The European Union has approved a common defense strategy that involves the creation of a 5,000-strong deployment force called “Strategic Compass” plan – for the first time in the bloc’s history.
Latvian FM Edgars Rinkēvičs said the initiative provides a “necessary toolbox for the EU to become a real geopolitical defense and security player together with NATO,” and is only the “beginning of the journey”.
The plan, first mentioned in 2020, is aimed at improving cooperation between existing European militaries and NATO, cyber-defense consolidation, and facilitating joint R&D programs.
