Yet since the end of the Cold War, Europe’s defense-related infrastructure investment has declined alongside its defense spending, leaving much of the continent’s transportation network ill-suited for today’s heavier forces.
Chinese state-linked firms hold stakes in more than 30 European port terminals, including facilities designated to receive U.S. military forces and equipment.
NATO identifies the infrastructure and mobility capabilities its forces require and can coordinate national efforts but lacks the authority to impose binding standards on civilian operators.
By contrast, the European Union can impose binding standards on civilian operators, but member states retain control over defense priorities and infrastructure investment.
As a result, NATO forces cannot move as rapidly as they may need, and investment for upgrades lags behind NATO’s reinforcement requirements.