Check against delivery!  

Madam Chair, Honourable Members,

On behalf of High Representative Josep Borrell,   

I would like to thank the rapporteur, Mr [Javi] López, and all Members of the European Parliament who have contributed to this report that stresses the importance of establishing an EU Rapid Deployment Capacity. 

The setting up of the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity is one of the key tasks derived from the Strategic Compass and among its most visible and concrete deliverables.   

The EU Rapid Deployment Capacity will enable the European Union to act rapidly and robustly whenever a crisis erupts, with partners if possible and alone when necessary. 

As the report rightly considers, the Rapid Deployment Capacity is crucial for closing the gap between the [European] Union’s level of ambition and its actual capabilities.   

Events in recent years, such as the collapse of the government in Afghanistan and the subsequent evacuation of Kabul, have shown the need for the [European] Union to have means and capabilities to quickly react to such crisis situations.   

European Union Member States decided with the Strategic Compass that the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity will be fully operational by 2025. It will consist of substantially modified European Union Battlegroups and pre-identified military forces and capabilities from the Member States.   

In recent months, the [European] Union has taken concrete steps towards that goal. 

First, operational scenarios. In line with the Strategic Compass, the first two operational scenarios were adopted by the Council in November 2022. These two documents outline how the [European] Union will concretely act in specific situations, such as rescue and evacuation operations or the initial phase of stabilisation. These operational scenarios, as you also indicate in the report, will be used for European Union crisis management exercises, including live exercises.  

Second, and related, conceptual framework. The so-called Military Rapid Response Concept was agreed by the European Union Military Committee in March, providing a comprehensive guidebook on how to establish this European Union capacity of up to 5 000 troops. Work continues on the identification of the necessary capabilities, including strategic enablers.  

It goes without saying that coordination with NATO will be of utmost importance.  

Third, live exercise and financial solidarity / common costs. The European Union will conduct its first full-fledged live exercise later this year. The European Union has never done this before, so this will be an important step forward. The recent ad hoc decision to finance this exercise with the European Peace Facility will build solidarity, improve readiness and interoperability of our forces. In line with the Strategic Compass, work will follow on common financing of the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity and the common costs of military CSDP missions and operations.   

We fully support your calls to Member States to show political will and provide adequate funds and personnel needed to deliver on the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity.  

Fourth, the development of the Military Planning and Conduct Capability. The aim is making it the preferred European Union command structure, including for the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity, once it reaches full operational capacity in 2025.   

We are working towards enabling the Military Planning and Conduct Capability, also to plan and conduct small-scale executive operations and exercises, in line with the Strategic Compass.   

Fifth, decision-making. All decisions about the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity are adopted by European Union Member States by unanimity. But we are also working to speed up decision-making. For example, discussions have advanced on the use of Article 44 of the Treaty of the European Union to enable a group of willing and able Member States to plan and conduct a mission or operation within the European Union framework.   

One year after the adoption of the Strategic Compass, we can be satisfied with the substantial progress achieved, including with the development of the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity.  

Once again, allow me to thank you on behalf of the High Representative Josep Borrell, for the [European] Parliament’s support to all these efforts.  

Thank you. 

Link to video (starting at 4:45): https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-239988  

Closing remarks  

Madam Chair, Honourable Members, 

The debate today testifies your continued interest and engagement on strengthening the European Union as a credible security and defence actor. 

The first progress report on the implementation of the Strategic Compass of last March highlights the importance of taking a quantum leap forward in our joint ambition in security and defence. 

Your report is a valuable contribution to the efforts to increase the [European] Union’s ability to respond quickly and decisively to imminent threats and crisis situations outside the Union. 

The operationalisation of the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity by 2025 will be key to make this a reality. 

We will continue keeping you informed on our progress and taking note of your views. We thank you very much for your support for a stronger EU security and defence policy. 

Link to video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-239990