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First Vote on European ReArm and Defence EU
EPP, Socialists, Liberals, Conservatives and Greens united in a common Resolution which merge the individual resolutions tabled by respective political Groups in the European Parliament.
Today at 12:30, the European Parliament will vote on resolutions regarding the "ReArm EU Plan," which was presented yesterday by Ursula von der Leyen to the 720 Members representing the 27 European countries. This vote is not legislative; it represents only the political stance of European political groups.
By Paolo Licandro
Brussels, 12 March 2025 - 4 MINUTES READ
Brussels, 12 March 2025 - 4 MINUTES READ
This week in Strasbourg, the European Parliament asked the President of the Commission to present the ideas for rearming the European Union that were introduced last week at the extraordinary European Council meeting. Following yesterday's debate, today the political groups have requested votes on their respective resolutions commenting on the "Ursula Plan." As often happens, the "willing" political groups have sought to combine their individual texts into a single joint resolution, aiming to reach a consensus and avoid projecting a divided image of the Parliament.
Initially, separate resolutions were presented by the eight political groups sitting in the European Parliament.
Individual Resolutions by Political Groups and their distinctive elements
Joint Resolution RC-B10-0146/2025
The Joint Resolution RC-B10-0146/2025 represents a consensus among EPP, Socialist (S&D), Conservatives (ECR), Liberals (RE) and Greens, integrating key points from the individual proposals.
It outlines a comprehensive and balanced approach to European defense, including:
In essence, the joint resolution provides a unified strategy reflecting broad political support, aiming to effectively strengthen the EU's collective security and strategic autonomy.
Initially, separate resolutions were presented by the eight political groups sitting in the European Parliament.
Individual Resolutions by Political Groups and their distinctive elements
- B10-0146/2025 (European People's Party - EPP)
Highlights the necessity of a central command structure for EU military operations to enhance operational effectiveness. - B10-0150/2025 (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats - S&D)
Proposes establishing a joint EU fund dedicated to research and development in defense to foster innovation and cooperation. - B10-0148/2025 (Renew Europe - RE)
Emphasizes strengthening the coherence and unity of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. - B10-0149/2025 (European Conservatives and Reformists - ECR)
Stresses the importance of closer cooperation with NATO and other international partners to reinforce collective defense. - B10-0147/2025 (The Greens/European Free Alliance - Greens/EFA)
Advocates significantly enhancing the EU’s cybersecurity capabilities to address emerging hybrid threats. - B10-0144/2025 (The Left Group - GUE/NGL)
Focuses on promoting joint training and interoperability of member states' armed forces. - B10-0145/2025 (Patriots for Europe - PfE)
Pushes for increased strategic autonomy of the EU, especially in the production and supply of military equipment. - B10-0151/2025 (Europe of Sovereign Nations - ESN)
Calls for increased transparency, accountability, and democratic oversight over European defense policies.
Joint Resolution RC-B10-0146/2025
The Joint Resolution RC-B10-0146/2025 represents a consensus among EPP, Socialist (S&D), Conservatives (ECR), Liberals (RE) and Greens, integrating key points from the individual proposals.
It outlines a comprehensive and balanced approach to European defense, including:
- Creation of a central EU military operations command.
- Establishment of a common defense research and development fund.
- Strengthening the EU's foreign and security policy coherence.
- Enhanced cooperation with NATO and global partners.
- Increased EU cybersecurity capacity.
- Joint training and interoperability of EU armed forces.
- Strategic autonomy in defense production.
- Improved transparency and democratic oversight.
In essence, the joint resolution provides a unified strategy reflecting broad political support, aiming to effectively strengthen the EU's collective security and strategic autonomy.
Conclusions
A clear majority is expected to support the joint resolution, although some defections are anticipated, particularly within the Socialist group, notably among Italian, German, Spanish, and Belgian members.
The European right-wing groups and The Left will vote against the joint text and support their own resolutions, which, however, will be rejected by the rest of the Parliament.
As stated, these votes hold no legislative value. Politically, their influence is limited, as all decisive power on this issue rests with the Council. Given the veto power within the Council, national governments will need to negotiate a common stance to maintain unity in pursuing a feasible defense and rearmament strategy for the Union.
Later today, this page will provide the voting results from the European Parliament.
A clear majority is expected to support the joint resolution, although some defections are anticipated, particularly within the Socialist group, notably among Italian, German, Spanish, and Belgian members.
The European right-wing groups and The Left will vote against the joint text and support their own resolutions, which, however, will be rejected by the rest of the Parliament.
As stated, these votes hold no legislative value. Politically, their influence is limited, as all decisive power on this issue rests with the Council. Given the veto power within the Council, national governments will need to negotiate a common stance to maintain unity in pursuing a feasible defense and rearmament strategy for the Union.
Later today, this page will provide the voting results from the European Parliament.
