Concerns Over Russian Threats
"Rapid Movement of Forces Is Key to Security"
Europe has unveiled measures to accelerate the movement of troops and military equipment across member states, amid concerns about security threats from Russia.
On November 19 (local time), the European Commission announced the 'European Military Enabling and Response System (EMERS)'.
Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated at a press conference, "The rapid movement of European forces is central to Europe's defense. Our defensive posture fundamentally depends on whether we can move tanks and troops to the right place at the right time."
EMERS includes measures to ensure that, in the event of a conflict, military forces and equipment such as tanks can be rapidly deployed across the borders of the 27 member states. In times of crisis, it grants priority access to transportation networks, infrastructure, and related services throughout the EU. In emergencies, normal traffic regulations may be temporarily suspended.
The European Commission explained that, "In a crisis, we cannot rely solely on ad hoc coordination or the goodwill of individual countries. We need clear plans and rapid movement routes for the military."
The EU pointed out that the current major roads, railway bridges, ports, and airports within the region are not suitable for transporting large-scale military equipment. It identified the expansion of transportation infrastructure and the reduction of bureaucratic barriers as key tasks. The need to strengthen infrastructure against cyber and hybrid threats was also emphasized.
To realize these plans, the EU has proposed increasing the military mobility budget in the long-term EU budget for 2028-2034 to 17.65 billion euros (approximately 29.8769 trillion won), ten times the current level.
Andrius Kubilius, the European Commissioner for Defense and Space, underscored the importance of this plan by quoting General John Pershing, commander of the U.S. forces stationed in Europe during World War I: "Infantry wins battles, but logistics wins wars."
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the European Commissioner for Transport and Tourism, stated that Europe should emulate the Schengen-style free movement system for military equipment as well, and that the goal is to establish key measures by 2030.
Meanwhile, the EMERS proposal announced by the EU on this day must undergo consultations among member states and review and discussion by the European Parliament.
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