The EU must defend its interests on the global stage

Increase and accelerate military assistance and political support for Ukraine

Expand the EU’s effective presence in the Middle East

Foster closer ties with key partners in the US and Canada

In a report adopted by MEPs on Thursday, the Committee on Foreign Affairs made recommendations for the EU executive when setting foreign policy priorities for this term.

The ongoing Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, the increasing great power competition, and constant attempts to undermine the multilateral rules-based international order are some of the numerous challenges the EU needs to address, MEPs warn in a report adopted by 49 votes in favour, 21 against and 4 abstentions.

War in Ukraine erodes the European security architecture

Addressing the global consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, MEPs point out that the war destabilises and threatens the Eastern European neighbourhood and the Western Balkans, which in turn erodes Europe’s security architecture. They want the EU and its member states to meaningfully increase and accelerate the provision of humanitarian assistance, military support, economic and financial aid and political support for Ukraine so it can secure victory. Concerned by growing cooperation among autocratic regimes, including through their material support for Russia, MEPs also say the employment of North Korean troops by Russia is widening the scale of the conflict.

Call for comprehensive EU Middle East Strategy

Welcoming the recent ceasefire in Gaza and progress made towards the phased release of hostages, MEPs want EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas to produce a comprehensive EU Middle East Strategy and to increase the EU’s presence in the region. They unwaveringly support a negotiated two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with two sovereign, democratic states as peaceful neighbours and with Jerusalem as their shared capital. They say the EU should support all efforts directed at this goal, and in particular the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the two-State Solution.

Enhance cooperation with like-minded partners

In light of intensified efforts by China, Russia, Iran, and others to destabilise the international order and undermine multilateralism through the spread of disinformation, the report says enhanced cooperation and coordination with like-minded partners is essential. A strong transatlantic relationship remains indispensable for the security of the partners on both sides of the Atlantic, MEPs argue, and the Commission should foster closer ties with key partners in both the US and Canada. They also stress the need for member states to fully operationalise the concept of EU strategic autonomy and make collective investments in their security and defence to achieve a genuine European Defence Union. This Union should support the work of the NATO alliance and could act independently when needed, the report says.

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The rapporteur David McAllister (EPP) said: “This legislature’s first CFSP report underscores the importance of a determined and assertive EU foreign policy to address geopolitical challenges such as the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the conflicts in the Middle East, and growing geopolitical competition. The European Union must be able to fulfil and defend its own strategic objectives on the international stage. The report’s new structure could serve as a medium to long-term strategic outlook that informs the High Representative’s priorities during this legislature and beyond.”

Next Steps

The report will now be submitted to a vote in the European Parliament as a whole.