EU Parliament Urges Action on Security Ahead of White Paper Release on March 19, 2025

The European Parliament, in a resolution adopted on March 12, 2025, is calling for the EU to take immediate action to ensure its own security. This includes strengthening relationships with partners who share the same vision and significantly reducing its dependence on countries outside the EU. The "White Paper" on the future of European defense, expected to be presented by the Commission and High Representative the following week (around March 19, 2025), should outline concrete proposals for the European Council. These proposals should enable "truly revolutionary efforts" and actions "similar to those used in times of war." To achieve peace and stability in Europe, the EU must support Ukraine and become more resilient itself. The resolution highlights that Europe faces the most profound military threat to its territorial integrity since the end of the Cold War. It urges member states, international partners, and NATO allies to lift all restrictions on the use of Western weapon systems delivered to Ukraine against military targets on Russian territory. The Parliament emphasizes that EU defense efforts cannot remain limited in scope, fragmented in application, and prolonged in delivery. Increased efforts are needed in the military, industrial, technological, and information sectors. The EU must allow its administration to accelerate procedures in the event of wars or other large-scale crises. The development of a European pillar within NATO, capable of acting autonomously when necessary, is also requested.