In a Europe that is redefining its defense and security priorities, the voice of the military and their representatives is becoming increasingly important. Euromil, the European Confederation of Military Associations and Trade Unions, stands in this context. For over fifty years, it has been working to ensure that soldiers enjoy the same civil and social rights as all citizens.
We met with Emmanuel Jacob, president of Euromil, a life spent between the Belgian Armed Forces and international trade union commitment, to discuss common challenges, European perspectives, and, above all, the situation in Italy. From the recent conference in Rome, where military union representatives from across Europe discussed the current regulatory framework governing military associations and trade unions (A.P.C.S.M.), Jacob forcefully emphasized the need for true representation and authentic social dialogue, including for our country’s military.
I am Emmanuel Jacob, President of the European Organisation of Military Associations and Trade Unions (EUROMIL). I joined the Belgian armed forces in 1979 and, while still in active service, became engaged in trade union work, co-founding a Belgian military union. Since 1998 I have been active at the international level, joining the EUROMIL Board in 2002 and serving as its President since 2006. Throughout my career I have been committed to defending the rights and well-being of soldiers and veterans, and to strengthening dialogue between military personnel and the wider trade union family.
– What is Euromil and how did it come about?
EUROMIL (the European Organisation of Military Associations and Trade Unions) is the umbrella organisation for associations of military personnel and trade unions from across Europe. It was founded in 1972 in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany, by a group of national military associations who believed that the voice of soldiers needed to be heard at the European level.
The idea came from a simple reality: while soldiers carry out unique and demanding duties, they should also enjoy the same rights as other citizens — including social and trade union rights. EUROMIL was created to defend those rights, to promote better working and living conditions for soldiers and their families, and to act as a bridge between national associations, European institutions, NATO, the Council of Europe, and other international organisations.
Today, EUROMIL represents almost 40 associations and unions from 22 European countries, serving as a forum for exchange and a collective voice to advocate for human rights, social dialogue, and fair treatment of both active soldiers and veterans.
– What does Euromil do?
The organisation actively advocates for decent working and living conditions, recognising that the men and women in uniform, as well as their families, deserve the same rights and protections as any other citizens. It works tirelessly to promote fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of association, freedom of speech, and protection against discrimination, values that are not only democratic cornerstones but also essential for healthy and modern armed forces.
On the international stage, EUROMIL engages with institutions like the European Union, NATO, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE to ensure that the perspective of soldiers is included in defence and security debates. By doing so, EUROMIL helps bridge the gap between military life and broader European policy.
Beyond advocacy, the organisation stands shoulder to shoulder with its members in their national struggles, offering solidarity, expertise, and international visibility. Whether it is about trade union rights, workplace reform, or social recognition, EUROMIL ensures that no member association fights alone.
EUROMIL also tackles cross-cutting challenges that shape the lives of service personnel: mental health, the reintegration of veterans into civilian life, equality and diversity, and the protection of human rights in the armed forces. These issues transcend borders, and EUROMIL works to raise awareness and drive progress across Europe.
In short, EUROMIL is more than an umbrella organisation—it is a voice for those who dedicate their lives to security and peace, making sure that their rights are recognised and respected at every level.
– What are the goals of Euromil?
The goals of EUROMIL are rooted in the belief that soldiers are citizens in uniform and deserve the same rights and protections as other citizens. Our main objectives are to:
- Defend human and social rights of soldiers and veterans, ensuring dignity, equality, and fair treatment.
- Promote freedom of association and trade union rights for military personnel across Europe.
- Improve working and living conditions, including fair pay, safe workplaces, and access to healthcare and family support.
- Support the reintegration of veterans, helping them transition from military to civilian life with proper recognition and social protection.
- Strengthen European and international dialogue by representing soldiers’ voices in institutions such as the EU, NATO, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE.
- Encourage solidarity between military associations and trade unions across borders, so that national struggles benefit from international backing.
In short, EUROMIL’s goal is to ensure that those who serve in Europe’s armed forces enjoy rights, respect, and recognition equal to any other worker or citizen.
– How many members does Euromil have? What type?
Today, EUROMIL unites almost 40 member organisations from 22 European countries. Some of these are military trade unions, while others are part of larger national trade union federations. In several countries, our members take the form of professional associations, representing soldiers without being formally recognised as trade unions.
Unfortunately, there are still countries in Europe where no military associations are legally permitted. In such cases, soldiers often organise themselves informally, without a specific legal status, to make their voices heard. EUROMIL serves as their bridge to the European and international level, ensuring that their concerns are not forgotten.
– In which countries does Euromil have members?
EUROMIL’s membership today spans 22 European countries, bringing together almost 40 associations and unions. Our members come from Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Malta, Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, North Macedonia, Ireland, Hungary, Montenegro, Latvia, and Slovakia.
Furthermore, EUROMIL has established a partnership with Ukraine, underlining our commitment to solidarity and support beyond the EU and NATO, particularly for those defending democratic values under difficult circumstances.
– What support can Euromil give to government officials?
EUROMIL can be a valuable partner for government officials working on defence, security, and social policy. We bring practical expertise on the working and living conditions of soldiers, based on the experience of our almost 40 member associations. By sharing comparative insights from across Europe, we help governments identify best practices and avoid repeating mistakes. EUROMIL also offers a platform for dialogue between policymakers and representatives of military personnel, which strengthens trust and transparency. In addition, we support the development of policies on human rights, freedom of association, veterans’ reintegration, mental health, and equality in the armed forces. Above all, we seek constructive cooperation, offering solutions rather than criticism, to ensure that reforms are realistic, effective, and respectful of human dignity.
– What do you think of the creation of the union for military-level law enforcement and the armed forces in Italy?
The creation of unions for military-level law enforcement and the armed forces in Italy was certainly a first step in the right direction, but we do not believe it was done in the best or most optimal way. What exists today still lacks real rights and meaningful input, in particular when it comes to collective bargaining. Soldiers and law enforcement personnel deserve the same possibility to have their voices heard as other workers. The current framework is therefore a starting point, but now we need to move forward and work for better conditions and stronger rights.
– You participated in Rome, 5–6 June 2025 – in the international conference on “Union Protections in European Military Corps: A Comparison for the Future,” hosted by the Italian associations NSC (Nuovo Sindacato Carabinieri) and SIAMO Esercito, with the cooperation of ASSODIPRO. What were your impressions of this meeting?
I was very pleased to participate in the Rome conference and to see the Italian associations working hand in hand. This spirit of cooperation is the only way to be influential and to make a real difference. What struck me most was the strong commitment and dedication to meeting shown by the union organisations and their leadership. I want to applaud the work they are doing, and I can assure them that EUROMIL will continue to support them wherever it is needed.
– Do you think the current A.P.C.S.M. law and regulations can be improved? If so, what changes do you hope will be made?
Without a doubt the current A.P.C.S.M. law and its regulations must be improved. There is no way this framework can be accepted as the final step. What is needed is real representation, genuine social dialogue, and the possibility to conclude collective and binding agreements. Equally important is respect for trade union leaders and representatives, who must be given the necessary resources to carry out their mission effectively. This should be our common goal for the future.
– How can Euromil help A.P.C.S.M. in Italy?
EUROMIL can support A.P.C.S.M. in Italy in several important ways. First of all, we offer our platform where Italian colleagues can work hand in hand with many European partners. Some of our members have decades of experience in military trade unionism, and their knowledge can serve as valuable input for our Italian friends. At the same time, we always stress that there is no one-size-fits-all solution: what works in Denmark will not automatically work in Italy, a country with its own specific traditions, background, and history. The real added value lies in exchanging ideas and experiences and then adapting them to the Italian context.
Secondly, EUROMIL provides concrete support through our work at the European level. Recently, we introduced a collective complaint at the European Committee of Social Rights in Strasbourg, because we are convinced that Italy is not fully respecting its commitments under Articles 5 and 6 of the European Social Charter. These provisions deal with the right to organise and the right to collective bargaining, which are fundamental for military personnel just as for any other group of workers. Through this procedure, we aim to strengthen the legal recognition of trade union rights for soldiers in Italy and to create pressure for real improvements in legislation and practice.
In this way, EUROMIL stands not only as a forum for exchange and solidarity, but also as a concrete partner in ensuring that the rights of Italian soldiers are brought in line with European standards.
– Do you have a personal wish or recommendation for the future of A.P.C.S.M. in Italy?
My personal wish for the future of A.P.C.S.M. in Italy is that the different associations learn to collaborate and work together, not against each other. If they remain divided, the only winners will be politics and the military leadership. With all respect, the current number of associations is too high, and this fragmentation works in a negative way. In addition, some groups position themselves only as being in opposition to everything, while others are ready to accept everything. Neither extreme is helpful for soldiers and their families. What they deserve is strong, honest, independent, and correct representation. That should be the common goal, and I truly hope that we can continue this fight together.
