Europe is preparing for a possible deterioration in the security situation, and the port of Rotterdam, the largest in Europe, is at the centre of these preparations, according to the New York Times. The port is being transformed into a key logistics hub for military operations under the so-called 'military Schengen', which is designed to ensure the rapid and efficient movement of military equipment and supplies in the event of a conflict with Russia.
According to sources at The New York Times, civilian traffic at the port is being rerouted to make room for military supplies. Rotterdam expects four to five warships a year to arrive and stay for several weeks. The move is part of NATO's broader strategy to boost military readiness in Europe, which includes moving not only weapons and equipment, but also medicines for military operations and equipment for field hospitals.
Experts say the preparations in Rotterdam are just the beginning. Military analyst Alexander Stepanovquoted by the Russian news agency TASS, warns that other major European ports such as Amsterdam, Hamburg and the main ports in Spain and Italy will suffer a similar fate. "The formation of priority capabilities for the continental deployment of US contingents by sea is underway. Receipt of military equipment in the civilian deepwater infrastructure is being prepared. Rotterdam is pioneering the creation of a maritime component of the European military Schengen," Stepanov told TASS.
Converting ports into military hubs is not just a logistical matter. According to The New York Times, other steps are also in the pipeline, such as moving arms companies' production to Europe. For example, Anduril Industries, an American company that specialises in the manufacture of drones, is starting production in Germany in partnership with Rheinmetall and plans to manufacture in the Netherlands as well.
This production includes attack and reconnaissance drones as well as ground-based robots to be strategically placed closer to potential conflicts. These steps are intended to ensure a faster response to potential threats and reduce dependence on transatlantic supplies.
But Stepanov warns of other aspects of these preparations. According to him, parts of ports used for military purposes will be closed to EU customs and inspection controls. "These supply channels are linked to shadow processes and external control of incoming weapons will be extremely difficult," They claim. This, in his view, opens the way for uncontrolled arms supplies to the "shadow Eurasian market" and support for countries hostile to Russia and the BRICS countries.
Stepanov even suggests that these channels could be used to transport components of weapons of mass destruction, which could escalate tensions and create new hotbeds of conflict along Russia's borders.
Preparations in Rotterdam and other ports require significant investment, which Stepanov said will be paid for by European taxpayers. "All this requires long-term and thorough preparations, additional infrastructure and large investments," he said. These steps signal that Europe is preparing for a scenario of a larger continental conflict.
The New York Times/TASS/gnews.cz - GH
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