On Tuesday, the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), accompanied by the Polish Council Presidency and leaders Presidents António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, engaged in a crucial and dynamic dialogue regarding the future of Europe’s security landscape and the urgent need to fortify the EU’s defence capabilities.
“The EU is living a defining moment,” European Council President António Costa said, 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 its broader threat to 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 strengthening Europe, protecting EU citizens and the Union’s social model, and enhancing competitiveness.
Adam Szłapka, Minister for European Union Affairs representing the Polish Presidency, articulated that during the upcoming European Council summit on 20-21 March, EU leaders would grapple with the daunting task of formulating strategies to put an end to Russian aggression and pave the way for a just and enduring peace in Ukraine. Szłapka emphasised that this peace must be brokered by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with the EU playing a pivotal role.
“Peace can no longer be taken for granted,” Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. The European security order “is being shaken, and many of our illusions are being shattered,” she emphasised. Europe must take greater control of its own defence because the “range of threats that we face is getting broader by the day”.
Regarding the Commission’s recently-announced ReArm Europe plan, President von der Leyen said the EU must ramp up and accelerate its defence production. 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. “This is Europe’s moment and Europe will rise to it,” the Commission President concluded.
In addition to security, the leaders would deliberate on three pressing competitiveness priorities for 2025: the necessity of slashing bureaucratic red tape, ensuring the availability of affordable energy, and addressing the widening gap between savings and investment that stifles the growth of innovative companies across the EU.
Several political group leaders reiterated the Parliament’s unwavering commitment to bolster EU security and welcomed the fruitful discussions emerging from the recent European Council meetings, signalling a firm collective resolve.
Many MEPs rallied behind the European Commission’s latest proposals, which aim to strengthen Europe’s defence industry, reinforce the EU’s borders, and maintain steadfast support for Ukraine in the face of relentless aggression from Russia. While the ReArm Europe plan is acknowledged as a bold step forward, numerous MEPs urged a focus on crafting a comprehensive defense strategy that not only addresses current threats but also anticipates future challenges along the eastern frontiers of the EU and beyond.
Voices of caution echoed through the chamber, as some speakers expressed concern over the potential invocation of Article 122 of the EU Treaty for approval of the ReArm initiative, fearing it could marginalise Parliament from critical decision-making processes. They cautioned the Commission against an overreliance on such emergency provisions. Numerous MEPs underscored the urgent need to enhance competitiveness and strategic autonomy to safeguard the EU’s sovereignty, ensuring that Europe has uninterrupted access to vital raw materials and energy sources.
Several MEPs openly criticised the Donald Trump administration’s retreat from its prior commitments to Ukraine’s defence, advocating for an EU strategy rooted in investment and solidarity. Others passionately called on the Commission to intensify its diplomatic efforts for Ukraine, extending beyond the immediate realm of military assistance.
Moreover, an array of MEPs warned emphatically that any increase in defence spending should not come at the expense of the vital green and social transitions nor hinder advancements in research and development.
