The European defence industry reinforcement through common procurement act, or EDIRPA, is a short-term joint defence procurement instrument worth €500 million. It seeks to address the most urgent and critical defence capability gaps and to incentivise EU countries to procure defence products jointly.

EPRS Policy Podcast - European defence industry reinforcement through common procurement act (EDIRPA)

During the plenary sessions MEPs hold debates on foreign affairs and security policy to discuss European Union (EU) action beyond its borders.

The EU Treaties differentiate between common foreign and security policy (CFSP), common security and defence policy (CSDP), external action, and the external dimension of internal policies.

To address new challenges such as climate change, rising insecurity or new migration patterns, the EU has put forward concrete solutions to shape synergy between the actors, in order to use shared expertise more effectively, and to find new sources of funding. The new foreign policy framework (EU global strategy) is intended to map the tools and resources best designed to help society as a whole, in the EU and partner countries, to withstand natural and manmade shocks more effectively. In the years to come, global instability is expected to rise; the challenge for the EU will be to ensure security while upholding the core values of the Treaties – human rights, democracy and the fight against poverty – as its primary objectives on the global stage.

Debates on foreign affairs and security policy

The Special Committee on Terrorism (TERR) was set up in July 2017 and started its work in September 2017 to evaluate how to better fight terrorism. The two co-rapporteurs Ms Monika HOHLMEIER (EPP, DE) and Ms Helga STEVENS (ECR, BE) together with the other TERR Members presented a final report to address the practical and legislative deficiencies in the fight against terrorism. Their recommendations show a way to overcome these deficiencies and to improve the fight against terrorism in the European Union. Meanwhile, the DALTON report asks Internet companies to remove terrorist content within one hour after receiving an order from the authorities to combat radicalisation and contribute to public security.

#EUelections2019 - Fight against terrorism

Security, fight against terrorism and defence are topics of utmost importance and where the European Parliament has been active in passing new laws to help us face challenges in these fields. Important to name in this regard is the PNR directive. This directive regulates the use of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data in the EU for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime.

#EUelections2019 -  PNR

MEPs fought for stronger protection for whistleblowers because in general in Europe there was weak protection. In many countries, whistleblower protection rules tended to be limited in scope.

#EUelections2019  - Whistleblowers

Internet use and the number of connected devices continue to increase, but so do cyber threats. Parliament has approved new legislation to improve your security.

Activities by cybercriminals are increasing in complexity and sophistication. On Tuesday 12 March 2019, MEPs voted in favour of the cybersecurity act which aims to improve the European response to the increasing number of cyber threats by strengthening the role of the European Agency for Network and Information Security (Enisa) and establishing a common cybersecurity certification framework.

#EUelections2019 - Network and information security / cybersecurity

EP Plenary session - Joint Debate - European Security and Defence

EP Plenary session - Strategic Compass and EU space-based defence capabilities

EP Plenary session - Question Time (with the Commission) - The state of implementation of the EU's commitment to provide 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine until March 2024

EP Plenary session - Question Time (Commission) - How to ensure energy security in the EU in 2023

EP Plenary session - The EU’s Foreign, Security and Defence Policy after the Russian invasion of Ukraine

High Level Conference - 24 May 2022 - Shaping civilian CSDP for the future

Meeting of the EP Conference of Presidents with the presence of Jens STOLTENBERG, NATO Secretary General.

Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Jens STOLTENBERG, Secretary General of NATO

Roberta METSOLA, EP President welcomes Jens STOLTENBERG, Secretary General of NATO

EP Plenary session - European Defence Fund

EP plenary session - Joint debate - European Foreign, Security and Defence Policy (Article 36 TEU)

EP plenary session- Joint debate - European Foreign, Security and Defence Policy (Article 36 TEU)

EP plenary session- European security and the future of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty - Statement by the VicePresident of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

Plenary session - European Defence Industrial Development Programme

Plenary session week 50 2017 in Strasbourg - Annual report on the implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy

LIBE Extraordinary Committee meeting - Security Dialogue.Exchange of views with the Federal Minister of the Interior of Germany and with the Minister of the Interior of France on Security dialogue

Plenary session week 11 2017 - Constitutional, legal and institutional implications of a Common Security and Defence Policy: possibilities offered by the Lisbon Treaty. Report: Michael Gahler, Esteban González Pons

Plenary Session week 21 2015 in strasbourg - Common Security and Defence Policy

This infoclip illustrates the EU's Strategy for Security and Defence, featuring exterior and interior views of planes on patrol, various navy shots, and footage of drones operated via remote control. It also shows Ukrainian troops and Leopard 2 tanks in action. Footage is courtesy of NATO, see conditions of use: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/68162.htm

Infoclip: EU Strategy for Security and Defence

Marie-Agnes STRACK-ZIMMERMAN (Renew, DE), Chair of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE), gives a press conference on setting up a Standing Committee on Security and Defence. Responding to citizen's expectations and reflecting EP priorities for the 10th legislature, European Parliament political group leaders (President Metsola and chairs of political groups) have decided to upgrade the subcommittees on Security and Defence and on Public Health as full standing committees, as well as the creation of a special committee on democracy shield and one on housing. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Marie-Agnes STRACK-ZIMMERMAN (Renew, DE), Chair of SEDE Subcommittee, on setting up a Standing Committee on Security and Defence

The EU’s recent report on strengthening Europe’s civilian and defense preparedness addresses the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, rising geopolitical tensions, and climate impacts. It emphasizes a unified approach to crisis management, with stronger cooperation across EU member states and greater integration of civilian and military roles. To enhance security across Europe, the report recommends improving cross-border coordination, speeding up crisis response, and increasing public awareness and engagement. It also stresses the importance of partnerships, particularly with NATO and allies like Ukraine, in facing multifaceted threats. Citizens and private sectors are crucial in building resilience, whether through voluntary involvement or the provision of critical infrastructure.

Presentation of the report on how to enhance Europe’s civilian and defence preparedness and readiness: MEPs debate (part 2)

Presentation of the report on how to enhance Europe’s civilian and defence preparedness and readiness: MEPs debate (part 1)

Former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö presents his report on how the EU can better prepare for future civil and military crises. In his report “Strengthening Europe’s civil and military preparedness and readiness”, the former Finnish President recommends the EU take a more proactive approach to preparedness and comprehensive security instead of merely reacting to shock events, as the world becomes more crisis-prone and less predictable. The report’s recommendations include: better risk analyses; communicating threats to the wider public without causing panic so that citizens can proactively prepare; ensuring that vital parts of society continue to function even in difficult circumstances; rapid decision-making; strengthening civil-military coordination and joint planning; and boosting intelligence cooperation to build resilience against hybrid threats. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Presentation of the report on how to enhance Europe’s civilian and defence preparedness and readiness: address by Sauli Niinistö

After his meeting with Roberta METSOLA, EP President, former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö presents his report on how the EU can better prepare for future civil and military crises. In his report “Strengthening Europe’s civil and military preparedness and readiness”, the former Finnish President recommends the EU take a more proactive approach to preparedness and comprehensive security instead of merely reacting to shock events, as the world becomes more crisis-prone and less predictable. The report’s recommendations include: better risk analyses; communicating threats to the wider public without causing panic so that citizens can proactively prepare; ensuring that vital parts of society continue to function even in difficult circumstances; rapid decision-making; strengthening civil-military coordination and joint planning; and boosting intelligence cooperation to build resilience against hybrid threats.

Presentation of the report on how to enhance Europe’s civilian and defence preparedness and readiness by Sauli NIINISTÖ: extracts from the meeting with Roberta METSOLA, EP President and extract from the address

Opening statements. MEPs engage in a debate with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell regarding Russian attempts to interfere in Moldova's upcoming presidential elections. Following this discussion, a resolution addressing these concerns will be put to a vote on Thursday. Moldova is set to hold its presidential election on 20 October 2024, coinciding with a referendum on EU membership. Senior Moldovan officials have raised alarms about Moscow's use of hybrid tactics aimed at undermining the country's pro-European government, led by President Maia Sandu, as it seeks to advance its EU integration following the granting of EU candidate status in June 2022.

Strengthening Moldova's resilience against Russian interference and a constitutional referendum on EU integration: Opening statements

MEPs debate. MEPs engage in a debate with European Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, regarding Russian attempts to interfere in Moldova's upcoming presidential elections. Following this discussion, a resolution addressing these concerns will be put to a vote on Thursday. Moldova is set to hold its presidential election on 20 October 2024, coinciding with a referendum on EU membership. Senior Moldovan officials have raised alarms about Moscow's use of hybrid tactics aimed at undermining the country's pro-European government, led by President Maia Sandu, as it seeks to advance its EU integration following the granting of EU candidate status in June 2022.

Strengthening Moldova's resilience against Russian interference and a constitutional referendum on EU integration: MEPs debate

2nd topic of the Eurovision Debate 2024 between the lead candidates for the Commission presidency: Nicolas SCHMIT, Party European Socialists, Sandro GOZI, Renew Europe Now, Terry REINTKE, European Greens, Ursula von der LEYEN, European People's Party and Walter BAIER, European Left. The candidates focus mainly on EU common response on Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the bloc's further assistance to Ukraine. They also discuss EU's future defence and security challenges and how to tackle them. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Eurovision Debate 2024 (Clean feed) - Topic 2: Defence and Security

Amidst significant geopolitical uncertainty and threats, MEPs are set to call for decisive action to strengthen and protect the international rules-based order. EP Plenary holds a joint debate on how to strengthen European security and defence with the Council and Commission.In the draft report on the implementation of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy for 2023, MEPs urge the EU to develop robust strategic alliances, to accelerate EU enlargement and reform decision-making processes in response to a new geopolitical context. Parliament also assesses the implementation of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy report in the context of a rapidly deteriorating global security environment. Both reports will be put to a vote on Wednesday.

Joint Debate - European Security and Defence: closing statements by Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission and Mathieu MICHEL, Belgian State Secretary for Digitisation

Joint Debate - European Security and Defence: MEPs debate part 1

Joint Debate - European Security and Defence: round of political group speakers and Rapporteurs

Amidst significant geopolitical uncertainty and threats, MEPs call for decisive action to strengthen and protect the international rules-based order. Plenary holds a joint debate on how to strengthen European security and defence. Ursula VON DER LEYEN highlights that priroity should be given to a defence joint procurement. EC President also proposes the designation of a Defence Commissioner for the next Commission.

European Security and Defence: extracts from the debate

Amidst significant geopolitical uncertainty and threats, MEPs are set to call for decisive action to strengthen and protect the international rules-based order. EP Plenary holds a joint debate on how to strengthen European security and defence with the Council and Commission. In the draft report on the implementation of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy for 2023, MEPs urge the EU to develop robust strategic alliances, to accelerate EU enlargement and reform decision-making processes in response to a new geopolitical context. Parliament also assesses the implementation of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy report in the context of a rapidly deteriorating global security environment. Both reports will be put to a vote on Wednesday.

Joint Debate - European Security and Defence: MEPs debate part 2

Amidst significant geopolitical uncertainty and threats, MEPs are set to call for decisive action to strengthen and protect the international rules-based order. EP Plenary holds a joint debate on how to strengthen European security and defence with the Council and Commission. In the draft report on the implementation of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy for 2023, MEPs urge the EU to develop robust strategic alliances, to accelerate EU enlargement and reform decision-making processes in response to a new geopolitical context. Parliament also assesses the implementation of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy report in the context of a rapidly deteriorating global security environment. Both reports will be put to a vote on Wednesday. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Joint Debate - European Security and Defence: opening statement by Mathieu MICHEL, Belgian State Secretary for Digitisation, and Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission

MEPs ask the Commission about the state of implementation of the EU's commitment to provide 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine until March 2024. Questions and answers (introduction).

Question Time - introduction: The state of implementation of the EU's commitment to provide 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine until March 2024: Questions and answers

MEPs ask the Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry BRETON, about the state of implementation of the EU's commitment to provide 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine until March 2024. Questions and answers session.

The state of implementation of the EU's commitment to provide 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine until March 2024: questions and answers with Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market

MEPs debate on new rules to incentivise EU countries to jointly procure defence products and support the EU’s defence industry. The new regulation, already agreed with member states, establishes a short-term instrument to boost the European defence industry through common procurement (EDIRPA) through to 2025. The tool should help member states address their most urgent and critical defence needs, especially those which have been exacerbated by the transfer of defence products to Ukraine, in a voluntary and collaborative way. Opening statement by Michael GAHLER (EPP, DE) and Zdzisław KRASNODĘBSKI (ECR, PL), Rapporteurs, Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Karlo RESSLER (EPP, HR), Rapporteur for BUDG. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

European Defence Industry Reinforcement through common Procurement Act (EDIRPA): opening statement by Michael GAHLER (EPP, DE) and Zdzisław KRASNODĘBSKI (ECR, PL), Rapporteurs, Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment

5 tulosta