German army ‘holds war games to prepare for break-up of the EU’

Germany’s army has been engaging in war games exercises to prepare for the possible break-up of the European Union, it has been reported.

German military strategists have envisioned six security ‘catastrophes’ that could become a reality by 2040, Der Spiegel magazine said.

One of the scenarios involves other EU nations following the UK’s lead by choosing to exit the European bloc, resulting in a world that is ‘increasingly disorderly’.

Other scenarios include the return of ‘state capitalism’ in some EU countries and the emergence of an ‘Eastern bloc’ in Europe, a reference to Russia’s growing infuence.

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One scenario imagined an end to globalisation, while two more predicted a more peaceful world order.

Der Spiegel reported that the study said: ‘The EU enlargement has been largely abandoned, more states have left the bloc.

‘The increasingly disorderly, sometimes chaotic and conflictual world has dramatically changed the security policy environment for Germany and Europe.’

The study, dubbed Strategic Perspective 2040, will lead to the development of military strategies in the coming years, the magazine said.

A Defence Ministry spokesman said the study made ‘robust predictions’ but said its content is confidential.