March plenary: Defence at the centre of the debate

The EU is now at a turning point in its history and a “business as usual” approach is no longer an option as it would lead to the end of a safe and secure Europe. This was the European Parliament’s message in a resolution adopted in Strasbourg last week.

The time has come for a renewed political ambition to turn the EU into a genuine security provider, increase the EU’s defence readiness and build a true European Defence Union, Parliament added.

In another resolution, members reiterated their call for EU countries to substantially increase and accelerate their military support to Ukraine, in particular weapons and ammunition.

The plenary session in Strasbourg delved into many other topics. Among them were:

• International Women's Day: women fighting for freedom, peace and justice from Belarus and Ukraine addressed MEPs.

• Economy: two resolutions were adopted on the coordination of economic and social policies across the EU. The first one focused on the need to increase public and private investment to improve competitiveness while the other one called for reducing the administrative burden for companies, whilst safeguarding labour and social standards.

• Relations with Moldova: Parliament approved financial support to the country and decided to open a Parliament office in the capital of Chisinau.

Read on to learn more about the decisions Parliament took during its March plenary session.

EU defence

In a resolution, the Parliament urged the EU to take immediate and decisive action to enhance its security in light of escalating threats.

Parliament expressed support for plans to significantly increase EU defence capabilities. MEPs highlighted the need to support Ukraine and counter Russian aggression, which is viewed as the most profound military threat to Europe’s territorial integrity since the end of the Cold War.

To this end, MEPs called for the removal of restrictions on the use of Western weaponry supplied to Ukraine and urged EU countries to enhance military support to Kyiv.

The resolution advocates expedited decision-making processes within the EU regarding defence matters, the establishment of a new Council format where EU defence ministers would regularly meet, and a shift from unanimous to qualified majority voting in the Council on defence issues, with some exceptions regarding actual military operations.

MEPs also warned that current funding levels were inadequate for supporting Ukraine or improving overall European security. They called for innovative funding solutions, such as issuing defence bonds, to finance joint large-scale military initiatives without delay.

MEPs urge the EU to ensure its own security (press release)

Debate on the future of European defence (streaming)

Debate on the European Council and European Security (streaming)

EP Think Tank: Future of European defence (briefing)

European security and defence in the spotlight (videos and pictures)

European Parliament LinkedIn post

Support for Ukraine

In another resolution, the European Parliament emphasised the need for the EU to enhance its security guarantees for Ukraine.

MEPs expressed strong support for a proposed 30-day ceasefire, urging Russia to comply by halting attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. They underscored the EU's role as Ukraine’s primary strategic ally and called for a significant increase in financial and military assistance to help Ukraine maintain its right to self-defence.

The resolution also reflected concerns over a perceived shift in the US stance regarding Russia and Ukraine. MEPs rejected any notion of pressuring Ukraine into accepting an unfavourable peace deal that could jeopardise its security or lead to renewed aggression from Russia.

Discussions on European security must involve the EU, Parliament said, and there needs to be a “coalition of the willing” ready to enforce a potential peace agreement.

In terms of Ukraine’s future, MEPs called for quick EU accession talks and said the EU should be ready to assist in the country’s post-war reconstruction.

They insisted that Russia should be held accountable for the destruction it has caused, suggesting that frozen Russian assets in the EU should be utilised to support Ukraine’s defence and rebuilding efforts.

The EU must contribute to robust security guarantees for Ukraine (press release)

How the EU is supporting Ukraine in 2025 (timeline)

Solidarity with Ukraine (videos and pictures)

Support for Moldova

Parliament approved a new financial plan aimed at supporting Moldova’s socio-economic reforms and enhancing its resilience against external threats, particularly from Russia.

The plan includes €520 million in grants and €1.5 billion in low-interest loans, with an increased pre-financing rate for rapid deployment of resources to strengthen energy security and governance.

In conjunction with this financial support, Parliament also announced the establishment of a new office in Chisinau. This office will serve as a link between the European Parliament and local partners, the country’s parliament and civil society organisations. It aims to promote EU values, democracy, and institutional reforms in the region.

These initiatives underscore the EU's commitment to Moldova's integration and stability, reflecting a proactive approach to enhancing cooperation in the Eastern Partnership region.

Parliament approves new support plan for Moldova (press release)

European Parliament to establish Eastern Partnership office in Moldova (press release)

Plenary debate on establishing the Reform and Growth Facility for the Republic of Moldova (streaming)

Press conference with the Parliament rapporteurs on the Reform and Growth Facility for the Republic on Moldova (streaming)

International Women's Day

On International Women’s Day, the European Parliament held a ceremony featuring women from Belarus and Ukraine who are fighting for freedom and peace. President Roberta Metsola opened the event, emphasising Parliament's role as a champion of democracy and equality.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of Belarus’s democratic forces, expressed gratitude for the EU's support but stressed that for Belarusian women, this day symbolises a fight for justice and democracy rather than celebration. She called for the release of over 1,200 political prisoners in Belarus and urged the EU to strengthen pressure on the regime of President Aliaksandr Lukashenka to safeguard European values and unity against Russian aggression.

Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk, a former political prisoner, echoed this sentiment, demanding heightened sanctions against Belarus and an economic embargo to isolate the regime.

Ukrainian activist Leniie Umerova shared her harrowing experience of imprisonment and torture by Russian forces, highlighting the ongoing persecution in occupied territories.

Tata Kepler, a Ukrainian volunteer in military medicine, spoke about the devastating impact of war on women and children, calling for urgent international action against Russia's aggression.

The event underscored the vital role of women in the fight for freedom and the urgent need for continued support from the international community.

International Women's Day: European women fighting for freedom and peace (press release)

Defending women's rights: strong EU leadership needed amid global backlash (press release)

International Women’s Day: Strengthening Women's Representation in Politics and Security (press release)

EP Think Thank: Women in foreign affairs and international security (briefing February 2025)

International Women’s Day: speeches by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk, Leniie Umerova and Tata Kepler (streaming)

European Parliament LinkedIn post

More competitive EU

The European Parliament adopted two resolutions that call for enhancing the EU's competitiveness while upholding social and labour standards. They assessed coordination of economic and employment policies across the EU.

MEPs emphasised the urgent need to increase public and private investments to address funding gaps and improve overall economic resilience. They expressed concerns over slow growth and rising housing prices, urging EU countries to reduce excessive government deficits and better implement economic governance recommendations.

The resolution on economic policies highlighted the importance of fostering entrepreneurship and maintaining social cohesion. It called for improved debt sustainability analyses from the European Commission to ensure effective economic governance.

The second resolution, focusing on employment and social priorities, argued in favour of reduced administrative burdens for businesses while safeguarding labour rights. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) could drive innovation and create quality jobs, while labour shortages and technological advancements like AI call for investments in education and skills development.

MEPs call for a more competitive EU that respects social and labour standards (press release)

Debate on a competitive EU (press release)

The Competitiveness Compass (European Commission website)

2025 European Semester for economic policy coordination (briefing)

European Semester: Employment and social priorities for 2025 (briefing)