The European Commission on Wednesday unveiled plans for an emergency system to speed up the cross-border movement of troops and military equipment in response to growing security threats from Russia.
EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas, said “fast movement of Europe’s militaries is essential for Europe’s defence.
“Defence readiness fundamentally depends on whether you can get your tanks and troops to where you need them, when you need them.
“Europe is facing unprecedented security threats. The case for better military mobility couldn’t be clearer.’’
Under the plans, military transport operations are to have priority access to transport networks, infrastructure and related services across the European Union during a crisis.
They also foresee exemptions from rules on drivers’ working hours, national notification requirements and environmental or noise regulations. Rail vehicles could be used outside their normally approved areas of operation.
European deterrence cannot rely on goodwill, proposal says
“In crises, when time is crucial to any response, Europe cannot afford to react slowly,” the proposal said.
“In such situations, we cannot rely on ad-hoc coordination and national goodwill. We must have a clear plan and a fast lane prepared for our military forces. Without it, our deterrence remains theoretical.”
EU ministers and the European Parliament will scrutinise and discuss the proposal. If approved, the system could be activated within 48 hours in an emergency.
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The proposal refers to it as the European Military Mobility Enhanced Response System (EMERS) which comes in addition to numerous other initiatives for facilitating cross-border military transports.
These approaches include reducing bureaucratic hurdles and expanding transport infrastructure.
Currently, many important road and railway bridges as well as numerous ports and airports are unsuitable for large and heavy military transports.
The EMERS proposal came amid intelligence assessments suggesting Russia may be militarily capable of inaugurating another war by 2030.
Kallas previously warned that Russia could prepare for an attack on an EU country in the years to come.
A commission document also published on Wednesday states: “the Russian aggression against Ukraine demonstrates every day how important it is to move military aid and supply as quickly and smoothly as possible.’’
