Stressing that the EU must simultaneously address numerous foreign policy challenges that affect it directly or indirectly, the European Parliament said on Wednesday 2 April that, in order to remain influential on the international stage, the Union must pursue “a determined, disciplined and assertive foreign policy that fulfils the EU’s own strategic objectives and continues defining, asserting and defending its interests in the world”.
In the wide-ranging report by David McAllister (EPP, German) ‘on the implementation of the common foreign and security policy – 2024 annual report’, which they adopted by 378 votes to 188 with 105 abstentions, MEPs highlighted a number of objectives for 2025, including “addressing the global consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine” and “conflict and peace in the Middle East”.
The European Parliament is also calling for stronger partnerships around the world. Despite the statements and policies of the new US administration, “a strong transatlantic relationship remains indispensable for the security of the partners on both sides of the Atlantic”.
MEPs also explain that the centre of gravity in the world order is shifting towards the Indo-Pacific, and that the EU must strengthen its active role and presence in this region. Parliament also believes that the EU and its Member States should focus on bilateral relations with African partners. It is important to build “new alliances, inter alia with the countries in our neighbourhood as well as in the Global South, taking into account mutual needs and interests in order to foster real, balanced and equal partnerships”, add the MEPs. They also call for a distinct EU policy towards the BRICS+.
Faced with the US sanctions against the International Criminal Court, Parliament is calling on the Commission to activate the blocking statute as a matter of urgency, and on Member States to step up their diplomatic action without delay to protect and safeguard the ICC, “an indispensable cornerstone of the international judicial system”.
Finally, MEPs are calling for a substantial increase in CFSP funding.
See the report: https://aeur.eu/f/g7y (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant and Isalia Stieffatre)