The European Union has launched a peacekeeping military force into Chad and the Central African Republic (car). The long-awaited mission deployed on Monday to aid refugees from Darfur, who number in the millions, according to reports.

Darfur is currently plagued by violence between local milita groups and the government-backed Arab “Janjaweed,” upi reported. The effects of the violent bloodshed, which has already claimed more than 200,000 victims, has spilled over into Darfur’s western neighbors, creating a massive humanitarian crisis for approximately 2 million refugees.

Brussels is fielding a 3,700-strong force under a 12-month mandate from the United Nations, set to begin when the entire force becomes operational in mid-May, but the first EU boots are set to hit the ground in Africa any day.

“In conducting this operation the EU is stepping up its long-standing action in support of efforts to tackle the crisis in Darfur and to address its regional ramifications,” EU foreign ministers said in a statement.

The eufor Chad-car mission is charged with protecting civilians and refugees and ensuring humanitarian aid.

European troops “have no intention of getting involved in local politics,” Operation Commander Gen. Pat Nash said. However, although the force will, for the time being, stay out of Darfur, the epicenter of the massacre, rebels in Chad have said that if they think EU forces are supporting the Chadian government, they will attack them.

If fired upon, EU troops have clearance to shoot back.

The tragic proportions of the Darfur crisis allow Brussels ample rationale for fielding such a significant military force. However, in spite of the staggering bloodshed occurring in that country, the greater ramifications rest with deployment of the European military. eufor has already been a competitor to the American-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan for equipment, specifically helicopters. But more importantly, more and more serious missions for the EU means the world is getting used to more and more precedents for an armed and active Europe, which has historically bloody precedents of its own. For more on why you should monitor the rise of Europe closely, read Germany and the Holy Roman Empire.