Armed forces need to be able to swiftly move troops and equipment in the EU and across its external borders. Military mobility underpins the Union’s preparedness and readiness, and is essential for European security and deterrence.
Today the European Commission together with the High Representative, and with considerable input from the European Defence Agency and its Member States, proposed new rules to establish an EU-wide military mobility area by 2027.
Inputs from the Member States gathered by the European Defence Agency included the experience from the Technical Arrangements for cross-border movement permissions, the military requirements for the digitalisation of customs procedures for military transports, and the capability gaps identified through EDA studies in the domains of rail and inland waterways transport.
EDA's wider role
EDA supports its 27 Member States in improving their defence capabilities through European cooperation. Acting as an enabler and facilitator for Ministries of Defence willing to engage in collaborative capability projects, the Agency has become the hub for European defence cooperation, with expertise and networks covering the full spectrum of defence capabilities. Member States use EDA as an intergovernmental expert platform where their collaborative projects are supported, facilitated and implemented.
Useful links
Communication on Military Mobility
Proposal for a Council regulation on Military Mobility