EU to Create Military Force

The EU wants to create a joint intervention force of some 5,000 soldiers by 2025, Bloomberg reports.

According to an internal EU document seen by Bloomberg, the military force could be deployed without unanimous consent for “rescue and evacuation missions or a stabilisation operation in a hostile environment.” The document added: “Our strategic competitors should not question the EU’s common resolve to respond to aggression and malicious activities against any of our member states.”

Leaders are due to discuss the plans in December, and endorse a final version during France’s presidency of the EU, next March.

French President Emmanuel Macron has made developing the bloc’s strategic autonomy in defense a priority.