LONDON

NATO countries on Thursday launched a crisis management exercise to test the alliance's consultation and decision-making procedures at the strategic political-military level, said a statement on Thursday.

The week-long Crisis Management Exercise 2023 (CMX 2023), which involves both civilian and military staff from allied nations, Sweden, and Finland, is being held at NATO Headquarters in Brussels and in Strategic Commands, NATO said in a statement, noting that it would continue until March 15.

"CMX 2023 will include practising comprehensive responses to a complex civil-military scenario, set in a hybrid environment," it added.

The statement pointed out that Sweden and Finland had joined in previous exercises, but that this year they would be participating with their new status of "invitees."

CMX 2023 will also include staff-to-staff exchanges with the European External Action Service, European Commission and the General Secretariat of the European Council, and the Council of the European Union, the statement added.