Defence Trade Council
The Defence Trade Council gathers organisations from the defence sector, military and civilians, in Europe to discuss the working and living conditions of soldiers and civilians in Europe and in third countries.
Global challenges and modern warfare demand concerted action through a European Defence Strategy. The working and living conditions of European soldiers has undergone significant changes. The move towards an army of professionals means special attention needs to be paid to the social problems facing defence staff in all EU countries. Working conditions of the sector have to be improved targeting especially psychological restraints imposed, such as post-traumatic-stress-syndrome.
Klaus Heeger with the Board of the Defence Trade Council
CESI strives to establish full trade union rights for workers in the defence sector with the improvement of working conditions remaining a constant goal for the Trade Council.
In 2018, the Trade Council will focus on:
- European Security and Defense Policy: common rights of staff in joint operations
- European defence: joint training with common equipment in common structures
- Armed forces as an attractive employer for the people
The portfolio of the Trade Council can be accessed here (DE).
Leadership of the Council

SOHST
President, DE/DBwV

KAMM
Vice-President, dbb

WALDNER
Vice-President, EUROFEDOP

RADESCU
Policy Adviser, CESI General Secretariat