‘Mission accomplished’ as MEPs adopt Military Mobility position - EUROPE SAYS
“It is mission accomplished,” EU Parliament rapporteur Michał Szczerba said after MEPs gave a first green light to plans to speed up the movement of military equipment and assets across the European. . .
“It is mission accomplished,” EU Parliament rapporteur Michał Szczerba said after MEPs gave a first green light to plans to speed up the movement of military equipment and assets across the European Union. MEPs have formally adopted their negotiating position on revised military mobility rules aimed at improving cross-border transport readiness, with the Transport and Tourism (TRAN) and Security and Defence (SEDE) committees backing the draft by 49 votes to nine, with four abstentions. The vote paves the way for negotiations with EU member states on measures to speed up permits, improve cross-border coordination and upgrade infrastructure used for the movement of military and heavy transport equipment. ‘Significantly strengthened’Szczerba said, “We have significantly strengthened the military mobility legislative package. We have secured simplified procedures, shortened deadlines for granting transport permission, accelerated digitalisation, strengthened interoperability with NATO and close partners, and improved the resilience of strategic dual-use infrastructure. ”Under the proposed rules, MEPs support the creation of a secure digital system to manage military transport permissions, traffic arrangements and Customs formalities, with the introduction brought forward to 2027. They also back faster authorisation procedures, including standing permissions within one month and ad hoc permits within two working days. MEP Dariusz JońskiFor the heavy transport and project logistics sector, the proposals are relevant to the harmonisation and digitalisation of permitting systems, as well as improved coordination between national authorities and more consistent cross-border procedures for oversized and heavy loads. TRAN rapporteur Roberts Zīle said: “These new rules will enhance EU preparedness to respond to security challenges and to quickly move troops to EU countries in need of assistance. We have met our deadlines so that we can start negotiations with the Council in July. ”Prioritised upgradesMEPs also call for prioritised upgrades to dual-use infrastructure, including roads, bridges, tunnels, railways and access routes to ports and terminals, alongside clearer investment planning at EU level. “Today’s vote is a first but decisive step towards making a military Schengen a reality,” said MEP Dariusz Joński, (above) the EPP Group (European People’s Party) negotiator on military mobility in the Transport Committee. If approved in plenary, the Parliament will enter negotiations with the Council of the EU on the final shape of the legislation. Subscribe to gain access to all newsAlready have a subscription?Log in. Choose your subscriptionMost popular!Digital OnlyiThe price is displayed as a monthly rate (VAT excluded), but invoicing is carried out annually. Please refer to our subscription terms for more details. €23,33per monthper user*£20. 42per monthper user*$25. 00per monthper user*Access to all Premium contentFull access to the entire digital archive6x per year Digital MagazineDiscount on selected eventsSubscribe with 1, 3, or 5 user loginsDigital + PrintiThe price is displayed as a monthly rate (VAT excl. ), but invoicing is carried out annually. Please refer to our subscription terms for more details. €31,25per monthper user*£27. 08per monthper user*$33. 33per monthper user*6x per year print MagazineAccess to all Premium contentFull access to the entire digital archiveDiscount on selected eventsSubscribe with 1 or 3 user loginsSubscribe now ›Considering a corporate subscription?Contact usto find out more. OrWant to read this article for free?You can read one free article per month. Enter your email and we’ll send you a free link to access the full article. No payment required.