On Wednesday 28 February, the European Parliament took the view that in order to position itself as a global player in today’s global environment, the Union must pursue a “determined, disciplined and assertive foreign policy that fulfils its own strategic objectives”, and that it should continue to proactively define, promote and defend its interests in the world.
According to MEPs, who adopted the report by David McAllister (EPP, German) (338 votes in favour, 86 against and 122 abstentions), the Union should define its Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) accordingly, based on four objectives: dealing with the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, gradually adapting the Union’s structures, instruments, capabilities, funding and decision-making procedures, strengthening rules-based multilateralism and, finally, asserting the Union’s interests by building strong strategic partnerships and strengthening strategic autonomy.
MEPs are also calling for a gradual transition to qualified majority voting for Council decisions in CFSP areas that do not have military or defence implications.
The report calls for greater clarity on the functioning, format of representation and accountability of the ‘Team Europe’ approach in order to ensure an efficient allocation of resources and avoid duplication in the EU’s foreign and security policy.
Parliament also stresses that the ambitious nature of the Union’s external human rights policy requires the Union to act in a “coherent and exemplary manner”.
MEPs also call on the Council to launch a project to set up a ‘European Civil Peace Corps’ to bring together the expertise of institutional and non-institutional players in conflict prevention, peaceful conflict resolution and reconciliation.
Parliament is also looking forward to the European Council’s consideration of the internal reforms concerning enlargement, with a view to adopting conclusions on a roadmap for future work by the summer of 2024.
Finally, MEPs believe it is necessary to strengthen institutionalised parliamentary scrutiny of the EU’s external action.
To see the report, go to https://aeur.eu/f/b27 (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)