The Crisis Response Operation Core (CROC) is a flagship European Union defence project under development as part of Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO). CROC will contribute to the creation of a "full spectrum force package" to speed up provision of military forces and the EU's crisis management capabilities.[1] CROC is intended to be a 60,000 head military force composed of three divisions of four battalions each.[2] The lead nations in 2017 were France, Germany, Italy and Spain.[2]
Mission
Rather than creating a standing force, the project involves creating a concrete catalogue of military force elements that would speed up the establishment of a force when the EU decides to launch an operation. It is land-focused and aims to generate a force of 60,000 troops from the contributing states alone. While it does not establish any form of "European army", it foresees a deployable, interoperable force under a single command.[2]
Notable partners
Germany is leading the project, but France is also heavily involved as the subject is tied to President Emmanuel Macron's proposal to create a standing intervention force. France views this project as an example of what the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) is all about.[3]
As of September 2021, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Spain are participating in CROC, and other member states could join.[4]
Lead Nation
