EU targets red tape and bottlenecks that could hamper military movement

The European Union on Nov 19 took aim at the red tape and bottlenecks hampering the movement of tanks and troops across the continent as fears grow that conflict could one day erupt with Russia.

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A European official summed up the challenge: How do you ensure a column of tanks stationed in Spain “doesn’t reach Poland after the war”?

For now, that is far from guaranteed. Tanks and other heavy equipment currently require country-by-country authorisations to transit through EU territory.

Even with permits, convoys often have to take lengthy detours to avoid roads or bridges too weak to bear their weight.