About the forum
The European Military Secondary Schools Forum (EUMSSF) is a voluntary initiative by EU Member States, inspired by the success of 'Military Erasmus' (EMILYO), to promote shared European values and integrate a European dimension into education from an early age.
Military secondary schools, recognised provide a unique setting to implement this initiative, fostering the potential to inspire advancements in secondary education across the EU.
Operating under the auspices of the ESDC, the Forum seeks to:
- Connect military secondary schools across Europe;
- Develop curricula on topics such as EU history and core values, EU institutions, and international military skills camp;
- Promote a shared security and defence culture;
- Facilitate the exchange of best practices and build enduring partnerships;
- Enable trainer and student exchanges to enrich learning experiences; and
- Advocate for actions that strengthen EU-focused education at the secondary level.
The EUMSSF serves as a platform to equip the next generation with the knowledge and values essential for fostering European unity and cooperation in security and defence.
Chair and Configuration Support
Chair - Symeon ZambasCol Symeon Zambas, a graduate of the Hellenic Air Force Academy, began his career with the Cyprus Air Force in 1993, serving in a range of operational and leadership roles, including as Commander of the Cyprus Air Defence Training Centre. Throughout his career, he has held significant positions within the Cyprus Ministry of Defence, contributing to key initiatives such as the design of the CSDP Olympiad and the direction of multiple European Security and Defence College (ESDC) courses.
As a Military Training Manager at the ESDC from 2014 to 2020, Col Zambas played a pivotal role in advancing the ESDC’s educational programmes. He co-created the CSDP Doctoral School and founded the EU Military Secondary Schools Forum, initiatives that continue to strengthen the integration of education and defence within the European Union.
Currently, he serves as the head of the Cyprus Security and Defence Academy and supports the ESDC’s mission as Chair of the Executive Academic Board, promoting collaboration and excellence in European security and defence education.
ESDC Coordinator - Christoforos ChristoforouSince 2000, Christoforos Christoforou has served at the Cyprus Ministry of Defence, specialising in security and defence training. He coordinates 'Military Erasmus' and EUMSSF activities, and promotes European cultural awareness. With extensive experience, he drives collaboration and training programmes to enhance the skills of young military officers across Europe.