MEPs debate outcome of December EU summit and need for a stronger Europe

On Wednesday, plenary took stock of the results of the December EU summit and discussed the need for a more sovereign and resilient EU with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen.

European Council President António Costa stressed that defending international law and multilateralism is key for the EU. He rejected “violations of international law whether in Ukraine, Greenland, Latin America or Gaza” and “violations of human rights whether in Iran, Sudan or Afghanistan”. Speaking about the 22 January EU summit, he stressed the EU’s unity on international law, territorial integrity and sovereignty. He expressed full solidarity with Denmark and Greenland and highlighted the shared transatlantic interest in Arctic security. He warned that further tariffs would harm EU-US relations, reaffirmed the EU’s readiness to defend itself against any form of coercion, and underlined the EU’s willingness to continue constructive engagement with the United States.

On trade agreements, António Costa defended the EU-Mercosur deal as “historic” having special political, economic and geopolitical significance in the current global context. On the economy, he highlighted the importance of a powerful single market, and the need to cut red tape while maintaining affordable, secure and sustainable energy sources. He also advocated for digital sovereignty and the protection of children’s rights “against tech oligarchs and unregulated social media”.

Amid a “seismic shift in the international order” unfolding at unprecedented speed, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that Europe must act decisively and strengthen its sovereignty, particularly in the areas of security and economy.

On security, she reaffirmed that the future of Greenland lies solely in the hands of the Greenlandic people. While aligning with the US on the objective of ensuring Arctic security, she warned that imposing tariffs risks triggering a “dangerous downward spiral between allies”. She announced increased EU investment in Greenland’s local economy and infrastructure, enhanced cooperation with partners on Arctic security, and a reassessment of the EU’s broader security strategy in the light of the new geopolitical realities. She also reiterated the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine until a just and lasting peace is achieved, underlined by the decision to establish a €90 billion support fund.

Speaking about the economy, von der Leyen stressed that trade agreements, including last week’s Mercosur and the upcoming India deal, will improve Europe’s economic opportunities, secure supply chains, create jobs, and contribute to European independence.

Responses by MEPs

Many MEPs warned that Europe is facing a profound shift in the global order and stressed the need to uphold international law, democratic values and the rules-based order. Ukraine featured prominently in the debate, with broad support for continued EU assistance, including the €90 billion loan. Several speakers underlined that Europe’s security depends on preventing Russia from achieving its objectives.

Many MEPs reaffirmed their solidarity with Denmark and Greenland and rejected any form of coercion or threats against European territory. Calls were made to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy and to make use of existing EU instruments, including the anti-coercion mechanism, where necessary.

On trade policy some highlighted the benefits of agreements such as Mercosur for Europe’s resilience and global influence, while others warned of negative impacts on farmers and standards. Across the political spectrum, speakers stressed that Europe must act with greater unity and determination if it is to remain sovereign, secure and credible on the world stage.