The European Union Crisis Management Military Exercise (MILEX) is the EU's premier annual military exercise. It is designed to enhance the EU’s crisis management and rapid deployment capabilities. MILEX also serves to validate the EU's military readiness.

This year’s MILEX25 was a strategic, operational and tactical level alert and deployment exercise to test and enhance the effectiveness of the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity (EU RDC) and the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) under realistic conditions.

Training in Hungary

MILEX25 saw forces from 13 EU Member States training together in Hungary. The exercise presented a complex strategic synchronisation challenge, from a strategic deployment transitioning to a standard field training exercise.

As the exercise brings together joint military forces from 13 countries, it significantly contributes to enhancing EU defence and military cooperation and bolsters interoperability at all levels.

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EU as security provider

MILEX25 also highlights a notable milestone by presenting the EU RDC in action. This is evidence that EU has made additional progress as a security provider. 

Throughout the training, the MPCC serves as the Operational Headquarters (OHQ) in Brussels while Eurocorps acts as the Force Headquarters (FHQ) in Strasbourg. They collaborate on crisis response planning.

Force of 5 000 troops

The MPCC oversees the deployment of the EU's RDC, a formidable force up to 5 000 troops - the key deliverable of the EU Strategic Compass. Meanwhile, Eurocorps in its established command element at Pápa Air Base, Hungary, ensures seamless coordination between the OHQ in Brussels and the units deployed on the ground.

On 10 April 2025, General Robert Brieger, Chairman of the EU Military Committee (EUMC), along with the Political and Security Committee (PSC) Ambassadors and Military Representatives, attended the Distinguished Visitors Day of, at Pápa Air Base, Hungary.

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Dedication praised

During the opening ceremony of the Distinguished Visitors Day, the Chairman has addressed the audience. He highlighted the tangible progress in preparedness and effectiveness, while also praised the dedication and contributions of the participating member states in EU defence cooperation.

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• Follow the link to learn more about the Milex Military Exercise