In a joint resolution by the EPP, Greens/EFA, Renew Europe, RCE and S&D groups on the upcoming ‘White Paper on the future of European defence’, adopted by 419 votes to 204 with 46 abstentions, the European Parliament on Wednesday 12 March called on the EU to take urgent action to ensure its own security. According to MEPs, this means strengthening relations with partners who share the same values and significantly reducing dependence on third countries.
The European Parliament wants this ‘White Paper’ to make concrete proposals to the European Council to enable “truly innovative effort” and actions “similar to those used in wartime”.
Contrary to the draft text (see EUROPE 13597/1), in the end MEPs did not require Member States to devote at least 3% of their GDP to defence (305 votes in favour, 309 against and 53 abstentions). While the majority of the EPP and Renew Europe voted in favour, the ECR and the Greens/EFA were divided. A majority of the S&D group voted against, as did the ESN, the non-attached Members and the PfE.
See the resolution: https://aeur.eu/f/fwm (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)