EU appoints Brigadier General Apostolescu to lead EUTM RCA mission

The European Union’s Political and Security Committee (PSC) has appointed Brigadier General Irinel Apostolescu as EU Mission Force Commander of the EU CSDP Military Training Mission in the Central African Republic (EUTM RCA), effective 16 September 2026. The appointment is set out in Political and Security Committee Decision (CFSP) 2026/2063 of 10 September 2026, published in the Official Journal of the European Union (L series) on 15 September 2026.

The decision, adopted in Brussels on 10 September 2026 under the chairmanship of L. Mandel Vensild, also repeals the previous appointment decision, Decision (CFSP) 2025/2010, which had named Brigadier General Claudiu-Mădălin Tamaș to the post from 30 September 2025.

Legal basis and procedure

The appointment rests on Article 38 of the Treaty on European Union and Article 5(1) of Council Decision (CFSP) 2016/610 of 19 April 2016, which established EUTM RCA. Under that framework, the PSC exercises political control and strategic direction over the mission and is authorised to decide on the appointment of successive EU Mission Force Commanders.

The selection followed a structured consultation process:

• On 23 July 2026, the Romanian military authorities proposed Brigadier General Apostolescu to succeed Brigadier General Tamaș.
• On 27 July 2026, the EU Mission Commander for EUTM RCA supported the proposed appointment.
• On 29 July 2026, the EU Military Committee recommended the appointment from 16 September 2026.

The mission

EUTM RCA is the European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) military training mission in the Central African Republic, established by Council Decision (CFSP) 2016/610. The mission provides military advice and training to the Central African armed forces to support the country’s security sector reform and stabilisation efforts.

The new commander takes up his duties on 16 September 2026, the same day the decision enters into force and the previous appointment decision is repealed.

Impact

The orderly handover of command ensures continuity of the EU’s training effort in the Central African Republic at a time when the mission remains central to the bloc’s stabilisation strategy in the region. The appointment of a Romanian officer, following the Romanian proposal, also reflects the continued contribution of EU member states to the leadership of CSDP missions.

Source: Official Journal of the European Union, L series, 15.9.2026, p. 1 (official reference: CELEX L_202602063, Political and Security Committee Decision (CFSP) 2026/2063).