Renew Europe: Leading Europe in Strengthening Defence and Security

The Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament proudly celebrates the constitutive meeting of the newly upgraded Committee on Security and Defence. This milestone is a direct result of Renew Europe’s leadership and unwavering commitment to reshaping Europe’s security and defence policies.

Through our collective efforts, we have successfully forged consensus across political groups, ensuring that this committee is equipped to address the urgent and evolving security challenges of today. As the driving force behind this transformation, Renew Europe continues to lead Europe in strengthening its security framework, with a focus on making Europe not just safer, but future-proof.

Our key political priorities include: enhancing military support for Ukraine, fortifying the European defence industrial base, securing additional funding for defence, establishing a unified internal market for defence, and ensuring secure and resilient supply chains across the sector.

This leadership extends beyond the European Parliament. The appointment of Mark Rutte as the new Secretary General of NATO, and the role of Kaja Kallas as High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, exemplify Renew Europe's broader vision for Europe’s defence and security.

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Renew Europe MEP (FDP, Germany) and Chair of the Committee on Security and Defence, commented:

"Liberals wanted a fully fledged SEDE Committee in the Parliament and we have delivered. This is an important step taking account of the enormous increase in the importance of European security and defence policy. I would like to sincerely thank my colleagues for electing me as Chair of the new full committee.

The new SEDE will be a strong supervisory body and driving force in the field of European security and defence policy. Our joint action will determine whether Europe will be prepared for current and future threats and whether we can take our responsibility for our own defence seriously. The Parliament and the Committee will fully support Ukraine - not as long as it takes, but as much as it takes - and push forward the development of European defence capabilities appropriate to the current world situation in cooperation with EU Member States and invest in maintaining the technological edge in the defence sector. I look forward to working with my colleagues in SEDE and across Parliament on this important task."

MEP Nathalie Loiseau (Horizons, France), Renew Europe Group’s coordinator in SEDE Committee, added:

"Building a European Defense Union has always been a Renew Europe priority. All the more so in the challenging times we live in. Renew Europe has long advocated for a full Security and Defense Committee. It is a great achievement for our group that this is becoming a reality."