s ongoing involvement, marked by the professionalism and experience of its personnel, reflects the country's firm commitment to peace, stability, and international security, particularly in support of Mozambique and the wider region.