The Week ahead

European defence will be the main topic of discussion at the European leaders' retreat on Monday. “It is already well known that Europe must be ready to defend itself and be able to support its partners in need of protection. We expect the meeting to pave the way for our leaders to take bold, innovative decisions to achieve this strategic goal,” says Manfred Weber MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group.

The EPP Group Presidency and the Heads of National Delegations will meet for internal meetings in Stockholm, Sweden, from 5 - 7 February 2025. Discussions will focus on security, which remains a top priority for the EPP Group. This strategic meeting will address key issues to strengthen Europe's security framework and enhance cooperation to protect citizens across the EU. "To protect our citizens, we need to step up our fight against crime and hybrid threats, to ensure Europe remains safe for all," emphasises EPP Group Vice-Chair Tomas Tobé MEP.

The EPP Group wants to adapt the legislation to combat foreign interference and defend the values on which our Union is built. On Monday, the Parliament‘s new Committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS) will be formally established. It will build on the work of previous special committees on foreign interference in European democratic processes (INGE1 and INGE2). "Now the hard work of defending our democracies and open societies against geopolitical foes who seek to undermine our way of life," says Mika Aaltola MEP, EPP Group Spokesman in the EUDS Committee.