TL:DR – European Parliament Advocates for EU Military Mobility Improvements This Week
• François Kalfon, shadow rapporteur for military mobility at the European Parliament, emphasises the need for a European preference in military infrastructure to prevent vulnerabilities from foreign technology on 3 October 2023.
• The EU aims to cut military border crossing times from 45 days to three days in peacetime and six hours during crises under the European Military Mobility Enhanced Response System (EMERS).
• Kalfon proposes a strategic reserve for European military transportation assets to prepare for potential high-intensity warfare in Europe.
• A report on military mobility is expected to be presented to the Committee on Transport and Tourism in early April 2024.
EU Parliament pushes for European preference in military mobility plan
The European Parliament is advocating for improvements to military mobility within the European Union to include a European preference, as highlighted by François Kalfon, the shadow rapporteur on military mobility, this week. This initiative aims to mitigate the risk of foreign entities deploying “kill switches” to impede the movement of troops and military equipment across the bloc.
Kalfon’s remarks come as the European Commission unveiled a package in November aimed at harmonising military mobility rules across the 27 member states. Currently, some countries can take up to 45 days to respond to requests for military cross-border movements, with a goal to reduce this to three days in peacetime and a maximum of six hours during crises under the European Military Mobility Enhanced Response System (EMERS).
European Preference for Military Equipment
Kalfon emphasised the need for an explicit European preference, stating, “It is prudent that our investments in infrastructure and rolling stock give preference to Europe.” He raised concerns over vulnerabilities introduced by foreign investments, particularly from China, which may allow for remote shutdowns of critical infrastructure.
In light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and ongoing geopolitical tensions, the EU has begun tightening regulations around foreign direct investments in crucial sectors. Kalfon noted, “there is nothing today that obliges any transport operator to use European equipment,” citing risks akin to reliance on foreign technology in military scenarios.
Proposed Strategic Reserves of Equipment
The European Parliament has previously included a “Made in Europe” preference in various defence initiatives. Kalfon is pushing for amendments to the military mobility package, specifically for the establishment of a “strategic reserve of European rolling stock” which would enhance readiness in case of high-intensity conflicts.
He elaborated on this concept by stating, “What is a strategic reserve? It means that if a high-intensity war breaks out in Europe… all your wagons and locomotives are mobilised to take equipment to the front.” Kalfon advocates for the joint procurement of versatile equipment, such as dual-use locomotives, which could operate on both fuel and electricity, ensuring resilience in crisis situations.
The rapporteurs’ report on military mobility is expected to be presented to the Committee on Transport and Tourism in early April, with discussions involving the Council and the Commission planned for July.