On 17 June 2026, EU Member States unanimously approved the Council’s negotiating mandate on the proposed regulation on military mobility, aimed at enabling the swift and seamless movement of armed forces across the EU and beyond. The full text of the proposal is available here.

The proposed framework introduces measures to remove regulatory barriers, including harmonised permission procedures and increased digitalisation, as well as to strengthen coordination between the transport sector and military authorities. These steps are intended to improve the EU’s defence readiness and rapid response capabilities.

The key element is the creation of a European Military Mobility Enhanced Response System (EMMERS), designed to facilitate large-scale and accelerated transport operations in crisis situations. The proposal also supports investment in dual-use infrastructure and the protection of critical transport networks.

The Council’s mandate introduces greater flexibility for Member States, incorporates military expertise into implementation, and enables fast-track procedures, including the possibility to activate the EMMERS mechanism within 72 hours. The position will form the basis for negotiations with the European Parliament.