'Strengthen bridges and roads for tank transport'

brussels - In order to realize a 'military highway' in Europe, EU countries must consider the requirements for, for example, the maximum height and weight of heavy military equipment when constructing or renovating infrastructure. Not everywhere in Europe are bridges and (rail) roads now robust enough for the transport of tanks.

The European Commission proposes this in an action plan for military mobility. The EU military staff identified in mid-year what the technical specifications of infrastructure should look like. Next year it will be determined which parts of the transport network are suitable for military transport, as well as a list of bottlenecks that need to be addressed first. There may be additional EU funding.

In order to be able to operate quickly in the event of a threat, the plan further provides for streamlining and simplification of customs regulations and administrative procedures for military transport. Now, even before exercises in another country, a bunch of procedures and rules have to be followed, as ammunition or other dangerous items are often transported.

'By facilitating military mobility within the EU, we can more effectively prevent crises, develop our missions more efficiently and respond more quickly to challenges,' said EU Commissioner Mogherini, responsible for defense. Commission President Juncker sees the plans as a step towards a full European Defense Union in 2025.

More than twenty EU member states participate in this special program, in which NATO is also involved. The Netherlands plays a pioneering role in this so-called PESCO project, which stands for structural defense cooperation.