MEPs call for 'truly ground-breaking efforts' to strengthen European defence
The European Parliament has called on the European Commission to invest more in European defence. In a resolution on Wednesday, MEPs call for proposals to allow for "truly ground-breaking efforts" and actions "close to those of wartime".
Last week, the European Commission proposed its ReArm Europe plan to rapidly strengthen European defence. A defence white paper will follow on 19 March, in which the Commission also promises long-term action. During a debate on Tuesday, several MEPs called for a stronger strategic vision for Europe's defence and the mobilisation of more resources.
Innovative funding solutions
Those calls were implemented in a resolution adopted on Wednesday. The parliament warns that Europe's security and defence goals will not be achieved without a significant increase in investment.
MEPs argue that "urgent needs cannot wait for the next multiannual financial framework" and call for "innovative solutions for finding additional funding", such as European defence bonds.
The resolution also calls for a significant increase in the joint procurement of equipment by EU member states, a simplification of defence decision-making and support for the creation of a council of defence ministers.
Finally, MEPs believe that qualified majority voting should be sufficient for EU defence decisions, instead of the current unanimity requirement - except for military operations with an executive mandate.
In the resolution, MEPs describe Russia and its allies as “the most significant direct and indirect threat against the EU”. They also express concern about the future US attitude towards Russia, NATO and European security in the light of recent actions and statements by US president Donald Trump, and condemn his "threats against Greenland".
While the Parliament stresses the importance of EU-NATO cooperation, it also calls for the development of a fully fledged European pillar in NATO, capable of acting autonomously if necessary.
© PHOTO FREDERICK FLORIN / AFP
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