KKE condemns EU vote on military mobility as dangerous and costly for the people

KKE MEPs, who voted against the package, described it as ‘dangerous for the people’ and accused the EU of escalating preparations for war while funnel-feeding billions to defence contractors. According to the party, the package provides for the rapid transfer of military forces, within 72 hours, anywhere in Europe. Commissioners presenting the package, K. Kubilius and A. Tzitzikostas, reportedly told delegates that the total budget for military mobility will exceed €100 billion.

Kostas Papadakis, a KKE MEP and member of the Defence and Transport committees, said the measure handed ‘100 billion of the people’s hard work’ to what he called ‘a very dangerous war-preparation package’. He warned that investment in military mobility was being prioritised even as safety systems on civilian rail networks remained underfunded, citing recent fatal rail accidents as part of his critique.

Papadakis also argued that intensified military transport creates risks for passengers and workers. He said workers who oppose the movement of war cargo, including port and rail staff, faced persecution, pointing to alleged pressure on the president of the Piraeus port workers’ union.

In reply, the commissioners said specialised companies could provide personnel with the necessary skills for military transports, and that workers in ports and railways required ‘special skills’ to handle the cargo, the KKE group said.

In a broader statement, the KKE accused EU institutions of preparing the ground for imperialist competition, warning that the package would exacerbate rivalry ,notably between the US and China, over strategic ports in Greece and elsewhere. The party said intensified military mobility risked turning civilian infrastructure into dual-use sites and creating new dangers for ordinary people.

The KKE described the package as a threat to passengers and transport workers and urged organised resistance from unions and civil society to block what it characterised as a ‘reactionary, warmongering’ plan.

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