European countries accelerate preparations against Russia, propose the establishment of a "military Schengen zone"
On December 17 local time, European Parliament members voted to support a resolution to establish a "military Schengen zone". The proposal calls for the cancellation of internal EU borders, similar to the Schengen area, to improve military mobility and help deal with potential war with Russia.
The U.S. "Wall Street Journal" recently reported that today, European officials regularly convey a message that was almost unimaginable ten years ago - being ready for a conflict with Russia. For a continent that has experienced two world wars and a difficult post-war reconstruction, this is a profound psychological shift.
According to the European Parliament website, on the 17th, European Parliament members supported the above resolution with 493 votes in favor, 127 votes against, and 38 votes abstained, and will begin legislative work on related plans. In November, the EU Commission's "military Schengen zone" resolution planned to invest 1.7 billion euros to improve infrastructure within the EU, upgrade railways, roads, tunnels, and bridges, and enhance military mobility.
Members of the European Parliament said that the Ukraine-Russia conflict has brought renewed attention to military mobility, as well as the urgent need to quickly cross-border move troops, equipment, and assets across Europe. They emphasized that military mobility is an important guarantee for maintaining Europe's common security and defense, and is particularly crucial for the security of the eastern wing, especially the Baltic states and Poland.
Parliamentarians also support increased investment by EU member states and the European Commission in transportation infrastructure. They recommend making efforts to establish a "military Schengen zone" and strengthen the implementation of different initiatives through a military mobility working group and European coordinators, with the European Commission providing a roadmap.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1851830358585351/
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