Statement by the EPP Group: A self-confident Europe, ready to take its destiny into its own hands

Today, 05 March 2025, the EPP Group in the European Parliament adopted the following statement:

The EPP Group has always been, and remains, the driving force behind European unification. Together with the Conservatives in Great Britain and the Republicans in the United States, we achieved reunification and enlarged democracy and freedom in Europe. This gives us a responsibility, especially today in a new global order marked by uncertainty, disruption and a multitude of shocks. Europe is not alone, but more than ever, it must take its fate into its own hands. Our values, our determination and our capacity to act together at turning points in our history will prevail. We need less talk and more action.

1. Unwavering support for Ukraine: We stand for freedom, democracy and the rule of law. We defend a rules-based world order. That is why it is in Europe’s own interest to support Ukraine without preconditions and for as long as necessary.

2. Facts define the truth: Ukraine is the victim of a brutal, imperial war of aggression by Russia. Putin is a war criminal and he should be treated as such. No possible “deal” can distort these facts.

3. A new European Security Architecture now: The new security situation requires not only more defence capacity but also a new quality of cooperation, defence technology and responsibility. We need an EU that can defend itself independently and in cooperation with NATO. This requires strong national defence capabilities and a new, strong European Defence Pillar to build military strength. We need a genuine European single market for defence based on a strengthened EU industrial base, the swift adoption of a robust EDIP and joint military lead projects (Air Shield, satellite reconnaissance, cyber defence). Finding solutions to rapidly finance our increased defence spending will be crucial.

4. Our unity is our strength: We can only protect ourselves if we are united. A divided Europe is a weak Europe. We cannot allow ourselves to be blocked by Putin's friends. They have no place in our emerging security architecture and their countries risk being left out in the cold, between Putin and Europe. The brave must lead the way.

5. We trust our like-minded partners: We know that the EU has many partners around the world, such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Norway and others, who want to defend the international rules-based order. We want to deepen our relations with these partners and demonstrate the long-term value of having reliable partners.

6. Competitiveness is also a geopolitical strength: To play a role in the global volatile arena, our continent must regain its economic strength and return to the path of growth. We need to create the conditions for our businesses to perform, reduce energy prices and drastically reduce bureaucracy and high dependencies in many sectors.

7. A renewed transatlantic relationship: We must continue to build on this decades-long partnership. But Europe must grow up. We must reverse the growing lack of trust and advance an agenda of potential opportunities. Security must be Europe's new promise.