To make it easier for troops, equipment and military assets to move quickly and unimpeded across Europe, the European Commission and its High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy are stepping up defence readiness with a particular focus on preparedness; to this end, a military mobility legislative package has been drawn up: a new regulation on military mobility and a joint communication.

The Commission also aims to foster breakthrough innovation in the military field and to strengthen the European defence industry through the Roadmap for the transformation of the European defence industry.

Rapid movement on a large scale

The military mobility legislative package, which provides for an EU-wide military mobility area to be established by 2027, brings the European Union a step closer to a “military Schengen area”. Setting it up means that the movement of troops and military equipment across Europe will become faster, safer and better coordinated.

o   Regulatory barriers removed. The first EU-level harmonised rules on military mobility have been introduced, along with clear rules and procedures for cross-border military movements, providing that requests are processed within no more than three days and that customs formalities are streamlined.

o   An emergency framework established. A new European Military Mobility Enhanced Response System (EMERS) for accelerated procedures and priority access to infrastructure, thereby supporting armed forces operating within EU or NATO structures.

o   Greater resilience of transport infrastructure. Thanks to a new resilience toolkit, the EU's main military mobility corridors will be upgraded to dual-use standards, and strategic infrastructure will also be protected. Targeted investment will strengthen cybersecurity, energy security and readiness in both peacetime and crisis situations.

o   Pooled and shared capabilities. Member States' preparedness, solidarity and the availability of military mobility capabilities will be improved by organising a solidarity pool and creating the possibility of setting up a digital information system for military mobility.

o   Stronger governance and coordination. Implementation will be driven and readiness overseen by a new Military Mobility Transport Group and an enhanced Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Committee, supported by national cross-border military transport coordinators in each Member State.

Further information (in English): Commission moves towards 'Military Schengen' and transformation of defence industry