EU officials warn Russia could test NATO within years, yet Europe's ability to move forces quickly remains weak.

Launching a multi-billion dollar plan, the European Commission aims to establish an EU-wide military mobility area and has flagged 500 urgent projects to upgrade roads and bridges and cut border delays by 2027.

Currently, moving heavy equipment can take up to 60 days due to bureaucracy. Analysts say progress depends on political will, as NATO's "fight tonight" pledge clashes with decades of neglected infrastructure.