The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has adopted a resolution calling for a more coherent European approach to the rights, welfare and support of military veterans.
The resolution, adopted on 29 September 2026, follows a report by Ukrainian parliamentarian Lesia Zaburanna. Although prompted particularly by the large and growing number of veterans of the war in Ukraine, its recommendations are intended to have wider application across the Council of Europe's member states, including the United Kingdom.
PACE calls for a comprehensive package of support covering physical and mental health, rehabilitation, employment, education, housing and social protection. It proposes a period of at least three years of enhanced support following discharge and greater recognition of the needs of veterans' families and carers.
One potentially significant proposal concerns the portability of veterans' rights between member states, including recognition of disabilities, access to healthcare and pension entitlements.
The Assembly has also recommended that the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers develop common European human rights standards for veterans.
The European Organisation of Military Associations and Trade Unions (EUROMIL) has welcomed the initiative, particularly its recognition of the connection between conditions of military service, transition to civilian life and subsequent support.
What might this mean for the UK?
The United Kingdom already has an extensive, if sometimes complex, system of veterans' support, including the Armed Forces Covenant, statutory provisions, government services and a substantial charitable sector.
Greater international cooperation and the exchange of good practice are welcome in principle. However, proposals for common standards and cross-border entitlements would require careful consideration of their compatibility with existing UK arrangements, including eligibility for veterans' services, healthcare provision and the responsibilities of individual states.
On the portability of veterans' rights, we recognise that there are UK veterans living in European countries such as Spain or Germany, to which they either retired, or remained in for work, particularly before the UK leaving the EU.
PACE's resolutions and recommendations do not themselves create new legal entitlements in the UK. Any further proposals would need to be considered through the Council of Europe's established procedures and, where appropriate, by national governments.
BAFF can keep an eye on this as part of its wider engagement with issues affecting serving and former members of the Armed Forces.
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