Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, High Representative Kaja Kallas, Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism | Photo: European Union
The European Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy have announced a new military mobility package and an EU Defence Industry Transformation Roadmap aimed at improving the movement of armed forces across Europe and accelerating defence industrial innovation. The initiatives are intended to strengthen defence readiness, reduce administrative barriers, and support the integration of new technologies into Europe’s defence ecosystem.
High Representative Kaja Kallas said, “The 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. Today, we are proposing an emergency system for cross-border military transport and an initiative to pool member countries’ transport to make moving troops easier across the continent.”
Factsheet: Military Mobility Package | Graphic: European Union
The military mobility package proposes creating an EU-wide military mobility area by 2027, a concept often referred to as a “Military Schengen.” The measures include the first harmonised EU-level rules governing cross-border military transport, with a maximum three-day processing time for authorisations and simplified customs requirements. The package also introduces the European Military Mobility Enhanced Response System (EMERS), which will provide fast-track procedures and priority access to transport infrastructure during EU or NATO operational activity.
Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space, said, “A strong Europe needs both an adaptive and innovating defence industry and the ability to move its forces and assets at scale and speed. The Defence Industry Transformation Roadmap accelerates Europe’s shift towards a more modern, dynamic and innovative defence ecosystem.”
Additional measures include upgrading transport corridors to dual-use standards, developing a resilience toolbox to protect critical infrastructure, and improving cybersecurity and energy security for mobility networks. The Commission has also proposed new governance structures, including a Military Mobility Transport Group and an expanded Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Committee, supported by national coordinators in each Member State.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said, “As we advance the EU military mobility package, we are laying the groundwork for a safer, more interconnected Europe, ensuring rapid and seamless movement of troops and equipment across the continent. With the lessons learned from Ukraine, the European Defence Industry Transformation Roadmap will accelerate innovation and collaboration, keeping Europe at the forefront of technological advancement and strategic readiness. Together, we’re building a Europe that stands firm against any challenge.”
Factsheet: Defence Industry Transformation Roadmap | Graphic: European Union
Alongside the mobility package, the EU Defence Industry Transformation Roadmap outlines steps to support innovation and increase production capacity in the defence sector. It aims to connect deep-tech and defence industries, speed up technology development, expand access to defence capabilities, and build workforce skills. The roadmap is positioned as a response to lessons learned from Russia’s war against Ukraine, including the rapid evolution of technologies such as drones, artificial intelligence, quantum systems and space-based capabilities.
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, said, “Today’s military mobility package marks a decisive step in strengthening Europe’s ability to respond to any security crisis or threat. We are building on Europe’s biggest transport strength, the Trans-European Transport Network.”
The proposals will now move to the Council and European Parliament under the ordinary legislative procedure.
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