General Syrén is the permanent Chairman of the European Union Military Committee (CEUMC).

He has been selected by the  Chiefs of Defence (CHODs)  of the 27 EU Member States and appointed to the post by the Council. He entered his office on 6 November 2009 taking over from Gen. Henri Bentégeat.

Gen. Syrén leads the works of the EU Military Commitee (EUMC) and liaises with the Presidency in the development and implementation of its work programme.

He is the military adviser to the  High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy  on all military matters and represents the primary Point of Contact with the Operation Commanders of the EU's military operations.  

Gen. Syrén is the spokesman and representative of the EU Military Committee at the meetings of the  Political Security Committee (PSC) . He also attends the meetings of the Council when decisions with defence implications are to be taken.