New Fuel Pipeline Network to Strengthen NATO’s Defense Capabilities
NATO is making a major move to improve how it delivers fuel to its forces in Europe. In response to growing threats and lessons learned from recent conflicts, especially the war in Ukraine, NATO has announced a plan to build a new underground fuel pipeline system. This plan was confirmed during a recent summit held in The Hague.
The new system will be called the Eastern European Pipeline System (EEPS). The Central Europe Pipeline System (CEPS), which is now in place, will be connected to it. This will create one large, seamless network that can carry fuel from Western Europe all the way to NATO’s eastern front. Countries like Poland, Romania, the Baltic States, and Southeast European nations will benefit from this connection.
Currently, NATO relies on trucks and trains to deliver fuel to front-line areas. This method works during peacetime, but experts warn it is not enough in case of a major war. In a serious conflict, fuel needs could go up very quickly. For example, air forces alone could use up to 85% of all fuel supplies. If NATO does not have a stronger delivery system, it could face serious problems during military operations.
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The EEPS will help solve this issue. It will be built underground, which protects it from attacks. It will also have strong storage areas and pump stations that can quickly send fuel to where it is needed. This system is designed to work during both peace and war, making it a key part of NATO’s defense plan.
CEPS and EEPS: Creating a Unified Supply Chain Across Europe
The current Central Europe Pipeline System (CEPS) is already a large network. It is over 5,700 kilometers long and delivers fuel in countries like Germany, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. It serves both military and civilian users, such as airports and fuel stations. This dual-use model has worked well for many years.
Now, the EEPS will extend this system toward the east. It will link Central Europe with front-line NATO countries like Poland, Lithuania, and Romania. This will help move fuel more easily and safely across long distances. The goal is to keep the supply steady even during a crisis.
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The project is expected to cost around €21 billion. It could take up to 25 years to complete, depending on political decisions and available funding. Countries such as Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic are likely to become key hubs in this new system. The pipeline will be built in phases, starting with the most important routes.
Funding will come from different sources. NATO may use money from its NSIP (NATO Security Investment Programme). There could also be support from the European Union, especially from programs focused on energy security and transport infrastructure. National companies, like Poland’s PERN, are ready to join the effort by helping with investment and construction.
Fuel Security, War Readiness, and Environmental Benefits Combined
Besides supporting military operations, the new pipeline will also help with other important goals. One of them is energy security. During conflicts, fuel shortages can be a serious problem. An underground pipeline reduces that risk because it is harder to damage and easier to control compared to road or rail delivery.
Another benefit is environmental protection. Compared to using trucks or trains, pipeline transportation of fuel produces significantly less carbon dioxide (CO₂). This fits with NATO’s plan to reduce pollution and move toward cleaner energy. The EEPS will be able to carry not just regular fuel but also sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), which are better for the environment.
Experts say this system will not only improve military readiness but also help with the transition to greener energy. In normal times, it can also deliver fuel to civil airports, just like CEPS already does in countries like France and Germany. This means the system will be useful even when there is no crisis.
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Resilience is a priority in the construction of the EEPS. That means it will be strong enough to keep working even if attacked or disrupted. Storage tanks and pumping stations will be placed in protected locations. This ensures that fuel keeps flowing when NATO forces need it the most.
As global tensions rise, especially in areas close to NATO’s eastern borders, this fuel pipeline network is becoming one of the most important parts of Europe’s defense system. The combination of CEPS and EEPS will create a reliable, secure, and flexible way to support military forces in times of both peace and war.
