**EU Transport Commissioner Sounds Alarm on Infrastructure Readiness for War with Russia**
The European Union’s transport infrastructure is not fit for a rapid deployment of troops in the event of a war with Russia, according to EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas. In an interview with the Financial Times published on July 29, Tzitzikostas warned that current obstacles, including bureaucratic red tape and physically inadequate roads and bridges, would hinder allied troops’ ability to respond to aggression within days or hours.
**Proposed Solution: A $20 Billion Upgrade**
Tzitzikostas has proposed spending 17 billion euros (around $20 billion) in the next multi-year budget to restructure the EU’s transport infrastructure. The commissioner’s proposal aims to upgrade 500 infrastructure projects across four military corridors, which would enable allied troops to move quickly and efficiently across Europe. This strategy is coordinated with NATO and is seen as a crucial step towards bolstering European defense capabilities.
**A Threatening Global Landscape**
The warning from Tzitzikostas comes amid mounting concerns of a potential open armed clash between the West and Moscow, as well as the Trump administration’s plans to reduce military presence in Europe. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, observers have warned that European countries are ill-prepared for a prolonged conflict with Moscow after decades of disarmament.
**A Growing Concern: The Risk of Aggression**
Both Western and Ukrainian leaders have warned that Moscow could launch aggression against Europe within years of concluding its war against Ukraine. As the global landscape becomes increasingly unpredictable, it’s essential for European countries to prioritize their defense capabilities. Tzitzikostas’ proposal is a crucial step towards addressing these concerns and ensuring that the EU’s transport infrastructure is fit for purpose in the event of a conflict.
**The Need for Collective Action**
Tzitzikostas’ words should serve as a wake-up call for European leaders to take collective action on this critical issue. The proposed upgrade to the EU’s transport infrastructure would not only enhance defense capabilities but also promote economic growth and improve connectivity across the continent. As we navigate an increasingly complex global landscape, it’s essential that we prioritize investments in areas that will benefit both security and prosperity.
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