(BRUSSELS) – The EU Council agreed Tuesday to accept the UK’s request to take part in the ‘PESCO’ Military Mobility defence cooperation project to simplify and standardise national cross-border military transport procedures.
The Council decision recognises the substantial added value that the UK could bring to the PESCO project Military Mobility, which enables the swift movement of military personnel and assets throughout the EU, be it via road, rail, sea, or air. Canada, Norway and the United States of America joined this project in 2021, following the same procedure.
“Russia’s war against Ukraine has further demonstrated that being able to move troops and military equipment swiftly across Europe and beyond is essential for our security,” said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell: “Ensuring fast movement and secure transport of armed forces is crucial to improve the EU and NATOs ability to respond to crises, in particular now as we provide urgent military support to Ukraine.”
The Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) is one of the pillars of EU Defence Policy. It provides a framework for defence cooperation among the 25 participating EU member states who have entered into more binding commitments between one another.
They jointly develop defence capabilities, coordinate investments, enhance the operational readiness, interoperability and resilience of their armed forces, and collaborate in projects.
Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) Factsheet, EEAS website
