EU defense capability and support for Ukraine: Debate in European Parliament
Today, March 11, the European Parliament held a debate on security issues and strengthening the EU's defense capabilities, as well as support for Ukraine.
According to Censor.NET, citing Yevropeiska Pravda, the press service of the European Parliament reported this.
It is noted that the debate on defense and security issues took place in the European Parliament on March 11 with the participation of the EU leadership.
Thus, the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, noted that Europe is now passing through a "decisive moment" in history, and therefore the EU is initiating ambitious decisions to strengthen its defense capabilities. He also emphasized that Ukraine's security is an integral part of European security.
In her turn, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that peace "can no longer be taken for granted" and that it was time to get rid of illusions and take responsibility for our security, and then spoke about the plan of investment in strengthening defense capabilities introduced by the EC.
"We are of a size to be able to deter any hostile country, we have the economic strength to do so, and finally, we have the political will," von der Leyen emphasized.
It is also noted that most leaders of political groups in the European Parliament expressed support for the plans to strengthen the EU and further support Ukraine.
Some MEPs emphasized that it is important for Europe to strengthen its competitiveness, move towards "strategic autonomy" and, in particular, ensure independent access to critical raw materials and energy resources. There was also criticism of the new White House administration for changing course on Ukraine and calls for the EU to step up diplomatic efforts to support Kyiv, in addition to military assistance.
At the same time, some MPs emphasized that the shift in attention to security issues should not come at the expense of social policy, scientific research, and measures to combat climate change.
