Background
The European Defence Agency is composed of all 27 Member States of the European Union. It was established through a Council Joint Action (2004/551/CFSP) on 12 July 2004. This action formalised the Agency’s creation and its mandate to support EU Member States in developing their military capabilities. The Lisbon Treaty later enshrined the EDA’s role within the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). EDA is the only European Agency whose Steering Board meet at Ministerial level. Its Steering Board, composed of all 27 Ministers of Defence, meets twice per year and is chaired by the Head of the European Defence Agency / HRVP Kaja Kallas. EDA saw its role and core missions refined and consolidated on the occasion of its long-term review. It acts as the intergovernmental defence nexus at EU level.
Vita of André Denk
Major General André Denk was appointed Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency (EDA) on 5 May 2025, starting officially in this role on 16 May 2025.
Since 1 February 2023, he was EDA’s Deputy Chief Executive. He deputised for all matters of political significance and led the Agency’s efforts on joint procurement for 155mm ammunition in support of Ukraine and/or for the replenishment of Member States’ stocks.
Before joining EDA, Major General Denk was Director Logistics of the EU Military Staff. There, he used his expertise in logistical planning and employment at all levels of command, mission experience in key major alliances and organisations, military-political insights at the strategic level, and his longstanding, extensive multinational staff expertise.
Major General André Denk was previously commander of the Joint School of Logistics in Germany, where he displayed a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of national and international logistical and armament processes and procedures. Additionally, he commanded the Joint Logistics Support Group (JLSG) Coordination and Training Center, the core facility for training, exercises and certification of national and international joint logistics elements in Germany.
Major General Denk possesses comprehensive international expertise, in particular on the European Union, combining logistic and operational experience with capability planning and armaments with a holistic approach. Throughout his military career, he undertook many international deployments under European Union, United Nations and NATO mandates – including in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in Afghanistan, and as chief of staff of the EU Training Mission in Mali.
Major General Denk was born on 20 October 1967 in Rotthalmünster. He joined the German Armed Forces in 1986 and holds a diploma in Mechanical Engineering. ln addition he graduated from the German Command and General Staff College as well as from the French General Staff College.
Besides his native German language, he is fluent in English, French, Serbian and Croatian. Major General Denk is married and has two children.
Source – EDA