Since 2002, the European Union has been conducting crisis management military exercises to test the effectiveness of military command structures and procedures.

In keeping with the guidelines set out in the Strategic Compass, the EU is now conducting more regular exercises, including live ones. These live exercises involve using joint military forces and capabilities from EU member states.

This year's EU Military Exercise is MILEX 24, a two-part exercise. The first part, a Command Post Exercise (CPX), is currently underway, running from 8 April - 3 May 2024. The second part, the Live Exercise (LIVEX), will take place later in Bergen, Germany, from 26 November - 10 December 2024.

The Operational Headquarters (OHQ) will once again be the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) in Brussels, while the Force Headquarters (FHQ) this year will be EUROCORPS in Strasbourg. During the Command Post Exercise, the Military Planning and Conduct Capability will be augmented by key personnel from Member States.