The European Commission has presented a new package for military mobility aimed at simplifying the movement of troops and materiel across national borders within the EU. At the same time, a roadmap is being launched to modernise the European defence industry and strengthen innovation capabilities.

In a press release from the Commission, it is stated that the proposal includes a new EU regulation for military mobility, a new crisis framework, and the establishment of a coordination structure for military transport within the union. The measures represent a step towards creating an EU-wide military mobility area by 2027, called the "Military Schengen".

The regulatory proposal includes harmonised EU-wide rules for cross-border military transport, including simplified customs procedures and a maximum processing time of three days. A new framework, the European Military Mobility Enhanced Response System (EMERS), will provide fast-track and prioritised access to infrastructure in crisis situations related to EU or NATO operations.

The Commission also proposes investments in more robust transport infrastructure according to dual-use standards, as well as the creation of a Solidarity Pool for shared resources and a digital information system for military mobility. Implementation will be led by a new coordination group and national coordinators.

Simultaneously, the EU Defence Industry Transformation Roadmap is being launched to support new technology and actors within defence. The roadmap focuses on four areas: investments in defence companies, faster development of new technologies, increased access to defence capabilities, and the development of technical expertise.

– With the military mobility package, we lay the foundation for a safer and more interconnected Europe. The roadmap for the defence industry builds on the lessons from Ukraine and aims to accelerate innovation and cooperation, says Henna Virkkunen, the Commission's Executive Vice-President for Technology, Security, and Democracy.

Kaja Kallas, the EU's representative for foreign affairs and security policy, emphasises the importance of rapid troop movement in a new security environment:

– Defence readiness is determined by whether troops and materiel can be deployed where they are needed, when they are needed.

The Commission will now present the regulation proposal to the European Parliament and the Council. The implementation of the roadmap begins immediately.