A report adopted by the parliament with 485 votes for, 77 against and 70 abstentions on Wednesday says that transatlantic unity is more needed than ever in the context of a deteriorating global security situation.
MEPs call on the EU to work towards a strengthened partnership in leadership and responsibility with the US. The two partners must collaborate to defend multilateralism and address global challenges, including dangerous geopolitical realities threatening common values, interests, security, and prosperity.
Addressing multiple global crises
The members of the parliament warn that the increasing global crises, such as Russia’s unlawful aggression against Ukraine, the tense and sometimes violent Middle East, and China’s growing assertiveness, pose a significant challenge to the defence of European values.
MEPs emphasise the shared friendship of the EU and the United States with Ukraine, based on a united and unequivocal condemnation of Russia’s aggression. They also expressed their hope that the United States would continue to provide vital support to Ukraine.
They also condemn the horrendous terrorist attacks by Hamas and recall the joint efforts of the EU and the US to free all hostages held by Hamas. They support Israel’s right to defend itself by humanitarian and international law while condemning any violence directed against innocent civilians.
For a more equitable and healthier world
The report suggests that two partners should collaborate to prioritise multilateral cooperation to create a more equitable and healthier world. This includes fighting against climate change, promoting peaceful conflict resolution, controlling arms and disarmament, combating racism, and reforming economic governance.
MEPs recommend focusing specifically on fighting inequalities, achieving ecological transformation, and promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly economic development.
Foreign policy and defence cooperation
The EU should ensure that its member states fulfill their commitments to defence spending and significantly increase their national investments in defence to share the burden fairly with the United States.
Additionally, MEPs urge the two transatlantic partners to work together on crucial foreign policy matters, such as their respective relations with China, Europe’s eastern and southern neighbourhood, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Indo-Pacific.
The report also recommends that they further advance strategic cooperation on shared joint past achievements, such as the Western Balkans, Sahel, and the Arctic.
“These European Parliament recommendations seek to continue the transatlantic alliance to defend democratic values that are under pressure everywhere, including within our societies. Together, we must maintain critical technologies and raw materials to ensure an advantage over increasingly assertive geopolitical rivals,” the rapporteur Tonino Picula (S&D, Croatia) said.
