Håkan Syrén

Who is Håkan Syrén?

General Håkan Erik Gunnar Syrén is a General of the Swedish Amphibious Corps and chairman of the European Union Military Committee. He was the Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces from 1 January 2004 to 25 March 2009, and was the first Supreme Commander to come from the Navy.

Syrén's military education has been carried out in part at the US Naval War College and the US Naval Postgraduate School. During the years 1999–2003, he was in charge of the Swedish Military Intelligence and Security Service, and as such rose to the rank of Lieutenant General. When appointed Supreme Commander he was also promoted to General. His appointment lasted until 31 December 2009.

On 29 October 2008, the Chiefs of Defence meeting of the European Union Military Committee endorsed Syren as the next chairman of the EUMC. In the position as CEUMC he was formally appointed by the Council of the European Union for a period of three years and succeeded general Henri Bentégeat on 6 November 2009. On 25 March 2009 he was succeeded by Sverker Göranson as Supreme Commander.