The European Parliament has thrown its support behind plans to create a “military Schengen” – a system that would allow troops and military equipment to move freely across EU borders.
Lawmakers argue the reform is vital to strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities and its ability to respond swiftly to future crises, particularly amid continued Russian aggression against Ukraine.
At the heart of the proposal is a call to eliminate administrative and infrastructure barriers that slow down cross-border movement inside the EU. MEPs warn that, under current conditions, shifting military equipment across Europe can take more than a month – a delay they say is unacceptable in a security environment shaped by war on the EU’s doorstep.
Funding and infrastructure demands
Parliament welcomed a European Commission plan to raise military mobility funding to more than €17 billion in the next long-term EU budget. MEPs urged national governments not to slash the proposal, recalling that EU leaders cut similar funding by 75% in the 2021–2027 budget cycle.
Lawmakers also highlighted that modernising 500 strategic infrastructure “hotspots” – including bridges, roads and tunnels – could cost over €100 billion. They are pressing the Commission to streamline funding procedures, particularly for projects that serve both civilian and military needs.
Towards a borderless defence zone
The resolution stresses that infrastructure upgrades alone will not solve the problem. MEPs are calling for faster movement approvals, increased digital coordination tools and simplified authorisation through a single EU-wide system.
They want the EU and its member states to work toward establishing a full “military Schengen area,” supported by a new military mobility task force and a European coordinator responsible for delivering a unified roadmap.
NATO cooperation central to plan
Parliament places strong emphasis on EU–NATO collaboration, describing military mobility as a foundational element of the alliance’s deterrence strategy. MEPs advocate joint stress tests, regular exercises and rapid deployment procedures. They argue that troops should be able to cross EU borders within three days during peacetime and in under 24 hours during a crisis—aligning with NATO standards.
Baltic and Eastern Europe priority
The document underlines the particular vulnerability of Europe’s eastern flank, naming the Baltic states and Poland as areas where fast deployment capability is most urgently needed in the face of potential Russian aggression.
Political reactions
European Parliament co-rapporteur Petras Auštrevičius (Renew, LT) said: “To maintain Europe's strength and ability to deter aggressors, it is crucial we demonstrate our readiness to act. This includes having the capacity to deploy troops and equipment rapidly throughout the EU. Overcoming administrative burdens and developing capacity and dual-use infrastructure is not a luxury, but a necessity. Parliament is highlighting the work that remains to be done to achieve a true ‘military Schengen area’, and this must be accomplished in the shortest possible time.
European Parliament co-rapporteur Roberts Zīle (ECR, LV) stressed: “Currently, there are far too many hindrances to military mobility that could be quickly addressed without requiring much funding. Military mobility has become even more urgent in light of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. There is no time to waste – we must keep up the momentum and reach for the low-hanging fruit.”
What happens next
The military mobility resolution passed comfortably on Wednesday, winning 493 votes in favour, 127 against and 38 abstentions. Members of the Transport and Defence Committees will now begin detailed legislative work on the Commission’s military mobility package unveiled in November.
If adopted, the plan would mark one of the EU’s most significant defence integration steps in decades—bringing Europe closer to operating like a unified military territory in times of crisis.