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

On Tuesday, Parliament assess the outcome of the 6 March Special European Council with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen and discuss the need to bolster Europe’s security.

In a joint debate on European security, MEPs assess the results of the 6 March special European Council convened by President António Costa to discuss Ukraine and European defence and attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. At a critical time for Ukraine and European security, as President Donald Trump’s new US administration has paused support for Kyiv and raised questions about future US defence engagement in Europe, MEPs will hear from Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on how the EU plans to strengthen its defence capabilities.

On Tuesday morning, MEPs also outline their expectations for the 20 -21 March EU summit, which is expected to focus - besides Ukraine - on the Middle East, Europe’s competitiveness, trade policy, and migration management.

In a separate debate on Tuesday afternoon, MEPs and representatives of the Polish Council Presidency and the European Commission discuss the upcoming white paper on the future of European defence, set to be unveiled by the Commission and the European External Action Service in mid-March 2025. The white paper will address defence sector capability issues, industrial competitiveness and investment needs. It should also frame the overall approach to EU defence integration, and outline how best the EU can respond to security threats. Plenary will wind up the debate with a vote on a resolution on Wednesday.

Debate on the EU summits and on the urgent need to bolster Europe’s security architecture

MEPs wengage 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

EP Plenary session - European Council meetings and European Security

Avec le retour de la guerre sur le continent européen, il est plus important que jamais de mesurer le niveau des menaces pour la paix, la sécurité et la démocratie dans le monde - comme le fait l’indice de Normandie. L’indice annuel a été présenté pour la première fois à l’occasion du Forum Normandie pour la Paix en juin 2019, à la suite d’un partenariat noué entre le Parlement européen et la région de Normandie. L’indice a été conçu et préparé par le Service de recherche du Parlement européen (EPRS), en collaboration avec l’Institut pour l’économie et la paix et sur la base de données fournies par celui-ci. Le présent document expose les conclusions de l’exercice 2023, qui s’appuie sur les données compilées en 2022, et explique comment l’indice peut être utilisé pour comparer la paix - définie sur la base des performances d’un pays donné par rapport à une série de menaces prédéterminées - entre pays et régions. Il est complété par 61 études de cas consacrées chacune à un pays, sur la base de l’indice. Ce document fait partie de la contribution de l’EPRS au Forum mondial Normandie pour la paix 2023. Il est accompagné de deux documents, l’un sur la contribution de l’Union européenne à la paix et à la sécurité en 2022, l’autre sur les efforts de consolidation de la paix de l’Union européenne en Iraq.

Évaluer les menaces pour la paix et la démocratie au niveau mondial: Indice Normandie 2023

AFET Committee - Exchange of views with Miroslav Lajčák, , EU Special representative for dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina

EP Plenary session - Foreign interference and hybrid attacks: the need to strengthen EU resilience and internal security

EP Plenary session - Strengthening Moldova's resilience against Russian interference and a constitutional referendum on EU integration

EP Plenary session - Role of preventive diplomacy in tackling frozen conflicts around the world – missed opportunity or change for the future?

AFET Committee - Public hearing on the Implementation report on the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement

AFET Committee - Public Hearing on the EU and Latin America

AFET Committee - Geopolitical dialogue with Olivér Várhelyi

EP Plenary session - Situation in Sudan

EP Plenary session - Adoption of the Act in support of ammunition production

EP Plenary session - Statement by the Vice-President of the commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - EU relations with Iraq

EP Plenary session - The implementation of civilian CSDP and other EU civilian security assistance

EP Plenary session - Situation in Georgia

EP Plenary session - The challenges facing the Republic of Moldova

EP Plenary session - Deterioration of democracy in Israel and consequences on the occupied territories

EP Plenary session - Joint debate - CFSP and CSDP (Article 36 TEU).Implementation of the common foreign and security policy and the common security and defence policy- annual reports 2022

EP Plenary session -  Question time to Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of a stronger Europe in the World - The EU’s security and strategic compass

EP Plenary session - Joint debate - CFSP and CSDP (common foreign and security policy / common security and defence policy )

MEPs and representatives of the Polish Council Presidency and the European Commission discuss the upcoming white paper on the future of European defence, set to be unveiled by the Commission and the European External Action Service in mid-March 2025. The white paper will address defence sector capability issues, industrial competitiveness and investment needs. It should also frame the overall approach to EU defence integration, and outline how best the EU can respond to security threats. Closing statements by Andrius KUBILIUS, European Commissioner for Defence and Space, and Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs.

White paper on the future of European defence: closing statements by Andrius KUBILIUS, European Commissioner for Defence and Space, and Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs

MEPs and representatives of the Polish Council Presidency and the European Commission discuss the upcoming white paper on the future of European defence, set to be unveiled by the Commission and the European External Action Service in mid-March 2025. The white paper will address defence sector capability issues, industrial competitiveness and investment needs. It should also frame the overall approach to EU defence integration, and outline how best the EU can respond to security threats. MEPs debate (part 4).

White paper on the future of European defence: MEPs debate (part 4)

MEPs and representatives of the Polish Council Presidency and the European Commission discuss the upcoming white paper on the future of European defence, set to be unveiled by the Commission and the European External Action Service in mid-March 2025. The white paper addresses defence sector capability issues, industrial competitiveness and investment needs. It should also frame the overall approach to EU defence integration, and outline how best the EU can respond to security threats. MEPs debate (part 3).

White paper on the future of European defence: MEPs debate (part 3)

MEPs and representatives of the Polish Council Presidency and the European Commission discuss the upcoming white paper on the future of European defence, set to be unveiled by the Commission and the European External Action Service in mid-March 2025. The white paper addresses defence sector capability issues, industrial competitiveness and investment needs. It should also frame the overall approach to EU defence integration, and outline how best the EU can respond to security threats. MEPs debate (part 2).

White paper on the future of European defence: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs and representatives of the Polish Council Presidency and the European Commission discuss the upcoming white paper on the future of European defence, set to be unveiled by the Commission and the European External Action Service in mid-March 2025. The white paper addresses defence sector capability issues, industrial competitiveness and investment needs. It should also frame the overall approach to EU defence integration, and outline how best the EU can respond to security threats. MEPs debate (part 1).

White paper on the future of European defence: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs and representatives of the Polish Council Presidency and the European Commission discuss the upcoming white paper on the future of European defence, set to be unveiled by the Commission and the European External Action Service in mid-March 2025. The white paper addresses defence sector capability issues, industrial competitiveness and investment needs. It should also frame the overall approach to EU defence integration, and outline how best the EU can respond to security threats. Opening statements by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, and Andrius KUBILIUS, European Commissioner for Defence and Space. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

White paper on the future of European defence: Opening statements by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, and Andrius KUBILIUS, European Commissioner for Defence and Space

In a joint debate on European security, MEPs assess the results of the 6 March special European Council convened by President António Costa and attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss Ukraine and the need to bolster Europe’s security. At a critical time for Ukraine and European security, as President Donald Trump’s new US administration has paused support for Kyiv and raised questions about future US defence engagement in Europe, MEPs will hear from Ursula von der Leyen, EC President on how the EU plans to strengthen its defence capabilities. MEPs also outline their expectations for the 20 -21 March EU summit, which is expected to focus - besides Ukraine - on the Middle East, Europe’s competitiveness, trade policy, and migration management.

European Council meetings and European Security: closing statements by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, and António COSTA, President of the European Council

In a joint debate on European security, MEPs assess the results of the 6 March special European Council convened by President António Costa and attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss Ukraine and the need to bolster Europe’s security. At a critical time for Ukraine and European security, as President Donald Trump’s new US administration has paused support for Kyiv and raised questions about future US defence engagement in Europe, MEPs will hear from Ursula von der Leyen, EC President on how the EU plans to strengthen its defence capabilities. MEPs also outline their expectations for the 20 -21 March EU summit, which is expected to focus - besides Ukraine - on the Middle East, Europe’s competitiveness, trade policy, and migration management. MEPs debate (part 2)

European Council meetings and European Security: MEPs debate (part 2)

In a joint debate on European security, MEPs assess the results of the 6 March special European Council convened by President António Costa and attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss Ukraine and the need to bolster Europe’s security. At a critical time for Ukraine and European security, as President Donald Trump’s new US administration has paused support for Kyiv and raised questions about future US defence engagement in Europe, MEPs will hear from Ursula von der Leyen, EC President on how the EU plans to strengthen its defence capabilities. MEPs also outline their expectations for the 20 -21 March EU summit, which is expected to focus - besides Ukraine - on the Middle East, Europe’s competitiveness, trade policy, and migration management. MEPs debate (part 1)

European Council meetings and European Security: MEPs debate (part 1)

António COSTA, President of the European Council, Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs and by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission review the outcomes of the 6 March Special European Council, set their priorities for the upcoming 20-21 March summit, and discuss the urgent need to reinforce the EU’s security framework and the Commission’s Rearm Europe Plan.

European Council meetings and European Security: extracts from the statements by António COSTA, President of the European Council, Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs and by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission

The Committees on Foreign Affairs and Security and Defence and the Delegation for Relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly meet Mark RUTTE, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) for the first time. In the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine, and the incoming US administration, the topics discussed include efforts to strengthen NATO defence and deterrence as well as the delivery of military assistance to Ukraine. MEPs also inquire about other regional and global security threats that require close cooperation between the EU and NATO.

Exchange of views with Mark RUTTE, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO): extracts - AFET Committee, SEDE Subcommittee and Delegation for relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly

The Committees on Foreign Affairs and Security (AFET) and Defence (SEDE) and the Delegation for Relations with the National Atlantic Treaty Organization Parliamentary Assembly (DNAT) meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte for the first time. In the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine, and the incoming US administration, the topics discussed include efforts to strengthen NATO defence and deterrence as well as the delivery of military assistance to Ukraine. MEPs also inquire about other regional and global security threats that require close cooperation between the European Union and NATO.

Exchange of views with Mark RUTTE, Secretary General of the NATO: Opening statements by David McALLISTER, AFET Chair, Marie-Agnes STRACK-ZIMMERMANN, SEDE Chair, Mark RUTTE, NATO Secretary General, and by Salvatore DE MEO, DNAT Chair

During Question Time, MEPs quiz Commission Vice-President Jourová about EU governments’ preparedness to combat foreign interference, especially ahead of the European Elections, including from Russia.

Information security of EU governments against foreign interference, in particular by Russia: extracts from the question time with the Commission

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.

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