Brussels: The European Parliament has emphasized the necessity for the European Union (EU) to reinforce its global partnerships and enhance its threat deterrence capabilities, as outlined in its annual reports on the EU's common foreign, security, and defence policies.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Parliament, in a resolution adopted on Wednesday, condemned the use of unilateral trade threats and economic intimidation against Denmark and other EU member states. These actions were described as coercive and incompatible with international law and NATO principles. The resolution highlighted the importance of Greenland not being used to divide the EU and urged the Union to respond collectively and decisively to such coercion.
The Parliament expressed regret over the United States government's transactional approach to foreign policy, noting a reduced commitment to multilateralism and European security. The EU must learn from its vulnerabilities to prevent future coercion, the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) noted.
MEPs warned of an "arc of instability" surrounding Europe, from Ukraine to the Middle East. They stressed the need for the EU to remain engaged and not turn inward, as its global influence often falls short of its economic and diplomatic presence. The Parliament supported a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine conflict but cautioned against any settlement that rewards Russian aggression, which could destabilize the EU's eastern neighborhood.
Rapporteur David McAllister emphasized the EU's strategic task of strengthening global partnerships and deterrence capabilities. The report, adopted by 392 votes in favor, 179 against, and 83 abstentions, urged the EU to use its instruments effectively and consistently.
In the annual report on the EU's common security and defence policy, MEPs highlighted Russia's actions as undermining Europe's security and called for a renewed European security architecture that enhances cooperation with NATO. The report, passed by 395 votes in favor, 197 against, and 70 abstentions, called for EU member states to be ready to act autonomously based on the mutual assistance clause, Article 42(7) TEU.
The Parliament also expressed concern over US threats to Greenland's sovereignty and foreign interference in the region, urging a unified EU response. The text supported a joint statement by several EU member states affirming that Greenland's future is decided by Denmark and Greenland. It called for EU contingency planning and stronger European defence capabilities, while maintaining a balanced partnership with the US.
Rapporteur Thijs Reuten highlighted the need for a strong, autonomous, and operational European defence capacity, emphasizing the urgency, unity, and willingness to act in today's security environment.