European Commission makes proposal to facilitate movement of military equipment and personnel

The European Commission has published a package of measures on military mobility, consisting of a (non-legislative) Communication^[1] and a proposal^[2] for a Regulation and its annex^[3].

In the definition^[4] by the European External Action Service (EEAS), military mobility refers to the “swift and seamless movement of military personnel, materiel and assets – including at short notice and at large scale – within and beyond the EU.” Maritime infrastructure like ports and vessels can also play a role in this regard.

While so far, there has only been a non-legislative action plan^[5] on the topic, the European Commission with its proposal aims to facilitate the transport of equipment, goods and personnel for military purposes across Europe, while minimising and mitigating the impact of such transport on civilian transport. In a press-release^[6], the European Commission explains it aims to complete a “military Schengen” area (that is a room of free circulation, equivalent to what already exists for civilians) by 2027 where military troops and equipment can move across Europe faster, safer, and in a more coordinated manner.

As part of the aim to increase the continent’s resilience against threats, the European Commission in the Communication also explains it will promote increased production of sustainable aviation and maritime fuels, including in dispersed production capacities if possible, to improve resilience and energy security.

The proposal for a Regulation will now start its way through the ordinary legislative procedure where it will be discussed, amended and voted upon by the European Parliament and Member States before entering into force.

It is important to highlight that most elements of the proposal are directed at national authorities with the aim to make the transport of military personnel and material smoother. However, there may also be certain implications for operators along the maritime value chain.

[1] https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/document/download/a5b639aa-4d77-44b8-9f98-6bc0e54be984_en?filename=Joint%20communication%20on%20Military%20Mobility.pdf

[2] https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/document/download/0adeee10-af7a-4ac1-aa47-6a5e90cbe288_en?filename=Proposal-for-a-Regulation.pdf

[3] https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/document/download/cb57228c-b5a2-4287-bc38-150566f784f8_en?filename=Annex%20to%20the%20Proposal_0.pdf

[4] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/military-mobility-0_en

[5] https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2022-11/Action%20plan%20on%20military%20mobility%202.0.pdf

[6] https://transport.ec.europa.eu/news-events/news/commission-moves-towards-military-schengen-and-transformation-defence-industry-2025-11-19_en