European Union foreign and defense ministers agreed on Monday a security strategy aimed at bolstering the bloc's military presence as war returns to Europe, including the creation of a rapid reaction force of up to 5,000 soldiers that can be quickly deployed in a crisis.

"Threats are growing and the cost of inaction is clear," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement, describing the document outlining European ambitions in defense and security by 2030 as "guiding principles for action."

Work on the strategy had begun in 2020, before the outbreak of the pandemic, the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan and the outbreak of the Ukraine war.

After the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, the European Union toughened its tone towards Moscow, saying in a statement that it "needs to be able to protect its citizens and contribute to international peace and security."

"This is very important at a time when war is returning to Europe after Russia's unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, as well as major political transitions," he added.

European Union Foreign Affairs Commissioner Josep Borrell (Reuters)

strategic compass

At the same time, the EU has made clear that it sees its efforts as complementary to NATO operations and not aimed at competing with the US-led military alliance as the pillar of Western defense.

German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said in Brussels that her country is ready to provide the basic core of the new rapid reaction force by 2025, the year when the force is supposed to become operational.

The force will replace the existing battle groups, which were established by the conglomerate in 2007 but were never put into use.

Defense reform plans gained momentum after European nations struggled to manage the chaotic withdrawal from Kabul in August.

The force will be made up of "land, air and sea components" and equipped with transport capabilities to be able to "carry out rescue and evacuation interventions for European citizens" caught in a conflict.

European Union leaders are expected to approve the security strategy, referred to as the strategic compass, at a summit to be held on Thursday and Friday in Brussels.