Defence
The EU has adopted its first-ever defence industry programme. It strengthens Europe’s industrial backbone, boosts joint procurement, supports Ukraine — and takes an important step towards strategic autonomy.
This week, the European Parliament debated the priorities for the European Council on 23 October in Brussels. At the center of this is the continued support for Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression – and the question of how we can make Europe more capable of defense and action by 2030.
On the same day the European Parliament and Council reached an agreement on the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), the Commission presented its new Roadmap for European Defence Readiness. Both are important steps toward a stronger and more coordinated European defence, but now member states must turn them into action.
By 2035, will Europe emerge as a strong security actor – or remain a patchwork of 27 fragmented parts? Two scenarios illustrate where the road ahead could lead.
The NATO summit agenda in The Hague seems tailored to please Trump. It risks becoming a live re-enactment of The Emperor’s New Clothes. What we need is security, not show.
The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is worsening by the day. And Europe? Has remained silent for too long. It is high time we increase pressure on the Israeli government – so that humanitarian aid can reach those in need and the war be brought to an end.
On Europe Day, we celebrate diversity, freedom, and unity. At the same time, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine continues. How we can strengthen Ukraine and pave the way for its EU membership.
Less national patchwork, more genuine European cooperation: With EDIP, the EU aims to better prepare its defense industry for shared challenges. On April 24, we adopted the Parliament's position on the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) at committee level.
Everyone is talking about how Europe has to become more independent when it comes to security and defense. But how could that work – and what does it really mean?
At the summit, European leaders discussed Europe’s security and support for Ukraine.The key takeaway: Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security and continue to provide strong support to Ukraine.
The geopolitical situation is more unstable than ever, and the new U.S. administration is not making things easier for Europe.
The European Commission has presented its work program for 2025 in Parliament. I explained in my plenary speech why that is not enough: