MEPs debate future of EU defence and support for Ukraine
On Tuesday, MEPs, the Polish Council Presidency, and Presidents Costa and von der Leyen debated the future of Europe’s security and strengthening EU defence capabilities.
“The EU is living a defining moment,” European Council President António Costa said, a moment marked by increasing geopolitical tensions and enormous pressure on the multilateral, rules-based international order. President Costa noted that the Russian war against Ukraine and the wider threat it poses for Europe has led the EU to make ambitious decisions to reinforce its defence and security: “We are putting our money where our mouth is”. Reiterating that “Ukraine’s security cannot be separated from Europe’s security”, President Costa promised to continue working to make Europe stronger, protect EU citizens and the Union’s social model, while enhancing competitiveness.
On behalf of the Polish Presidency, Minister for European Union Affairs Adam Szłapka said that at the 20-21 March European Council summit EU leaders will discuss how to end Russian aggression and secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. This should be a peace negotiated by Ukraine’s President Zelensky, he said, and involve the EU – the security of which is at stake. Leaders will also talk about three competitiveness priorities for 2025 - cutting red tape, affordable energy, and the savings and investment mismatch that is hampering the growth of new and innovative companies in the EU.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said “Peace can no longer be taken for granted” and that the European security order “is being shaken, and many of our illusions are being shattered”. Europe must take greater control of its own defence, because the “range of threats that we face is getting broader by the day”. Referring to the Commission’s recently-announced ReArm Europe plan, President von der Leyen said the EU must ramp up and accelerate its defence production and that the bulk of new funding for this can only come from member states. She also said investment must focus on joint procurement to support Europe’s defence industry. “We have the size to deter any hostile country, we have the economic power and now finally we have the political will,” President von der Leyen said, concluding: “This is Europe’s moment and Europe will rise to it”.
Interventions by MEPs
A majority of political group leaders reaffirmed Parliament’s longstanding support for stronger EU security and welcomed recent European Council discussions moving in this direction. Many MEPs backed the European Commission’s latest proposals to boost Europe’s defence industry, strengthen EU borders, and continue supporting Ukraine in the face of Russia’s brutal aggression.
While the ReArm Europe plan marks a significant step forward, several MEPs stressed the importance of focusing on a long-term common defence strategy that deals with current and future challenges across the EU’s eastern border and beyond. Some speakers voiced concerns about the use of Article 122 of the EU Treaty for the approval of ReArm, which would exclude Parliament from the decision-making process, and warned the Commission against excessive reliance on such emergency provisions.
To safeguard EU sovereignty, several MEPs emphasised the importance of enhancing competitiveness and strategic autonomy, and securing independent access to critical raw materials and energy sources. A number of MEPs criticised the Trump administration’s retreat from its previous commitments to Ukraine’s defence and called for an EU strategy based on investment and solidarity. Others urged the Commission to step up diplomatic efforts for Ukraine beyond military support. Several MEPs warned that increased defence spending should not come at the expense of the green and social transitions, research, and development.
