MEPs call for stronger EU partnerships to address security challenges

In a new report, MEPs highlight the EU’s security and defence partnerships as key to responding effectively to emerging threats and to enhance the EU’s global role.

The report by the Security and Defence Committee argues that the EU’s security and defence partnerships (SDPs) - which aim to bolster joint efforts in security and defence between the EU and key bilateral partners - are essential for the European Union to respond effectively to current and future security threats and to strengthen its role as a global strategic actor. MEPs consider these partnerships to be a necessity rather than an option, as they support the EU’s strategic autonomy while remaining fully complementary to NATO and grounded in multilateral cooperation.

The text stresses that the EU is facing its most serious security situation since the Second World War, driven primarily by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, but also by broader hybrid threats, terrorism, cyberattacks, and risks linked to critical infrastructure, as well as those linked to climate change. Russia, supported by partners such as Iran, North Korea and Belarus, is identified as the main threat to European security, while China is described as a strategic competitor whose support for Russia requires the EU to reassess economic relations and strengthen resilience vis-à-vis Beijing.

NATO remains the cornerstone of collective defence

MEPs also stress the need for closer EU–NATO cooperation, reaffirming NATO as the cornerstone of collective defence, while also calling for a stronger and more capable EU defence pillar able to act autonomously if necessary. They underline the importance of interoperable military capabilities across Europe, as well as that of joint procurement, industrial cooperation, standardisation, and alignment with NATO planning to avoid duplication and improve readiness.

The report welcomes the expansion of SDPs with like-minded EU partners, including NATO allies such as Norway, the UK and Canada, as well as other partners in Europe and in the Indo-Pacific. Particular emphasis is placed on Ukraine as a strategic priority partner, with MEPs calling for sustained military, industrial and political support for Kyiv, security guarantees, and the use of frozen Russian assets to reconstruct Ukraine in line with international law. The report proposes to formalise a strategic partnership with Ukraine.

Finally, the text calls for structured implementation, monitoring and parliamentary oversight of SDPs, deeper cooperation with additional partners, and the inclusion of SDP partners in major EU defence initiatives, reflecting the view that the current geopolitical environment requires stronger, more coherent and long-term security and defence cooperation.

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“Europe’s security can no longer be taken for granted. In any scenario, the most important task is for the EU to build its own strength. We need a more strategic and coordinated approach. This is why security and defence partnerships are essential. Threats do not stop at borders, and the EU cannot act alone. The report sends a clear message: real strategic autonomy depends on partnerships that deliver concrete capabilities, interoperability, and resilience. Support for Ukraine is the bedrock of EU defence. We propose to formalise a strategic partnership with Ukraine. The report calls for sustained, long-term support for Ukraine and deeper cooperation, including in defence industry and innovation. At the same time, the EU–NATO partnership remains the cornerstone of European defence. The report reinforces this and calls for closer and practical cooperation. It also looks ahead. The report supports strengthening current and tailoring new partnerships. We deliberately took a broad and strategic approach to keep the framework flexible and future-proof. This report is a concrete contribution to the overhaul of EU defence policy. It gives direction for action, not just declarations. This means the EU must take greater responsibility for its own defence. Member states need to invest more and close critical capability gaps. But more spending alone is not enough, we need allies and partners globally”, said rapporteur Michal Szczerba (EPP, Poland) after the vote.

The text was approved by 25 votes in favour, 6 against and 1 abstention.

Next steps

The report will now be put to a vote in the European Parliament as a whole.