On Wednesday, the European Parliament adopted a resolution emphasizing the urgent need for the European Union to bolster its security measures.

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) called for strengthened relationships with like-minded partners and a significant reduction in reliance on non-EU nations.

The resolution comes ahead of the anticipated release of a 'White Paper' on the future of European defence, set to be presented by the European Commission and the High Representative in the coming week, which is expected to propose significant actions akin to wartime efforts.

MEPs argue that to ensure peace and stability in Europe, it is imperative for the EU to support Ukraine while simultaneously increasing its own resilience.

The text highlights that Europe faces unprecedented military threats to its territorial integrity not seen since the end of the Cold War.

Specifically, it urges member states, international partners, and NATO allies to remove restrictions on the deployment of Western weapons delivered to Ukraine for use against military targets in Russia.

The resolution points to Russia, along with its allies—Belarus, China, North Korea, and Iran—as the most significant threat to the EU. MEPs expressed concerns over shifts in US policies under the Trump administration that have heightened insecurities regarding NATO's future positioning and American commitment to European security, particularly in relation to recent statements about Greenland.

The Parliament's stance is that EU defense initiatives must not remain limited, fragmented, or sluggish in their execution.

Calls were made for increased military, industrial, technological, and intelligence efforts.

In anticipation of potential escalated military conflicts, the resolution underscores the necessity for the EU to streamline its administrative actions to react swiftly in times of war or large-scale security crises.

While highlighting the collaborative relationship with NATO, MEPs advocated for the establishment of a self-sufficient European defense pillar within NATO capable of independent action when needed.

In terms of the European defense industry, MEPs emphasized the importance of a cohesive, long-term vision for its development and a significant boost in joint procurement of military equipment amongst EU member states.

They urged for simplification in decision-making processes regarding defense, suggesting the creation of a council of defense ministers and advocating for a shift from unanimous to qualified majority voting in defense matters, with the exception of military operations with an executive mandate.

The resolution cautioned that without substantial increases in investment, the EU will be unable to fulfill its security and defense objectives, including military support for Ukraine and the enhancement of collective European security.

MEPs stated that immediate financial needs should not be delayed until the next multiannual financial framework.

They proposed innovative funding solutions, such as the introduction of European defense bonds for financing large-scale military investments.

The resolution passed with 419 votes in favor, 204 against, and 46 abstentions.

In a related context, MEPs also backed a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, pressed on March 11, with expectations that Russia would comply by ceasing all attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure.

Given a perceived shift in US rhetoric concerning the conflict, MEPs underscored the importance of the EU and its member states reinforcing their roles as Ukraine's primary strategic partners and financial backers.

They stressed the necessity of enhanced military assistance, to empower Ukraine against further aggression.

Furthermore, they believe that Ukraine must be fortified to resist concessions that could undermine its long-term security and that negotiations concerning European security must involve the EU. MEPs reiterated the importance of accelerating Ukraine's accession talks with the EU and called for comprehensive funding to prepare for the nation's post-conflict reconstruction, suggesting that Russian assets currently immobilized under EU sanctions should be redirected to this purpose.

They also urged the implementation of more rigid sanctions on Russia and measures against entities supporting sanction evasion.

The resolution received 442 votes in favor, 98 against, and 126 abstentions.

Amid discussions on the future of EU defense spending, the European Commission proposed a €150 billion financial framework to expedite military investment through member state cooperative procurement.

This proposal aims to provide loans for European-made defence equipment, prompting the Commission to invoke a fast-track approval process under Article 122 of the EU treaty, allowing the text to bypass formal parliamentary negotiations.

The urgency of this proposal stems from increasing military needs following perceived changes in US military commitments to Europe.

However, this proposal has faced criticism from various MEPs who question the justification for bypassing parliamentary engagement and the potential implications for EU democracy.

There are also concerns regarding divisions among member states on defense policies and procurement strategies, particularly between countries favoring domestic procurement versus those open to purchasing from non-EU suppliers.

As discussions continue within the Council, clarity on the definition of 'European' equipment and the criteria for using EU funds remains pending.