PESCO: UK invited to join EU project on military mobility
The European Union has said that, following a request join the PESCO (‘Permanent Structured Cooperation’) project, Military Mobility, the United Kingdom will be formally invited to do so.
The project, the EU says, is a ‘a political-strategic platform aiming to simplify and standardise national cross-border military transport procedures. It enables the swift movement of military personnel and assets throughout the EU, be it via road, rail, sea, or air.’
Canada, Norway and the United States of America, it says, ‘joined this project in 2021, following the same procedure.’
In a backgrounder on the EU website, it adds: ‘This project supports member states’ commitment to simplify and standardize cross-border military transport procedures. It aims to enable the unhindered movement of military personnel and assets within the borders of the EU. This entails avoiding long bureaucratic procedures to move through or over EU member states, be it via rail, road, air or sea. Improving military mobility takes place in a number of expert level working groups within and beyond the EU, as well as from the EU institutions themselves. This project serves as the political-strategic platform where progress and issues stemming from these efforts are discussed.’
EU High Representative, Josep Borrell said, ‘Russia’s war against Ukraine has further demonstrated that being able to move troops and military equipment swiftly across Europe and beyond is essential for our security. Sharing information and experiences with key partners is crucial. The PESCO project “Military Mobility” led by the Netherlands provides the right platform in this regard. After the US, Canada and Norway joined last year, the UK’s participation is yet another proof of the importance of this project. Ensuring fast movement and secure transport of armed forces is crucial to improve the EU and NATO’s ability to respond to crises, in particular now as we provide urgent military support to Ukraine.’
