During the plenary sessions MEPs hold debates on foreign affairs and security policy to discuss European Union (EU) action beyond its borders.

The EU Treaties differentiate between common foreign and security policy (CFSP), common security and defence policy (CSDP), external action, and the external dimension of internal policies.

To address new challenges such as climate change, rising insecurity or new migration patterns, the EU has put forward concrete solutions to shape synergy between the actors, in order to use shared expertise more effectively, and to find new sources of funding. The new foreign policy framework (EU global strategy) is intended to map the tools and resources best designed to help society as a whole, in the EU and partner countries, to withstand natural and manmade shocks more effectively. In the years to come, global instability is expected to rise; the challenge for the EU will be to ensure security while upholding the core values of the Treaties – human rights, democracy and the fight against poverty – as its primary objectives on the global stage.

Debates on foreign affairs and security policy

On Tuesday, Parliament assess the outcome of the 6 March Special European Council with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen and discuss the need to bolster Europe’s security.

In a joint debate on European security, MEPs assess the results of the 6 March special European Council convened by President António Costa to discuss Ukraine and European defence and attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. At a critical time for Ukraine and European security, as President Donald Trump’s new US administration has paused support for Kyiv and raised questions about future US defence engagement in Europe, MEPs will hear from Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on how the EU plans to strengthen its defence capabilities.

On Tuesday morning, MEPs also outline their expectations for the 20 -21 March EU summit, which is expected to focus - besides Ukraine - on the Middle East, Europe’s competitiveness, trade policy, and migration management.

In a separate debate on Tuesday afternoon, MEPs and representatives of the Polish Council Presidency and the European Commission discuss the upcoming white paper on the future of European defence, set to be unveiled by the Commission and the European External Action Service in mid-March 2025. The white paper will address defence sector capability issues, industrial competitiveness and investment needs. It should also frame the overall approach to EU defence integration, and outline how best the EU can respond to security threats. Plenary will wind up the debate with a vote on a resolution on Wednesday.

Debate on the EU summits and on the urgent need to bolster Europe’s security architecture

Press conference on Parliament's annual CFSP and CSDP reports

EP Plenary session - Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP)

EP Plenary session - White paper on the future of European defence

EP Plenary session - European Council meetings and European Security

EP Plenary session - Joint Debate - European Security and Defence

EP Plenary session - Strategic Compass and EU space-based defence capabilities

EP Plenary session - Question Time (with the Commission) - The state of implementation of the EU's commitment to provide 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine until March 2024

David MCALLISTER (EPP, DE) and Nicolás PASCUAL DE LA PARTE (EPP, ES), Rapporteurs, hold a press conference on the Parliament's annual CFSP and CSDP reports. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery

Press conference by David MCALLISTER (EPP, DE) and Nicolás PASCUAL DE LA PARTE (EPP, ES), Rapporteurs, on the Parliament's annual CFSP and CSDP reports

MEPs discuss with High Representative Kaja Kallas, and then vote on, the EU's common foreign, defence, and security policy objectives for 2025. MEPs and the EU’s chief diplomat debate two draft reports urging the EU to invest more in its defence sector, including an increase of military and political support for Ukraine. MEPs are also set to call for the EU to expand its presence in the Middle East, foster closer ties with like-minded partners, and support enlargement countries in their efforts to advance towards EU membership. Closing statements by Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, David MCALLISTER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, Nicolás PASCUAL DE LA PARTE (EPP, ES), Rapporteur.

Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP): closing statements by Kaja KALLAS, David MCALLISTER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, and Nicolás PASCUAL DE LA PARTE (EPP, ES), Rapporteur

MEPs and the High Representative discuss the EU's common foreign, defence, and security policy objectives for 2025. MEPs demand more investment in defence, including more military and political support for Ukraine. They are also aiming for greater EU presence in the Middle East, closer ties with like-minded partners, and support for EU candidate countries. The two related reports – Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) – are put to a plenary vote on Wednesday. Second part of MEPs debate.

Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP): MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs and the High Representative discuss the EU's common foreign, defence, and security policy objectives for 2025. MEPs demand more investment in defence, including more military and political support for Ukraine. They are also aiming for greater EU presence in the Middle East, closer ties with like-minded partners, and support for EU candidate countries. The two related reports – Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) – are put to a plenary vote on Wednesday. First par of MEPs debate.

Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP): MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs and the High Representative discuss the EU's common foreign, defence, and security policy objectives for 2025. MEPs demand more investment in defence, including more military and political support for Ukraine. They are also aiming for greater EU presence in the Middle East, closer ties with like-minded partners, and support for EU candidate countries. The two related reports – Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) – are put to a plenary vote on Wednesday. Opening statement by David MCALLISTER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, Nicolás PASCUAL DE LA PARTE (EPP, ES), Rapporteur and Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP): opening statements by David MCALLISTER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, Nicolás PASCUAL DE LA PARTE (EPP, ES), Rapporteur and Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the EU

MEPs and representatives of the Polish Council Presidency and the European Commission discuss the upcoming white paper on the future of European defence, set to be unveiled by the Commission and the European External Action Service in mid-March 2025. The white paper will address defence sector capability issues, industrial competitiveness and investment needs. It should also frame the overall approach to EU defence integration, and outline how best the EU can respond to security threats. Closing statements by Andrius KUBILIUS, European Commissioner for Defence and Space, and Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs.

White paper on the future of European defence: closing statements by Andrius KUBILIUS, European Commissioner for Defence and Space, and Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs

MEPs and representatives of the Polish Council Presidency and the European Commission discuss the upcoming white paper on the future of European defence, set to be unveiled by the Commission and the European External Action Service in mid-March 2025. The white paper will address defence sector capability issues, industrial competitiveness and investment needs. It should also frame the overall approach to EU defence integration, and outline how best the EU can respond to security threats. MEPs debate (part 4).

White paper on the future of European defence: MEPs debate (part 4)

MEPs and representatives of the Polish Council Presidency and the European Commission discuss the upcoming white paper on the future of European defence, set to be unveiled by the Commission and the European External Action Service in mid-March 2025. The white paper addresses defence sector capability issues, industrial competitiveness and investment needs. It should also frame the overall approach to EU defence integration, and outline how best the EU can respond to security threats. MEPs debate (part 3).

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