The European Commission has proposed a Regulation with measures to enhance the transport of military equipment, goods and personnel across the EU. It should be a step towards a “military Schengen”. Rail is set to play a big part in such logistics operations.
Among the most impactful measures proposed is the so-called European Military Mobility Enhanced Response System (EMERS). EMERS is a mechanism that would allow for prioritised military transports in times of crises. The activation of EMERS would have to be agreed upon by the Member States in the Council after a Commission proposal.
Once EMERS is active, military transports would typically be entitled to rail slot allocation within six hours of the application. Importantly, the affected other users of the rail network would not be entitled to compensation. Under certain conditions, rail vehicles could also be allowed to operate outside their typical area of operation for which they received authorisation.
When it comes to the question of the rolling stock fleet, the Commission proposes to create a ‘Military Mobility Solidarity Pool.’ Member States can voluntarily register their capabilities for military transport, including both their own assets and those acquired through agreements with civilian operators. These capabilities can then be procured by Member States to fill in the gaps in military transportation.
More options for the Commission
The Commission also wants to be able to implement acts requiring railway undertakings to register its vehicles that are suitable for military transport. In consultation with ERA, it also wants to be able to formulate technical parameters to specify which vehicles are suitable for such operations.
The new proposal also stresses the need for dual-use infrastructure improvements. It requires Member States to remove bottlenecks, reinforce bridges, increase loading capacities and improve rail access to ports and terminals. Interoperability is another focal point, with the proposal mandating a prioritisation of migrations to standard gauge as well.
Lastly, the proposal pursues the harmonisation and digitalisation of customs forms. Cross-border permissions should be granted within three working days.
CER welcomes the proposal
The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) has responded positively to the Commission’s proposal. “Today’s Military Mobility Package is crucial to ensure fast and seamless military movements across Europe, in which railways play a key role”, commented executive director Alberto Mazzola.
“CER calls for the swift adoption of the Package in the interests of EU defence readiness and improved continental connectivity as a whole. With a systemic approach to the railway system to facilitate military transportation, addressing infrastructure, procedures, capabilities and governance gaps in a dual-use perspective, we can deliver maximum benefits for civilian and military users alike.”
CER did highlight some points for improvement, namely the necessity for “ambitious and predictable funding” for infrastructure corridors and hotspots, estimated at 100 billion euros. It also says that the existing rolling stock fleet should be replenished before starting to pool capabilities.