Fast Moves: Boosting Military Transport Across Europe

EU Parliament resolution on Military Mobility – 17 Dec 2025

The European Parliament voted on a comprehensive plan to make the movement of troops, equipment and humanitarian aid across the EU faster, cheaper and safer. The key points are:

1. Why it matters

   • Russia’s war in Ukraine shows the need for quick cross‑border moves of forces.
   • The EU wants to be able to move troops and supplies quickly to any EU border, especially the eastern flank.
   • Military mobility is also needed for disaster relief, medical evacuations and humanitarian aid.

2. What will be built or improved

   • Four priority corridors (Northern, Eastern, Central‑Southern, Central‑Northern) – 500 “hot‑spots” need urgent upgrades.
   • 94 % of these corridors are part of the Trans‑European Transport Network (TEN‑T).
   • New rail links, roads, bridges, ports, inland waterways and airports will be upgraded for dual use (civil & military).
   • Logistics hubs and trans‑shipment terminals will get new loading platforms and storage for troops and equipment.

3. Money and funding

   • The EU will keep €17 billion in the 2028‑2034 budget for military mobility.
   • The total TEN‑T core and extended network needs €845 billion over 15 years; the most valuable parts need at least €210 billion more.
   • The EU will also use the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and other programmes (SAFE, EDIP, EDIRPA) to fund projects.
   • Public‑private partnerships and special procurement rules will speed up purchases.

4. Rules and procedures

   • A “military Schengen” is aimed for – fast, one‑stop authorisation for convoys, with a European digital platform.
   • Customs, dangerous‑goods rules, diplomatic clearances and permits will be harmonised and digitalised.
   • The EU will set up a crisis framework with clear phases (peace, crisis, war) and a 24‑hour rule for emergency movements.

5. Security and resilience

   • Cyber‑security of transport networks, GPS and signalling systems will be upgraded.
   • Fuel supplies will be expanded; EU will look at more local fuel production and storage.
   • Air, sea, rail and road routes will get better protection against sabotage and hybrid attacks.

6. NATO and partners

   • The plan matches NATO’s technical and geographic needs (95 % alignment).
   • Shared information, joint exercises and a common form for permits (EU 302 and NATO 302) will reduce delays.
   • The EU will work closely with Ukraine, Moldova, the Western Balkans and other partners on corridors and security.

7. Industry and technology

   • EU defence industry will get support to produce dual‑use vehicles, locomotives, ships, drones and autonomous logistics units.
   • Innovation in modular platforms, autonomous transport and digital logistics will be funded.

8. Implementation

   • A new EU‑NATO task force and national points of contact will oversee the plan.
   • The Parliament will keep monitoring progress and will push for transparent reporting.

In short, the resolution calls for rapid, cheaper and more secure movement of military and humanitarian assets across Europe, backed by big investment, streamlined rules, better infrastructure, stronger cyber‑defence, and close cooperation with NATO and partner countries.