The EU must defend its interests on the global stage

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament.

• Increase and accelerate military assistance and political support for Ukraine 
• Expand the EU’s presence in the Middle East 
• Continued engagement with the US more crucial than ever  
• Close coordination on deterrence and collaboration between the EU and NATO  

MEPs want the EU to respond determinedly to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East, and the return of so-called “great power” politics.

The EU should meaningfully increase and speed up support for Ukraine, to put it in a position of strength and deter any further aggression by Russia following a potential ceasefire agreement ,MEPs say in two reports adopted on Wednesday.

In the report on Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) adopted by 378 votes in favour, 188 against and 105 abstentions, Parliament warns Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine erodes Europe’s security architecture, by destabilising and threatening the Eastern European neighbourhood and the Western Balkans.

Concerned about rising tensions in the Middle East, MEPs are asking EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas to produce a comprehensive EU strategy for the region and to increase Europe’s presence there. Calling for lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians, MEPs welcome the prospect of a return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza and express support to the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the two-State Solution.

Cooperation with partners, including the US

In light of intensifying efforts by China, Russia, Iran, and others to destabilise the existing international order and undermine multilateralism, the report says enhanced cooperation and coordination by the EU with like-minded partners is essential. MEPs are worried about the fast pace at which the new US administration is reversing established partnerships and dismayed by its policy of appeasing Russia and targeting traditional allies. Nonetheless, MEPs believe it is more crucial than ever to continue engaging with the US. They encourage member states to pursue bilateral diplomatic channels with their US counterparts as the format of cooperation preferred by the US administration, while at the same time demonstrating unity and commitment to a common EU position.

Robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine

In the report on Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), adopted by 399 votes in favour, 198 against and 71 abstentions, MEPs express their deep concern about the apparent shift in the United States’ stance on Russia’s war of aggression. They strongly deplore any attempts at blackmailing Ukraine’s leadership into surrendering to the Russian aggressor for the sole purpose of announcing a ‘peace deal’(AM 15).

The resolution says a possible peace agreement, which respects Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, needs to be accompanied by robust and credible security guarantees in order to deter future Russian aggression. MEPs welcome the recent efforts in this regards with like-minded NATO partners as well as the European Council conclusions of 20 March 2025 that underline that the EU and member states are ready to contribute to security guarantees, in particular by supporting Ukraine’s ability to defend itself effectively (AM 23).

Close coordination and cooperation between the EU and NATO

The resolution further stresses that close coordination on deterrence and collaboration between the EU and NATO is needed for the development of coherent, complementary and interoperable defence capabilities and the reinforcement of Europe’s industrial production capacity. MEPs concur with the wider ambition to strengthen the European pillar within NATO, but they reiterate that the development of a European Defence Union should go hand-in-hand with the deepening of EU-NATO cooperation.

Finally, Parliament wants the Commission to raise common debt to provide the EU with the fiscal capacity to borrow in exceptional and crisis situations now and in the future. MEPs say Europe is “now experiencing a pressing need to boost security and defence for protecting EU citizens, restoring deterrence and supporting the EU’s allies, first and foremost Ukraine”. The burden of these actions should, MEPs argue, be shared fairly (AM 101).

Quotes

The rapporteur on the Common Foreign and Security Policy David McAllister (EPP, DE) said: “We underscore the importance of a determined, disciplined 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 EU must be able to fulfil and defend its own strategic objectives on the international stage. Parliament’s contribution can help shape a medium- to long-term strategic vision that guides the High Representative’s priorities throughout this legislature and into the future.”

The rapporteur for the Common Security and Defence Policy Nicolás Pascual de la Parte (EPP, ES) said:

“This report provides a basis for how the EU should respond to the geopolitical paradigm shift we are witnessing around the world. The European Union has to take its future into its own hands. We will need to work closely in the coming years with the United States on security and defence, but in the longer term, the EU also needs to establish its own credible dissuasive powers. To do this, we need to invest a lot more in our own security and defence, while also demonstrating political unity and determination. We also need to continue to provide strong support to Ukraine as they continue to defend Europe’s territorial integrity, independence and values.”