The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Defense of the EU have approved the EU's concept in defense and security - the so-called "Strategic Compass."
This was reported by the European Council.
"The "Strategic Compass" goal is to make the EU stronger and capable of guaranteeing security better. The EU must be able to protect its citizens and promote international peace and security, the statement said. - This is especially important when the war has returned to Europe after Russia's unjustified and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, as well as serious geopolitical changes. The "Strategic compass" will strengthen the EU's strategic autonomy and its ability to work with partners to protect its values and interests. "
To be able to act quickly and decisively when a crisis erupts, with partners, if possible, and alone, when necessary, the EU:
- will create a rapid reaction force with up to 5,000 militaries;
- will be ready to deploy 200 fully equipped CSDP (Common Defense and Security Policy) experts within 30 days, including in difficult conditions;
- will conduct regular training on the ground and at sea;
- will increase the mobility of its military;
- will expand the possibilities of intelligence analysis;
- develop tools to detect and respond to a wide range of hybrid threats.
The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, said that it is necessary to prepare for a "high-intensity war" that may return to Europe and therefore plans to increase the defense budget in 2025 to 50 billion euros.