EU defence

We need a European Defence Union

With the emergence of hybrid warfare, cyber attacks, new forms of terrorism and the proliferation of nuclear weapons, Europe is facing its biggest threat since the Cold War. Europe needs to grow up and stop counting on the US for its own security.

We are in favour of creating a European Defence Union because individual countries alone will never be able to guarantee their own security faced with 21st Century threats.

Europe needs more defence cooperation; we need a collective response to counter menaces at our external borders and we need to build up stronger defence capabilities. We do not only need to spend more on defence, but to spend smarter. This means investment in R&D and keeping up with new technology in particular.

Europe needs to set aside the soft power approach and be able to put in place credible strength to provide for its own security, within NATO and EU structures.

Facing the cyber challenge

One of the main menaces Europe faces are cyber attacks. They present an increasing security risk for individuals, companies and public authorities. A coordinated attack could destroy a country’s economy and even its democracy. Cyber terrorism, warfare and mass disinformation (fake news) can all currently be used by third countries to interfere in the EU’s democratic processes. The EPP Group defends severe sanctions against those proven to have carried out attacks, and favours all efforts by EU Member States to build up their resilience to disinformation and step up their cybersecurity.

Threats to our energy supply can also be used by third countries, like Russia, to attack us. EPP Group Members have pushed through a law ensuring no country will be left alone in such a situation.

Related Content

video 19.05.2022 - 9:00
video 19.05.2022 - 9:00
FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Boost Europe's security with Sweden and Finland in NATO

Shocked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Finland and Sweden have scrapped their long historic...

a finger touching a touch screen
news 12.04.2021 - 16:53
news 12.04.2021 - 16:53
FOREIGN AFFAIRS BUDGET, AGRICULTURE AND REGIONAL FUNDING LEGAL AND HOME AFFAIRS ECONOMY, JOBS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Hoff, Breton and businesses to discuss transatlantic data

On the invitation of the EPP Group, Christopher Hoff, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Services...

European Defence
news 18.04.2019 - 12:28
news 18.04.2019 - 12:28
ECONOMY, JOBS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Victory for EU's defence despite ideological opposition

“We have won the battle to secure a common and strong European Defence Fund for the future...

Army
video 03.04.2019 - 10:15
video 03.04.2019 - 10:15
FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Making Europe’s defence stronger, more cost-effective

In an unstable world, Europe is defending its citizens by building stronger military...

Load more +

Related Publications

No result

What we stand for

Budget, agriculture & regional funding

OUR POSITION ON HOW WE MAKE IT HAPPEN

Legal & home affairs

OUR POSITION ON HOW WE MAKE IT HAPPEN

Economy, jobs & the environment

OUR POSITION ON HOW WE MAKE IT HAPPEN