EU appoints Sławomir Lidwa as EUMAM Ukraine training commander

The European Union has appointed Brigadier General Sławomir Lidwa as the new Combined Arms Training Commander of the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine). The appointment was made by the Political and Security Committee (PSC) through Decision (CFSP) 2026/2033, adopted in Brussels on 27 August 2026 and published in the Official Journal of the European Union (L series) on 8 September 2026.

The decision, which takes effect retroactively from 15 July 2026, replaces Brigadier General Piotr Fajkowski, who had held the post since 29 September 2023. It also repeals the previous appointment instrument, Decision (CFSP) 2023/2206.

Legal basis and background

The appointment rests on Article 38 of the Treaty on European Union and on Article 5(1) of Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/1968 of 17 October 2022, which established EUMAM Ukraine. That founding decision authorised the PSC to take decisions on the appointment of the EU Commanders of the mission, including the Combined Arms Training Commander.

The mission was created in October 2022 to provide military assistance and training to the Ukrainian armed forces in the context of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The Combined Arms Training Commander is responsible for coordinating the combined-arms training effort delivered to Ukrainian personnel.

Appointment procedure

The succession followed a structured consultation process within the EU’s military decision-making bodies:

• On 8 July 2026, the Polish authorities proposed Brigadier General Sławomir Lidwa to succeed Piotr Fajkowski.
• On 13 July 2026, the EU Mission Commander of EUMAM Ukraine supported the proposed appointment.
• On 14 July 2026, the EU Military Committee endorsed the proposal and agreed that the new commander take office as from 15 July 2026.

The decision was signed by the PSC Chairperson, L. Mandel Vensild, in Brussels on 27 August 2026. Under its terms, the decision entered into force on the date of adoption and applies from 15 July 2026.

Impact

The change of command ensures continuity in the EU’s military training support to Ukraine at a critical juncture of the conflict. By appointing a Polish general to lead combined-arms training, the EU reaffirms the central role of member-state contributions in sustaining Ukraine’s defence capacity, while the retroactive application date keeps the mission’s command structure uninterrupted.

Source: Official Journal of the European Union, L series, 8.9.2026 (official reference: Decision (CFSP) 2026/2033, CELEX L_202602033).