EOD COE Hosts Steering Committee Meeting 2025
From 20 to 23 October 2025, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Centre of Excellence (EOD COE) hosted its biannual Steering Committee (SC) Meeting at its premises in Trenčín, Slovakia. Representatives from the Sponsoring Nations – the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia – attended the meeting, together with the United States, participating for the first time as a new member nation of the Centre.
This meeting was chaired by Colonel Robert Dlugos from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic, who assumed the position of SC Chairman.
The Steering Committee gathered to review and approve key strategic and administrative documents essential for the EOD COE’s future activities. Among the key agenda items were the Program of Work for 2026, the Budget for 2026, and the Medium-Term Financial Plan for 2027–2031. The Committee also assessed proposed updates to the Centre’s Financial and Administrative Procedures. Department Heads presented comprehensive updates on recent achievements, ongoing challenges, and plans for the upcoming period.
The sessions provided an opportunity for productive dialogue among the Sponsoring Nations, ensuring that the Centre’s projects and goals remain aligned with NATO’s priorities and operational needs within the Explosive Ordnance Disposal domain.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Colonel Dlugos expressed his appreciation to all EOD COE members for their dedicated efforts in preparing the meeting and delivering high-quality documents that supported decision-making. He also extended his sincere thanks to all Steering Committee representatives for their constructive discussions, cooperative spirit, and valuable contributions that shaped the outcomes of this year’s session.
The EOD COE remains committed to advancing international cooperation, innovation, and excellence in the field of EOD, contributing to the collective capabilities and safety of NATO and partner nations.
Text: Jan PLINTA, SVK-CIV
Photo: EOD COE Archive
