This morning Members of the European Parliament, the Polish Council Presidency, and European Commission and Council Presidents, Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa, engaged in a crucial debate on the future of Europe’s security, the ReArm Europe plan, and the necessity of bolstering EU defence capabilities.
The discussion underlined the urgent need to address geopolitical tensions and fortify Europe’s strategic autonomy amid growing international uncertainties.
European Council President António Costa emphasised that the EU is experiencing a pivotal moment, shaped by intensifying global tensions and threats to the rules-based international order. He noted that Russia’s war against Ukraine presents a direct challenge to European security, prompting the EU to take decisive actions to strengthen its defence.
“We are putting our money where our mouth is,” Costa asserted, highlighting the EU’s commitment to reinforcing its security infrastructure. Stressing that Ukraine’s security is inextricably linked to Europe’s stability, he reaffirmed that the EU would continue working to strengthen its collective defence, protect its citizens, and uphold the Union’s social model while enhancing its global competitiveness.
Representing the Polish Council Presidency, Minister for European Union Affairs Adam Szłapka outlined the key issues to be discussed at the upcoming European Council summit on March 20-21st. The primary focus will be on securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine through negotiations led by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with the EU playing a crucial role given its vested security interests.
Szłapka also highlighted three strategic priorities for EU competitiveness in 2025: reducing bureaucratic obstacles, ensuring affordable energy, and addressing the investment and savings imbalance that hinders the growth of innovative businesses in Europe. These priorities, he argued, are essential to fostering economic resilience alongside military preparedness.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underlined the evolving security landscape, warning that “peace can no longer be taken for granted.” She stressed that Europe must assume greater responsibility for its own defence as external threats continue to grow.
“The European security order is being shaken, and many of our illusions are being shattered,” von der Leyen said, advocating for increased defence production through the recently announced ReArm Europe plan. She emphasised that while the EU has the economic power to deter adversaries, political will must translate into concrete action. Funding for enhanced defence capabilities, she stated, would need to come primarily from member states, with a strong focus on joint procurement to support Europe’s defence industry.
“This is Europe’s moment, and Europe will rise to it,” she concluded, urging unity and swift action to solidify the EU’s defence architecture.
During the debate, a majority of MEPs expressed strong support for strengthening the EU’s security framework. Many welcomed the European Commission’s commitment to bolstering defence industries, reinforcing border security, and sustaining Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression.
While the ReArm Europe plan was seen as a significant step, some MEPs stressed the necessity of a long-term, comprehensive defence strategy that would address challenges beyond the immediate crisis. There was also debate over the use of Article 122 of the EU Treaty in approving ReArm, as it would exclude parliamentary oversight. Critics warned that over-reliance on emergency provisions could undermine democratic decision-making.
Ensuring EU sovereignty was a key concern for several MEPs, who underscored the importance of securing access to critical raw materials and energy sources independently. Some voiced apprehension about the shifting stance of the Trump administration in the United States regarding its commitments to Ukraine, calling for an EU strategy based on investment and intra-European solidarity.
Other MEPs urged the Commission to enhance its diplomatic efforts to secure Ukraine’s future, arguing that military support alone would not suffice. Some parliamentarians also raised concerns about the budgetary impact of increased defence spending, warning that it should not come at the expense of the EU’s green and social transitions, as well as its investment in research and innovation.
Main Image: Photographer: Fred MARVAUX © European Union 2025 – Source : EP
