NATO is circulating plans to establish a so-called “military Schengen” to speed up the movement of alliance troops across member countries. Lieutenant General Alexander Sollfrank, who leads the joint logistics command, discussed these ideas in a recent interview with Reuters. He pointed out that current national regulations complicate the transport of troops and ammunition, creating friction that can slow operations when rapid response is needed.
Sollfrank emphasized that excessive bureaucratic hurdles within the alliance threaten the swift deployment of forces. In a time of rising tensions with Russia, such delays could have serious consequences during a crisis. He noted that rapid force projection faces not only the challenge of moving personnel but also the ongoing needs for ammunition, fuel, spare parts, and food, all of which can be strained by red tape.
The general proposed a liberalized transit framework, envisioning a free military transit zone akin to Schengen that would cover large portions of the European Union. This concept would allow easier crossing of borders for allied units without the usual administrative slowdowns, enabling faster support and coordination on the ground.
In a related discussion, Ben Hodges, who previously served as commander of U.S. Army Europe, suggested that creating a military Schengen would be a strategic necessity. His remarks echoed the call for a streamlined system that can keep pace with modern security challenges and the needs of joint operations in Europe.
The dialogue around this idea reflects a broader push within NATO to harmonize logistics, standards, and procedures across member nations. By reducing friction at borders and aligning clearance processes, the alliance aims to improve readiness, sustainment, and responsiveness during any potential confrontation or alliance-wide exercise. The conversation continues as defense planners weigh the benefits of a unified approach to movement, supply chains, and operational tempo across the continent.
As NATO evaluates these proposals, officials stress the importance of maintaining proper safeguards, transparent oversight, and rigorous compliance with all applicable laws. The goal remains to ensure that rapid deployment does not come at the expense of accountability or security. The debate also highlights how modernization of logistics practices can support collective defense, disaster response, and multinational training efforts, reinforcing the alliance’s ability to operate cohesively under diverse national frameworks.