The Russian invasion of Ukraine outlined the importance of military mobility in times of crisis. It also showed how crucial it is to simplify and harmonise procedures of moving military assets and equipment across EU and NATO member states. Military mobility is a paramount enabler for the EU’s security and defence in both the short and long-term.
The EU and NATO have taken important steps to enhance mobility in the past two years and a half. Military mobility is a particular domain where NATO and the EU jointly complement each other. While NATO deals with the movement of military equipment, the EU has a larger focus on legal, regulatory issues and the development of transport infrastructure that has both civilian and military use. Hence, close cooperation and coordination between the two organisations is essential to generate progress on military mobility on the European continent.
As the EU enters a new policy cycle, the war in Ukraine continues to rage on, and calls from several military and political leaders across member states highlighting a potential direct Russian attack in the next three to five years are mounting. Discussions about further enhancing the role of the EU in security and defence will be high on the agenda of the EU and its members states, with military mobility taking a central place.
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