Crisis Response Operation Core

{{Infobox military unit

|unit_name= Crisis Response Operation Core

|image= EUFOR CROC.svg

|caption=20px Lead Nation

|dates=

|country= European Union

|allegiance= European Union

| command_structure=Permanent Structured Cooperation

|type=

|role=

|size=

|current_commander=

|notable_commanders=

|garrison=

|ceremonial_chief=

|colonel_of_the_regiment=

|nickname=

|patron=

|motto=

|colors=

|march=

|mascot=

|battles=

|anniversaries=

|website =

|identification_symbol=

|identification_symbol_label=

}}

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.[http://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/32079/pesco-overview-of-first-collaborative-of-projects-for-press.pdf Project outlines] CROC is intended to be a 60,000 head military force composed of three divisions of four battalions each. The lead nations in 2017 were France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

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.{{cite news |url=http://www.egmontinstitute.be/content/uploads/2017/10/SPB91-Biscop.pdf?type=pdf |title=European Defence: What’s in the CARDs for PESCO? |first=Sven |last=Biscop |date=October 2017}}

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.{{cite news|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/macron-eu-to-unveil-military-pact-projects/|title=EU unveils military pact projects|date=10 December 2017|first=Jacopo|last=Barigazzi|work=Politico|access-date=29 December 2017}}

As of September 2021, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Spain are participating in CROC, and other member states could join.{{Cite web |url=https://www.egmontinstitute.be/app/uploads/2021/09/spb-149-Sven.pdf?type=pdf |title=The Strategic Compass: Entering the Fray |last=Biscop |first=Sven |work=egmontinstitute.be |date=September 2021 |access-date=15 October 2022}}