Renew Europe welcomed the European Commission’s White Paper on the Future of European Defence, published on 19 March, but warned it falls short of an overarching approach for a credible EU deterrence strategy.
Renew Europe President Valérie Hayer MEP underlined the need for concrete measures to boost Europe’s defence production capabilities and a stronger focus on outer space, essential for modern security operations.
"The US’ commitment to European security can no longer be taken for granted. This White Paper is a useful starting point, but also a missed opportunity; we must go further and faster. The maintenance of peace in Europe requires investment, unity, and decisive action. We must not waste this moment to lay the foundations for a real European Defence Union," said Hayer.
Ahead of the European Council meeting on 20 March, Renew Europe called on European leaders to agree on fast and bold decisions, ensuring that Europe can meet its security responsibilities in the years ahead.
The Group pushes for a bolder, more comprehensive approach to European defence, including a European preference in defence procurement, a common European defence market and a fully capable European pillar within NATO.
Renew Europe played a pivotal role in shaping the White Paper and the European Parliament is ready to act in a quick manner by supporting a swift adoption of a concrete set of actions.
“The EU must act swiftly, decisively, and in unity. The White Paper not only identifies the pressing threats to our security and freedom, but also provides a concrete set of tools that Member States can adopt immediately to react to these threats. The course is set and the time to act is now,” said Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann MEP (FDP, DE), Chair of the European Parliament Committee on Security and Defence.