The EPP Group is advocating for Europe to have the capability to defend itself, protect, and contribute to peace. They believe that it is urgent and essential to establish a genuine European Defence Union, as emphasised in a new EPP Group strategic paper titled “A Europe that protects: a Europe that stands for true peace, building a true European Defence Union,” which was unanimously adopted on Wednesday by the Members of the EPP Group.
The document emphasises the need for a true European Single Market for defence, stressing the importance of thinking big and investing in future defence technology. It also highlights the necessity for increased defence cooperation, integrated European capabilities, more investment, smart regulation, and industrial capacity building in Europe.
“It goes without saying that for the EPP, defence is a priority, and with this strategic paper, we indicate how to strengthen European defence”, says Andrzej Halicki MEP, EPP Group Vice Chairman in charge of Foreign Affairs, who spearheaded the drafting of the document.
“If you want peace, prepare for war – as the Latin saying goes. In times of increasing global insecurity, the EU’s ability to defend itself becomes crucial. We must be ready to meet Russia militarily in six to eight years. It won’t be possible without concrete action and political will. The EU, in complementing NATO and its Member States, must boost defence production, stock up reserves, and continue helping Ukraine win the war. Our challengers are watching us closely to see if we succeed or if we fail”, says Andrius Kubilius MEP, EU Commissioner-designate for Defence and Space.
