EUFOR Tchad/RCA

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European Union Force Chad/CAR, also EUFOR Tchad/RCA after the French, is the European Union mission in Chad and the Central African Republic, authorized in late 2007.^[1] EUFOR Chad/CAR was authorized under the same United Nations Security Council resolution that mandated MINURCAT, a UN force tasked with training police and improving judicial infrastructure.^[2] The European Union Force's mandate includes "to take all necessary measures, within its capabilities and its area of operation in eastern Chad and the north-eastern Central African Republic"^[3] to protect civilians, facilitate delivery of humanitarian aid, and ensure the safety of UN personnel. The EU operation commander, Lt. General Patrick Nash of the Irish Army, announced on 5 November^[4] that this force will be 4,300 troops strong, expected to begin deployment in February 2008. Out of these, 3,700 troops will be deployed in the area of operations, and a strategic reserve of 600 troops will be stationed in Europe. The military operation was approved by the Council of the European Union on 15 October^[5].

Current confirmed contributors include (with number of troops committed):^[6]

France – 2000 troops, 10 helicopters, 500 person logistical support^[2]
Ireland – 450 troops including 50 Irish Army Rangers^[7]
Poland – 400 troops ^[8]
Sweden – 202 troops^[9]
Austria – 160 troops, 50 special forces of the Jagdkommando^[10]
Romania – 120 troops
Belgium – 100 troops, 22 special forces
Spain – 100 troops
Finland – 40 troops
Portugal - 1 C-130H with 30 Air Force personnel [2]
Slovenia - up to 15 troops^{[citation needed]}
Netherlands - 60 Marines^[11]

On 13th February 2008 it was announced that 50 Irish Army Rangers would be deployed to Chad on Thursday February 21 2008, ^[12] under the command of Lt. Gen. Pat Nash.

On 29th March 2008 the parliament of Spain approved the deployment of 100 soldiers to serve as part of EUFOR Tchad/RCA, at the request of Foreign Affairs Minister, Miguel Ángel Moratinos. According to the daily El Pais the deployment would begin the following Sunday.^[13]