On Wednesday 21 January, MEPs called on the European Union to respond “firmly, collectively, decisively and with resistance” to any coercive action, denouncing the US threats against Greenland (see EUROPE 13791/1).
In adopting an oral amendment from the Renew Europe group to the 2025 report on the implementation of the common foreign and security policy (CFSP) by David McAllister (EPP, German) (adopted by 392 votes to 179 with 83 abstentions), MEPs are reiterating that the use of trade threats and economic intimidation against Denmark and other Member States is incompatible with international law and the fundamental principles of cooperation between NATO allies. They also stress that Greenland must not be used as a tool to divide the EU.
Looking beyond Greenland, MEPs believe that “to remain relevant on the international stage, the EU needs to pursue a determined, disciplined and assertive foreign policy that fulfils the EU’s own strategic objectives and continues to define, assert and defend its interests worldwide”.
The EU’s global visibility and political influence are often less than its economic, financial and diplomatic influence, they explain. In their view, this lack of visibility is sometimes the result of a lack of clarity in the EU’s external representation, and they call for a clear definition of the competences of each role.
The European Parliament calls on the High Representative to develop a “forward-looking and more coherent” CFSP to defend the rules-based international order and to demonstrate global leadership in multilateral initiatives.
In its view, the EU must pursue its strategic objectives more assertively, mobilising partnerships and alliances based on common interests.
MEPs also call on the EU to make the enlargement process more predictable and to maintain the momentum for enlargement. They also underline the strategic potential of the ‘Global Gateway’ strategy, not only as an investment platform, but also as a tool to strengthen the EU’s presence and visibility in the world.
The European Parliament once again calls on the Council to gradually transition to qualified majority voting for CFSP decisions that do not have military or defence implications.
The report also provides an overview of the EU’s relations with its main partners, neighbours and countries of interest.
See the report: https://aeur.eu/f/kc8 (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)