EU Commission unveils plan to speed troop movements with 'Military Schengen'

​​​​​​​By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - The European Commission unveiled a new military mobility package Wednesday to boost defense readiness and move closer to establishing a "Military Schengen" by 2027.

The package introduces the first EU-wide harmonized rules to speed up cross-border movement of troops and equipment, limiting procedures to a maximum of three days and streamlining customs requirements, according to a statement.

It also sets up the European Military Mobility Enhanced Response System (EMERS) to fast-track deployments in the EU or NATO contexts and grant priority access to critical infrastructure during emergencies.

To reinforce transport resilience, the EU will upgrade key corridors to dual-use standards and apply a new resilience toolbox to protect strategic infrastructure, including in cyber and energy sectors.

A "Solidarity Pool" and a future "Military Mobility Digital Information System" will support member states in coordinating capabilities.

A new "Military Mobility Transport Group," alongside an enhanced Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Committee and national coordinators, will oversee implementation.

Separately, the Commission launched the EU Defense Industry Transformation Roadmap, designed to accelerate disruptive innovation, strengthen Europe's defense industrial base and integrate emerging technologies such as AI, quantum systems, drones and space capabilities.

The plan focuses on boosting investment, speeding technology development, expanding access to capabilities and improving skills.

The military mobility regulation will now go to the European Parliament and the EU Council for negotiation. The Commission will begin implementing the roadmap immediately.