EU Plans to Conduct Its First Military Exercises in History

The European Union is planning to conduct its first military exercises in history in 2023. This was reported on November 15 by the Spanish newspaper El Pais, citing information contained in the Union's security concept, which will be known as the EU Strategic Compass, according to Armenpress.

The secret document, which the publication had access to, includes calls for increasing the EU's military capabilities, necessary to advance its ideals and protect its interests. "Starting in 2023, we will regularly conduct military exercises, including naval exercises," the document states.

The exercises aim to facilitate the establishment of European rapid-response forces, which could have up to 5,000 troops by 2025. "We will continue to conduct regular military exercises to strengthen our mutual assistance in the event of armed aggression," the document emphasizes.

It is noted that the details of the initiative will be discussed in meetings of the Union's foreign affairs and defense ministers. The first EU security concept, titled the EU Strategic Compass, is expected to be adopted in the spring of 2022, TASS has reported.