The 38th MCCE Working Board convened in Graz, Austria, on 20 October 2026, bringing together representatives from 23 Participant Nations for a day of discussion, decision-making and coordination on the continued development of the Movement Coordination Centre Europe (MCCE). Austria hosted the meeting, providing an excellent setting for the Board to review recent progress and address key priorities for the months ahead.
Building on the work undertaken since the previous Working Board in Poland, DMCCE provided an overview of MCCE activities over the past six months. A notable milestone was Japan joining the MCCE network as a third-party participant, further strengthening the Centre’s international reach and cooperative framework. CH OPS complemented this overview with an update on operational performance, presenting key figures and trends from the latest reporting period.
Looking towards future requirements, DDMCCE addressed the FORWARD programme and the flagging chart. The Board also took eight decisions concerning the future manning of MCCE positions, contributing to the ongoing development of the Centre’s personnel framework. Financial matters were also addressed, with CH SUP presenting a budget update and seeking approval of the budget for the following year.
Governance and strategic direction formed another important part of the agenda. The Chair of the Standing Advisory Working Group (SAWG) briefed the Board on the status of the Technical Arrangement (TA) amendments. The proposed update to the MCCE Terms of Reference was presented and approved by the nations represented at the meeting. In addition, the draft Strategic Guidance for MCCE was discussed, with approval scheduled for consideration at the Steering Board in November 2026.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to recognise the service and commitment of three long-standing members departing the MCCE: COL Johannes Schwar (AUT), COL Dražen Komadina (HRV) and LTC Lee Rickard (GBR). MCCE extends its sincere appreciation to all three for their valuable contributions and dedicated service to the Centre.
The outcomes of the 38th Working Board reflect the continued commitment of participating nations to strengthening cooperation, maintaining effective governance and preparing MCCE for future challenges. Alongside the formal agenda, the meeting offered valuable opportunities to exchange perspectives and reinforce professional relationships across the network.
MCCE thanks all participating nations for their active engagement and Austria for its warm hospitality and outstanding support in hosting the meeting. The Centre looks forward to building on the progress achieved in Graz at its forthcoming meetings.
