The European Commission has adopted a new defence package aimed at transforming the EU’s defence industry and improving military mobility across the continent. The measures include an EU defence industry transformation roadmap, a joint communication on military mobility, and a proposal for a regulation to facilitate the transport of military equipment, goods, and personnel within the Union.
Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen stated that innovation is central to Europe’s defence readiness. She highlighted the importance of disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cyber capabilities, and space-based systems in modern warfare. “EU needs a fundamental change of mindset at all levels: Member States, industry and EU institutions. We want agility, speed, collaboration and risk-taking become the new normal in defence capability development in Europe,” Virkkunen said.
The roadmap outlines steps to accelerate transformation within the EU defence industry by supporting investment in defence companies, accelerating technology development, expanding access to capabilities, and fostering necessary skills. The Commission also plans to strengthen its Defence Innovation Office in Kyiv to better support competitive advantages for European industries.
Military mobility was identified as a top priority. The Commission aims to create what it calls a “Military Schengen,” enabling faster movement of troops and equipment across borders by removing regulatory barriers. New harmonised rules are proposed with maximum three-day processing times for permits and streamlined customs formalities. An emergency framework named the European Military Mobility Enhanced Response System (EMERS) will be established for rapid procedures during crises.
High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas referenced recent attacks on infrastructure as evidence of increased risks facing Europe. She emphasised that swift movement is essential for deterrence: “It is quite simple: the faster we can move forces, the stronger our deterrence and defence.” Kallas pointed out existing delays—such as some countries requiring 45 days’ notice before allowing troop movements—and called these unacceptable more than a decade after Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
Kallas outlined proposals including reducing administrative barriers through an EU-wide emergency mechanism and assigning national military transport coordinators in each member state. She noted that €17 billion is earmarked for dual-use transport infrastructure under the next multi-annual budget cycle—a move aligned with NATO allies’ pledges on security spending.
Commissioner Andrius Kubilius stressed that speed is crucial for both defence and deterrence: “Infantry wins battles, logistics wins wars.” He described how current proposals would harmonise military transport rules through regulation rather than non-binding communications or plans—moving from 27 national permit procedures to one single Union procedure. The package introduces pooling mechanisms like a Solidarity Pool to share key mobility capacities among member states voluntarily.
Kubilius also discussed actions supporting late-stage funding for startups via a €1 billion fund with the European Investment Bank due to concerns about external capital dominating this sector. A pilot instrument called AGILE will aim to develop solutions tailored for military needs within six to twelve months.
Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas focused on infrastructure improvements needed for seamless cross-border movement of troops and equipment. He noted ongoing work since 2017 based on lessons learned from NATO exercises where logistical weaknesses caused delays. Over 500 critical hotspots have been identified along four major corridors built upon the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). Upgrades will target dual-use projects such as widening tunnels or strengthening bridges—investments expected not only to enhance security but also benefit civilian use.
Tzitzikostas explained that implementing these projects would require around €100 billion by 2030. Funding sources include cohesion policy funds reallocated toward mobility projects; after 2028, Connecting Europe Facility resources dedicated specifically to military mobility are set to increase tenfold.
He concluded by stressing regulatory simplification: “It means reducing total movement time from weeks or months…to just three days.” Upcoming debates with Parliament members and discussions with member states are scheduled over coming weeks as part of efforts toward swift implementation ahead of looming threats.
