The European Parliament has adopted a report emphasizing the importance of the European Union’s security and defence partnerships (SDPs) in facing current and future threats. The document, prepared by the Security and Defence Committee, states that these partnerships are necessary for enhancing the EU’s role on the global stage and for maintaining strategic autonomy while cooperating with NATO.
The report points out that Europe is currently experiencing its most serious security situation since World War II. This is mainly attributed to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, but also includes other risks such as hybrid threats, terrorism, cyberattacks, dangers to critical infrastructure, and challenges linked to climate change. Russia is described as the main threat to European security. The text also mentions Iran, North Korea, and Belarus as supporting actors for Russia. China is referred to as a strategic competitor whose relationship with Russia prompts calls for reassessment of EU economic ties with Beijing.
Members of Parliament stress that NATO remains central to collective defence in Europe. They call for closer cooperation between the EU and NATO while advocating for a stronger independent EU defence pillar that can act autonomously if required. The report highlights the need for interoperable military capabilities among EU members and encourages joint procurement efforts, industrial collaboration, standardisation, and alignment with NATO planning processes.
The expansion of SDPs is welcomed by Parliament members—especially those involving like-minded partners such as Norway, the United Kingdom, Canada, other European countries, and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. Ukraine receives special attention as a strategic priority partner; MEPs urge continued military, industrial and political support for Kyiv along with security guarantees. They also propose using frozen Russian assets to help rebuild Ukraine under international law principles and suggest formalizing a strategic partnership between Ukraine and the EU.
After voting on Wednesday—resulting in 440 votes in favour, 119 against and 85 abstentions—rapporteur Michal Szczerba (EPP, Poland) stated: “Never in the history of the EU have we faced greater security challenges or greater uncertainty. In this volatile security environment, we need to respond with strength – we need defence partnerships to build spheres of common interest against spheres of influence and imperial actions. This report is opening a new chapter for expanded and enhanced EU partnerships. In deterring Russian imperialism, the EU has no greater, no more important partner than Ukraine. Ukrainians have not only been defending the EU but have also built the most battle-hardened, effective, and innovative military force in Europe. It is in the EU’s fundamental interest to deepen our partnership with Ukraine including in the defence industry and in innovation. Support for Ukraine is the bedrock of EU defence. The strategic reorientation of the US means that Member States need to invest more and close critical capability gaps deepening defence cooperation with other NATO countries like UK Norway And Canada Real strategic autonomy depends on partnerships that help deliver concrete capabilities interoperability deterrence And resilience”.
