The EU Rapid Deployment Capacity: This time, it’s for real?

The EU’s Strategic Compass calls for the creation of a ‘European Rapid Deployment Capacity’ that would allow the EU to swiftly deploy up to 5 000 troops to respond to crises. A paper commissioned by SEDE examines how this could be achieved. The authors argue that success will depend on learning the right lessons – not only in terms of improving operational readiness and capacity, but also, crucially, in terms of political signalling, commitment, and a stronger sense of national ownership.