European Parliament lawmakers have declared that Europe can no longer fully depend on the United States for defense and called for strengthening European defense capabilities and continued support for Ukraine.

Why it matters:

The statement marks a significant shift in Europe’s strategic outlook, reflecting concerns over U.S. reliability in global security matters and reinforcing efforts to bolster European autonomy in defense and deterrence.

 

What they’re saying:

In a joint statement on Tuesday, major European Parliament factions—including the European People’s Party, the Socialists and Democrats, the Renew Europe group, and the Greens—emphasized that Europe must take greater responsibility for its security and the protection of Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

 

Key points:

  • No negotiations on Ukraine should take place without Kyiv’s and the EU’s direct involvement.
  • Without stronger European defense policies, the continent could be vulnerable to future security threats.
  • There is an urgent need to invest in integrated and efficient defense structures in cooperation with NATO and non-aligned partners.
  • U.S. and EU officials met in Saudi Arabia to discuss ways to end the war in Ukraine.

 

Go deeper:

Amid the backdrop of shifting U.S. foreign policy priorities and rising internal debates over sustained military assistance to Ukraine, the European Union is fervently pursuing a path toward defense independence. European nations are becoming increasingly proactive, exploring alternative strategies to secure their regional stability. This includes fostering deeper collaboration within NATO's framework and fortifying their defense industries, laying the groundwork for a robust and self-reliant security landscape in the face of global uncertainties.

 

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