EU aims to speed military deployments

The European Union rolled out a new defense package Wednesday to allow tanks and troops to deploy more rapidly across the many borders of the 27-nation bloc in the event of a conflict, as concern mounts that Russia is already probing its defenses.

- By Sam McNEIL

GERMAN soldiers hold their G36 rifles at a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the Bundeswehr.

(HANNES P. ALBERT picture alliance via Getty Images)

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the EU has watched warily as a full-scale war raged just across its eastern border. That nervousness has only increased in recent months, as the EU has scrambled to deal with mysterious drone incursions linked to Russia.

Europe's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said that spending on defense now might avert war.

“Weakness invites them to make their move,” she said, speaking of Russia. She said if the EU increases its defensive capabilities and readiness, “then Russia will not attack because we are not weak.”

The new military mobility proposal by the EU’s executive branch, the European Commission, would invest $20.4 billion into 500 locations that have been identified as choke points, such as bridges, ports and tunnels currently unable to handle heavy traffic and vehicles,

During conflict or disaster, emergency protocols would snap in place. Armed forces would be given priority access to infrastructure such as airports, roads and railways during emergencies, and current regulations in some areas such as transporting dangerous goods would be scrapped for militaries or private defense companies.