EU Defence White Paper: "Europe Must Go Further and Faster to Secure Its Defence"

Valérie Hayer MEP, President of Renew Europe, has welcomed the European Commission’s White Paper on the Future of European Defence as a small step in the right direction but stressed that greater ambition and urgency are needed to match the security challenges Europe faces. While the paper contains positive elements, it falls short of an overarching approach for a credible EU deterrence strategy.

"As Donald Trump’s actions make clear, the United States' commitment to European security can no longer be taken for granted. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues its courageous fight, and Europe must do more to support it while strengthening its own ability to defend itself. This White Paper is a useful starting point, but also a missed opportunity; we must go further and faster," Valérie Hayer stated.

Valérie Hayer also underlined the need for concrete measures to boost Europe’s defence production capabilities and a stronger focus on the space dimension, which is essential for modern security operations.

"I welcome the Commission’s efforts, but we must be more ambitious. The maintenance of peace in Europe requires investment, unity, and decisive action. We must not waste this moment to lay the foundations for a real European Defence Union," she concluded.

Renew Europe calls on EUCO leaders to agree on concrete and far-reaching steps at tomorrow's meeting, ensuring that Europe can meet its security responsibilities in the years ahead.

Renew Europe calls for immediate and significant European military support for Ukraine and a bolder, more comprehensive approach to European defence, including:

• A European preference in defence procurement, ensuring Europe invests in its own industrial base.
• A common European defence market to enhance industrial cooperation and scale up production capacities.
• A clear long-term vision for the European defence industry, with increased joint procurement of European-made defence equipment.
• A fully capable European pillar within NATO, able to act autonomously when necessary.
• The removal of European Investment Bank (EIB) restrictions that currently prevent financing for defence projects.
• A dedicated Council of Defence Ministers to improve coordination and decision-making.
• Exploring European defence bonds to finance large-scale military investments.