In a draft resolution adopted by the Committee on Foreign Affairs by 43 votes in favour, 2 against and 0 abstentions, MEPs support the proposal of establishing the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity (EU RDC). This would equip the EU with the capacity and structures to act effectively, respond rapidly and decisively to prevent and manage crises to serve and protect the European Union’s citizens, interests, principles and values across the world.

The RDC should be designed to reflect the new geopolitical context and reach full operational capability by 2025 at the latest, MEPs add.

MEPs propose the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity missions to cover rescue and evacuation operations, entry and the initial phase of stabilisation operations as well as temporary reinforcement of other missions. The RDC could also be used as a reserve force to secure an exit when needed. The tasks should be flexible in order to be prepared to address all possible crisis situations, they add.

Strategic autonomy

The EU RDC should have at least 5000 troops, in addition to the strategic support capabilities required for its operation, e.g. transport personnel, intelligence, satellite communication and strategic reconnaissance assets, special operations forces, medical care and evacuation units. All troops of the EU RDC should be assigned exclusively to it, with member states able to call them for national duty in the event of an emergency.

MEPs insist on the necessity to conduct regular joint exercises, in line…