Overview
- The European Commission presented a proposal in Brussels for an emergency mechanism to fast-track cross-border movement of troops and equipment in crises.
- The plan would grant priority access to transport networks and allow temporary exemptions from rules such as driving and rest times, environmental limits, and reporting requirements.
- The system, referred to in working texts as EMERS, could be activated within 48 hours, with routine cross-border requests processed within three days and an emergency fast-track for NATO or EU operations.
- The package includes roughly €17.65–18 billion for 2028–2034 to remove bottlenecks and upgrade roads, rail, ports, and bridges after earlier €1.7 billion funds were depleted and auditors criticized weak prioritization.
- Member states would have to map and test designated corridors for military transport, with Germany identified as a likely hub, and the proposal now goes to the Council and European Parliament for negotiations.