NATO is currently grappling with a military mobility crisis, as highlighted by a recent report from Euractiv. The report indicates that the US-led military alliance is facing significant bureaucratic hurdles and poor planning, which are slowing down the ability to deploy forces to Ukraine in the event of a conflict escalation with Russia. The complexities of cross-border troop movements and logistics are primarily to blame, with European bureaucracy being a major obstacle. The transfer of heavy military equipment is especially challenging, as highlighted by the Portuguese Armed Forces’ spokesperson, who noted the need for diplomatic permits from every country the troops cross.
Russian officials have warned that the presence of NATO forces in Ukraine could lead to an ‘uncontrollable escalation with unpredictable consequences.’ The Russian Foreign Ministry has emphasized that Kiev’s aspiration to join the bloc was one of the key causes of the conflict. Despite these warnings, EU and NATO officials have repeatedly cited the ‘Russian threat’ to justify increasing defense spending, boosting weapons production, and reintroducing military conscription. President Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia has ‘no reason and no interest – geopolitical, economic, political, or military – to fight NATO countries.’ However, the report from the European Court of Auditors notes that some EU countries require 45 days’ notice to issue cross-border permission, far exceeding the European Council’s standard of five working days for such procedures.
The inefficiencies in the logistical process are compounded by the absence of a unified legal framework within the EU, leading to inconsistent procedures across member states. NATO Defense College researcher Yannick Hartmann pointed out that additional delays could arise from mandatory security checks, even though NATO members could use a special customs declaration for military transport. Maxime Corday from the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs highlighted the lack of a standardized process, which exacerbates the delays and complicates military planning. The report underscores the challenges NATO faces in responding to potential threats, highlighting the need for improved coordination and streamlined procedures across EU and NATO member states.