improve thedailytasksofpreparation, training,exercises, andengagement. freely appliedby itsmember, whoseaimistofacilitateinteroperability and address thetopics. studiesandFood for oughtsare recommendations the landforces andprovides commentsby creating “Food for oughtpapers” to also athinktankthatelaboratesoncurrent events concerningtheoperationsof Groups for situations that require solutions. In short-term addition, Finabel is In the current setting, Finabel allows its member states to form Expert Task engagement ontheterrainshouldbeobtained. shared capabilityapproach andcommonequipment,ashared visionofforce- the harmonisationoflanddoctrines.Consequently, before hopingtoreach a focused oncooperationinarmament’s programmes, Finabel quicklyshiftedto structures butcontributestotheseorganisationsinitsuniqueway. Initially hoc coalition;Finabel neithercompetesnorduplicatesNATO orEUmilitary framework oftheNorth Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), theEU,andad Finabel contributestoreinforce interoperability amongitsmemberstatesinthe understanding viaannualmeetings. among memberstates’ ocers and Chiefs of Sta in a spiritofopen and mutual on consensusandequalityofmemberstates.Finabel contact favours fruitful European ArmiesoftheEUMember States.  eFinabel isbased informalforum Finabel aimstobeamultinational-, independent-,andapoliticalactorforthe future ofitsmembers.Finabel, theonlyorganisationatthislevel, strives at: re ections, exchange studies,and proposals oncommoninterest topicsforthe for cooperationbetween European for Armies:itwasconceived asaforum Created in1953,theFinabel organisation committeeistheoldestmilitary • • Finabel focusesondoctrines,trainings, andthejointenvironment. Contributing toacommonEuropean understandingoflanddefenceissues. bring togetherconcepts,doctrinesandprocedures; Promoting interoperability andcooperationofarmies,whileseekingto You fi will nd our studies at GSM: +32 (0)483 +32 GSM: 712193 E-mail: info@finabel.org Quartier Reine Elisabeth Tel: (0)2 +32 441 79 38 www.fi nabel.org B-1140 BRUSSELSB-1140 Rue d’Evere 1

Responsible publisher: Mario BLOKKEN - Finabel Permanent Secretariat - QRE - Rue d’Evere,1 - B-1140 - +32 (0)2 441 79 38

AN EXPERTISE FORUM CONTRIBUTING TO EUROPEAN ARMIES INTEROPERABILITY SINCE 1953 European Army Interoperability Center Mobility Towards Military On the A True Way Food for thought paper ISSUES impeding the rapid movement of troops, like di erent through the so-called ‘EU Multimodal Transport Hub national speed limits, tolls, police controls, obligation system’ (M2TH). Nevertheless, the EDA M2TH ap- September 2017, on the tarmac of Papa Air base in to declare what is shipped, prohibition to use speci c pears to be more a discussion forum than an e ective , U.S.-led paratroopers were simulating roads, bridges or tunnels with dangerous materials, action plan. Only last year 13 member states signed an airborne operation aimed at repelling an enemy etc. a ‘Project Arrangement’ planned to contribute to the force occupying a NATO ally territory. During the development of the M2TH. exercises, Hodges, commanding general of the United Since barriers are identi able, why aren’t they re- States Army , was informed that his helicopter moved yet? Second, the ‘Diplomatic Clearance’ for military trans- would have to divert from its intended route in order port aircraft provides a simple and fast administrative to clear customs in . Such passport and cus- First of all, European military mobility is a cross-sec- procedure concerning itinerary of military ights.  e toms checks constitute typical routine in Europe since toral and multi-level issue. It makes intervene an im- Diplomatic Clearance (DIC) Form military personnel and equipment are still subject to briglio of European, national and sub-regional public V5 might give guidelines for the member states to cre- physical, legal and regulatory barriers.  ose obstacles and private actors. Cross-sectoral because di erent ate a similar form for military land forces transport. could lead to delays, which even if they are not hugely departments have their say in the management of the SUGGESTIONS time-consuming, represent a bureaucratic burden that roads, railways or airways. For instance, speed limit is Finally, the announces that an poses a risk to military speed and e ciency. a question of both tra c (transport) and public health Action Plan on Military Mobility will be launched on In order to step forward regarding military mobility, (awareness billboards) and is enforced by the police March 2018, in collaboration with EDA which is “the Finabel has identi ed a few ideas that deserve to be (home a airs). Any attempt to change the speed limit best platform for the EU to build a comprehensive Although the latter would not be, according to of- 1 considered.  cials, a big issue during a real military emergency to enhance military mobility would therefore impact action plan” . – NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander for Europe the work of these three ministerial departments. 1) Network and itineraries would simply warn allies and deploy as needed –, they Besides, in the framework of PESCO, 24 member Multi-level also, because di erent levels of power are states have also planned to launch a cooperative pro- still impede peacetime exercises and planning, needed • Elaborate scenarios and develop reaction plans: at in charge of the transport network. In most countries, ject on ‘Military Mobility’.  e aim of the project for NATO’s deterrence mission for instance. Further- the highest level (NATO, EU); the management, exploitation and maintenance of is to “simplify and standardize cross-border military more, infrastructure challenges need to be taken up • Screen member states’ transport infrastructure: roads are devolved to subnational entities (munici- transport procedures” by relieving the administrative as well. identify itineraries that could sustain the transit of palities, regions) depending on their size, place and heaviness between member states.  e statement of troops and materials; capacity. In some states, like , private actors can the project takes into account the infrastructure issue  is short food for thought paper aims to discuss the • Adapt future infrastructure: from now on, every even be in charge of maintaining the roads. concerning overweight vehicles which cannot drive existing barriers of the European military mobility, to new road (established according to a precise itin- across roadways and bridges. contextualise the existing e orts in this  eld and to erary) should comply with the technical require- put forward a few recommendations. Second, there is not enough incentives to achieve ments (weight, width, height) states agree on. complete military mobility.  e necessity of a ‘mil- At NATO level, the 302-Form contains a special itary Schengen’ is not self-evident, in part because provision concerning the freedom of movement for 2) Coordination and resource defi cit Europeans do not perceive concrete and imminent military equipments and transports of NATO forces BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES threats. Besides, governments do not feel the need to within the EU area.  is ‘area’ includes EU member • Use military standards in the implementation of deeply reform their legislation, regulation and infra- states which are also members of NATO.  e provi- the EU infrastructure plan (TEN-T); Signi cant remaining obstacles still prevent the uid structure or to disrupt their tra c in peacetime if they sion gives NATO forces a particular form on mobility. • Support collectively the costs of speci c require- movement of troops across the European territory. know they would more easily legislate and adopt the ments: Peripheral states should not bear alone the necessary ordinances in a state of war. Cooperation and interoperability on military mobil- cost of stocking and hosting troops. It is possible to identify three di erent types of barri- ity are also a matter of multinational organisations ers: physical, legal and regulatory/administrative ones. Last but not least, infrastructure adaptation comes at such as the Movement Coordination Centre Europe 3) Specifi c issues  e physical barriers concern the existing transporta- high costs. If any bridge across the EU territory had (MCCE) which brings together EU members, the tion infrastructure of the European territory and the to be rebuilt so as to support the weight of a German United States, Canada and Turkey.  e mission of the • Determine how to combine states’ sovereignty with question whether it is su ciently developed to ensure Leopard tank (68 tons, 3.75 meter wide), states would Inland Surface Transport Cell (ISTC) is to coordinate military transit; the safe and quick transportation of troops, vehicles go bankrupt. participant’s strategic lift on Inland Surface Transport • Distinguish circumstances for which civilian traf- and weapons, anywhere needed. Legal barriers refer (also Air and Sea Transport) to identify and facilitate  c can be interrupted (Russia’s invasion) and those to the power states enjoy regarding foreign troops on available transportation assets with a focus on rail, for which civilian tra c should not be interrupted their territory, like the sovereign right to refuse access road and inland waterways. to territory, the distinction between transit and set- EXISTING EFFORTS (military exercises); tlement or the need for clearance to cross the border. • Prioritise public interests: environmental norms, At the European level, the work of the European De- Although these types of barriers remain the easiest to (1) European Defense Agency, Press Release, “EDA provides ex- health standards or military requirements (transfer fence Agency on this matter can be followed by three overcome – especially in case of emergency –, they pert input for action plan on military mobility”, Brussels, Novem- of dangerous goods); successive steps. First of all, in 2010, the EDA planned still constitute a brake to the continuous accomplish- ber 10, 2017. Available on: https://www.eda.europa.eu/info-hub/ • Enhance dialogue and cooperation between mili- with 14 member states to harmonise and standardise ment of military exercises or resettlements. Finally, press-centre/latest-press-releases/2017/11/10/eda-provides-ex- tary and civilian authorities (data exchange on traf- cross-bordering process for troops and military goods the regulatory barriers are the set of rules indirecting pert-input-for-action-plan-on-military-mobility  c, …).

On the Way Towards A True Military Mobility MILITARY MOBILITY ISSUES impeding the rapid movement of troops, like di erent through the so-called ‘EU Multimodal Transport Hub national speed limits, tolls, police controls, obligation system’ (M2TH). Nevertheless, the EDA M2TH ap- September 2017, on the tarmac of Papa Air base in to declare what is shipped, prohibition to use speci c pears to be more a discussion forum than an e ective Hungary, U.S.-led paratroopers were simulating roads, bridges or tunnels with dangerous materials, action plan. Only last year 13 member states signed an airborne operation aimed at repelling an enemy etc. a ‘Project Arrangement’ planned to contribute to the force occupying a NATO ally territory. During the development of the M2TH. exercises, Hodges, commanding general of the United Since barriers are identi able, why aren’t they re- States Army Europe, was informed that his helicopter moved yet? Second, the ‘Diplomatic Clearance’ for military trans- would have to divert from its intended route in order port aircraft provides a simple and fast administrative to clear customs in Romania. Such passport and cus- First of all, European military mobility is a cross-sec- procedure concerning itinerary of military ights.  e toms checks constitute typical routine in Europe since toral and multi-level issue. It makes intervene an im- European Union Diplomatic Clearance (DIC) Form military personnel and equipment are still subject to briglio of European, national and sub-regional public V5 might give guidelines for the member states to cre- physical, legal and regulatory barriers.  ose obstacles and private actors. Cross-sectoral because di erent ate a similar form for military land forces transport. could lead to delays, which even if they are not hugely departments have their say in the management of the SUGGESTIONS time-consuming, represent a bureaucratic burden that roads, railways or airways. For instance, speed limit is Finally, the European Commission announces that an poses a risk to military speed and e ciency. a question of both tra c (transport) and public health Action Plan on Military Mobility will be launched on In order to step forward regarding military mobility, (awareness billboards) and is enforced by the police March 2018, in collaboration with EDA which is “the Finabel has identi ed a few ideas that deserve to be (home a airs). Any attempt to change the speed limit best platform for the EU to build a comprehensive Although the latter would not be, according to of- 1 considered.  cials, a big issue during a real military emergency to enhance military mobility would therefore impact action plan” . – NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander for Europe the work of these three ministerial departments. 1) Network and itineraries would simply warn allies and deploy as needed –, they Besides, in the framework of PESCO, 24 member Multi-level also, because di erent levels of power are states have also planned to launch a cooperative pro- still impede peacetime exercises and planning, needed • Elaborate scenarios and develop reaction plans: at in charge of the transport network. In most countries, ject on ‘Military Mobility’.  e aim of the project for NATO’s deterrence mission for instance. Further- the highest level (NATO, EU); the management, exploitation and maintenance of is to “simplify and standardize cross-border military more, infrastructure challenges need to be taken up • Screen member states’ transport infrastructure: roads are devolved to subnational entities (munici- transport procedures” by relieving the administrative as well. identify itineraries that could sustain the transit of palities, regions) depending on their size, place and heaviness between member states.  e statement of troops and materials; capacity. In some states, like France, private actors can the project takes into account the infrastructure issue  is short food for thought paper aims to discuss the • Adapt future infrastructure: from now on, every even be in charge of maintaining the roads. concerning overweight vehicles which cannot drive existing barriers of the European military mobility, to new road (established according to a precise itin- across roadways and bridges. contextualise the existing e orts in this  eld and to erary) should comply with the technical require- put forward a few recommendations. Second, there is not enough incentives to achieve ments (weight, width, height) states agree on. complete military mobility.  e necessity of a ‘mil- At NATO level, the 302-Form contains a special itary Schengen’ is not self-evident, in part because provision concerning the freedom of movement for 2) Coordination and resource defi cit Europeans do not perceive concrete and imminent military equipments and transports of NATO forces BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES threats. Besides, governments do not feel the need to within the EU area.  is ‘area’ includes EU member • Use military standards in the implementation of deeply reform their legislation, regulation and infra- states which are also members of NATO.  e provi- the EU infrastructure plan (TEN-T); Signi cant remaining obstacles still prevent the uid structure or to disrupt their tra c in peacetime if they sion gives NATO forces a particular form on mobility. • Support collectively the costs of speci c require- movement of troops across the European territory. know they would more easily legislate and adopt the ments: Peripheral states should not bear alone the necessary ordinances in a state of war. Cooperation and interoperability on military mobil- cost of stocking and hosting troops. It is possible to identify three di erent types of barri- ity are also a matter of multinational organisations ers: physical, legal and regulatory/administrative ones. Last but not least, infrastructure adaptation comes at such as the Movement Coordination Centre Europe 3) Specifi c issues  e physical barriers concern the existing transporta- high costs. If any bridge across the EU territory had (MCCE) which brings together EU members, the tion infrastructure of the European territory and the to be rebuilt so as to support the weight of a German United States, Canada and Turkey.  e mission of the • Determine how to combine states’ sovereignty with question whether it is su ciently developed to ensure Leopard tank (68 tons, 3.75 meter wide), states would Inland Surface Transport Cell (ISTC) is to coordinate military transit; the safe and quick transportation of troops, vehicles go bankrupt. participant’s strategic lift on Inland Surface Transport • Distinguish circumstances for which civilian traf- and weapons, anywhere needed. Legal barriers refer (also Air and Sea Transport) to identify and facilitate  c can be interrupted (Russia’s invasion) and those to the power states enjoy regarding foreign troops on available transportation assets with a focus on rail, for which civilian tra c should not be interrupted their territory, like the sovereign right to refuse access road and inland waterways. to territory, the distinction between transit and set- EXISTING EFFORTS (military exercises); tlement or the need for clearance to cross the border. • Prioritise public interests: environmental norms, At the European level, the work of the European De- Although these types of barriers remain the easiest to (1) European Defense Agency, Press Release, “EDA provides ex- health standards or military requirements (transfer fence Agency on this matter can be followed by three overcome – especially in case of emergency –, they pert input for action plan on military mobility”, Brussels, Novem- of dangerous goods); successive steps. First of all, in 2010, the EDA planned still constitute a brake to the continuous accomplish- ber 10, 2017. Available on: https://www.eda.europa.eu/info-hub/ • Enhance dialogue and cooperation between mili- with 14 member states to harmonise and standardise ment of military exercises or resettlements. Finally, press-centre/latest-press-releases/2017/11/10/eda-provides-ex- tary and civilian authorities (data exchange on traf- cross-bordering process for troops and military goods the regulatory barriers are the set of rules indirecting pert-input-for-action-plan-on-military-mobility  c, …).

On the Way Towards A True Military Mobility improve thedailytasksofpreparation, training,exercises, andengagement. freely appliedby itsmember, whoseaimistofacilitateinteroperability and address thetopics.Finabel studiesandFood for oughtsare recommendations the landforces andprovides commentsby creating “Food for oughtpapers” to also athinktankthatelaboratesoncurrent events concerningtheoperationsof Groups for situations that require solutions. In short-term addition, Finabel is In the current setting, Finabel allows its member states to form Expert Task engagement ontheterrainshouldbeobtained. shared capabilityapproach andcommonequipment,ashared visionofforce- the harmonisationoflanddoctrines.Consequently, before hopingtoreach a focused oncooperationinarmament’s programmes, Finabel quicklyshiftedto structures butcontributestotheseorganisationsinitsuniqueway. Initially hoc coalition;Finabel neithercompetes norduplicatesNATO orEUmilitary framework oftheNorth Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), theEU,andad Finabel contributestoreinforce interoperability amongitsmemberstatesinthe understanding viaannualmeetings. among memberstates’ ocers and Chiefs of Sta in a spiritofopen and mutual on consensusandequalityofmemberstates.Finabel contact favours fruitful European ArmiesoftheEUMember States.  eFinabel isbased informalforum Finabel aimstobeamultinational-, independent-,andapoliticalactorforthe future ofitsmembers.Finabel, theonlyorganisationatthislevel, strives at: re ections, exchange studies,and proposals oncommoninterest topicsforthe for cooperationbetween European for Armies:itwasconceived asaforum Created in1953,theFinabel organisation committeeistheoldestmilitary • • Finabel focusesondoctrines,trainings, andthejointenvironment. Contributing toacommonEuropean understandingoflanddefenceissues. bring togetherconcepts,doctrinesandprocedures; Promoting interoperability andcooperationofarmies,whileseekingto You fi will nd our studies at GSM: +32 (0)483 +32 GSM: 712193 E-mail: info@finabel.org Quartier Reine Elisabeth Tel: (0)2 +32 441 79 38 www.fi nabel.org B-1140 BRUSSELSB-1140 Rue d’Evere 1

Responsible publisher: Mario BLOKKEN - Finabel Permanent Secretariat - QRE - Rue d’Evere,1 - B-1140 Brussels - +32 (0)2 441 79 38

AN EXPERTISE FORUM CONTRIBUTING TO EUROPEAN ARMIES INTEROPERABILITY SINCE 1953 European Army Interoperability Center Mobility Towards Military On the A True Way Food for thought paper