Reference News Network, November 21 report: According to the website of Germany's Süddeutsche Zeitung on November 19, during World War I, the commander of the US forces in Europe, John Pershing, had a famous saying: "Soldiers win battles, logistics win wars."

Loosely speaking, this is exactly the understanding behind the "Military Mobility Package" proposed by the European Commission on November 19. So far, the transport of military supplies across Europe has been more like a logistical nightmare. Differing rules and jurisdictions among countries, along with severely inadequate infrastructure, have made it almost impossible to supply troops fighting in Eastern Europe in an emergency.

Therefore, the European Commission recommends unifying the rules for the transport of military goods across Europe. All EU countries should use the same approval procedures when handling diplomatic coordination and customs procedures for the transport of military hazardous materials or heavy cargo. This will ensure that the target set last year is achieved: the approval and issuance of cross-border military transport licenses within three working days.

Following the principle of free movement without checks for people in most parts of the EU as stipulated by the Schengen Agreement, the European Commission proposes the establishment of a "military Schengen area." The European Commission stated in a statement: "We must develop clear plans and quick army transit routes. Otherwise, our deterrence will remain just words on paper."

Another proposal is that in an emergency, the so-called "European Military Mobility Enhanced Response System" will replace the regular military transport rules during peacetime. Once the system is activated at the request of the European Commission or a member state, "special rules will apply." For example, at that time, cross-border military transport would only require notification to the relevant country. The military will also be given priority in using roads, railways, and mobilizing trucks.

Additionally, the European Commission recommends large-scale investment in expanding infrastructure - roads, tunnels, rail tracks, bridges - to ensure that military transport can be handled in emergencies.

According to Deutsche Presse-Agentur on November 19, the European Commission announced an emergency system plan on November 19, aimed at accelerating the cross-border transport of troops and military equipment to address the growing security threat from Russia.

The ministers of EU countries and the European Parliament will carefully examine and discuss the proposal called the "European Military Mobility Enhanced Response System." If approved, the system could be launched within 48 hours in an emergency.

According to AFP on November 19, a European official briefly summarized the current challenge: How to ensure that a tank column stationed in Spain "does not arrive in Poland after the war ends"? At present, this is still far from being guaranteed.

Now, tanks and other heavy equipment still need to apply for transit permits country by country when crossing EU territories. However, even with permission, convoys often have to take detours to avoid roads or bridges that cannot support their weight.

"Speed is the cornerstone of war and deterrence," said Andrius Kubilius, the EU Commissioner responsible for defense, before addressing the media on November 19 about the plan to tackle the challenges.

Since the outbreak of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Europe has been accelerating its defense buildup. However, the EU audit body warned earlier this year that moving troops and weapons between the 27 member states remains "full of problems," and it is unclear who is responsible for what. For example, a tank from one country may not be able to pass through another country if it exceeds the country's road traffic weight limits.

It has already been identified that there are about 500 key bottlenecks along the routes available for troop movements in the European region in case of war. To solve these bottlenecks, the European Commission proposed implementing a unified license valid throughout the EU, replacing the current fragmented licensing system - some of which require applications up to 45 days in advance.

The plan also includes a so-called "solidarity mechanism" to integrate dual-use defense resources (such as trucks) of member states for rapid deployment.

Brussels plans to invest 17.65 billion euros between 2028 and 2034 to improve military mobility, which is ten times the previous long-term budget allocation for this purpose. (Translated by Jiao Yu, Guo Jun)

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7575075224551473718/

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