Updated

The European Union says it could make billions of euros available to upgrade infrastructure like bridges and roads to help its member countries and NATO rapidly deploy troops in times of crisis.

Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc told NATO ambassadors Monday that the EU's executive Commission has proposed a budget of 6.5 billion euros ($7.7 billion) for certain infrastructure projects.

Bulc says EU money can be used for "dual use" projects, like increasing the weight capacity of a bridge to take heavy military equipment if freight trucks could also make good use of it.

NATO commanders are calling for the lifting of military transport barriers. Officers say it can take up to 30 days to get administrative clearance to move through Europe.