Czech Republic Takes the Lead for V4 EUBG in 2028

Two-Day Kick-Off Meeting

To prepare for this landmark role, CZ requested a pivotal two-day meeting held on 03/04 February 2026. The meeting aimed to commence the planning phase for V4 EUBG 2028 by establishing working relations between relevant stakeholders. Central to this was the collaboration between the CZ Joint Operations Command (JOCOM) and the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC). With the European Union Military Staff (EUMS) leading and chairing the meeting with precision, expectations were high.

EUMS

Building Key Partnerships

The essence of this meeting was fostering robust partnerships. The planners focused on establishing effective working relationships and achieving mutual understanding of each other's capabilities. Key players included strategic and operational level representatives from both, the EU and CZ, alongside the MPCC. Together, they will collaborate with the Force Headquarters (FHQ) to ensure a smooth and efficient preparation process.

Guided by the Strategic Compass

This endeavour has been steered by the Strategic Compass - a strategic document crafted to strengthen the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Central to this is the Rapid Deployment Capacity (RDC), which enables the deployment of Rapid Response Forces (RRF) whenever necessary, according to the EU's military level of ambition. Operational since 2025, these forces act as the strategic military reserve for the EU, ready for rapid intervention in emergencies beyond Europe and complementary to other international military initiatives. Consequently, there was significant emphasis on the capability to plan and conduct crisis management operations and missions across all domains.

Preparing for Future Challenges

Overall, the two-day meeting represented a vital step and a foundational moment in ensuring that the V4 EUBG 2028 will be well-prepared to meet future challenges. Based on mutual gained experience from other standby-formations, CZ will continue to further enhance the EU's capability to act as a credible security provider, if Member States decide so. By establishing robust connections and clear plans, the participating nations aim to guarantee effective collaboration when the time comes.

EUMS