EU Plans ‘Military Schengen’ to Boost Rapid Troop and Equipment Movement Across Europe
The European Union is preparing for a possible military conflict with Russia by developing a new military mobility system, nicknamed the “military Schengen.”
The Gaze reports on it, referring to RMF24.
On November 19, the European Commission plans to present a document on EU military mobility, providing for the creation of a common area for the rapid movement of troops, equipment, weapons, and supplies between member states.
The idea of a “military Schengen” is to harmonize rules, digitize logistics, and eliminate bureaucratic barriers that currently complicate the cross-border transport of military resources.
There are plans to create a network of land, air, and sea corridors capable of ensuring the rapid movement of troops in the event of war or a major crisis.
Particular attention will be paid to modernizing infrastructure—bridges, tunnels, railways— that are currently not adapted to the movement of heavy equipment such as tanks.
The European Commission also wants to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure and create a dual-purpose “solidarity fleet” of special wagons and locomotives that can be used for military transport in any EU country.
The document is being prepared in close coordination with NATO to ensure that the new measures are compatible with allied standards and to enhance the defense capabilities of the entire continent.
Earlier, the European Commission has unveiled a “Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030” outlining four flagship initiatives aimed at strengthening the EU’s defense autonomy and preparedness for potential security threats, particularly from Russia.
The proposed projects include the European Drone Defence Initiative, Eastern Flank Watch, European Air Shield, and European Space Shield, all designed to improve the EU’s ability to defend its air, land, sea, and space domains.
The European Drone Defence Initiative is expected to begin initial operations by the end of next year, while the Eastern Flank Watch will become fully operational by 2028.
A new report by the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI) warns that Europe would struggle to mobilize sufficient troops and produce enough weapons in the event of a war with Russia, citing major weaknesses in land forces and ammunition supplies.
Despite having the economic and technological potential to match Russia by 2030, the study stresses that success depends on strong political will and a coherent defense strategy.
Read more on The Gaze: The Copenhagen Summit: Can Europe Build a Security Architecture That Includes Ukraine?