MEPs launch network for European Defence Union including Ukraine
Updated
Updated · Ukrinform · May 7
MEPs launch network for European Defence Union including Ukraine
7 articles · Updated · Ukrinform · May 7
Several dozen lawmakers from the EPP, S&D, Renew and Greens unveiled the informal group in the European Parliament, with Lithuanian MEP Rasa Juknevičienė arguing Ukraine is vital to Europe’s defence.
She said a defence-first framework could bring in non-EU countries such as Britain and Norway and avoid delays tied to Ukraine’s broader EU accession, including disputes over agriculture.
The initiative remains at an early stage, with no settled model and no full parliamentary debate yet, but its backers say Europe cannot wait to deepen defence cooperation.
Could a defense-first model become a permanent substitute, not a pathway, for Ukraine’s full EU membership?
With national interests fragmenting defense, can Europe truly unite its military might or is this a political dream?
How would a new European Defense Union operate alongside NATO without undermining the transatlantic alliance?
From Aid Recipient to Pillar: How Ukraine Is Reshaping European Defence Integration and Readiness
Overview
The European Union’s defence agenda is gaining strong momentum, driven by a cross-party group of MEPs and concrete legislative and funding initiatives from the European Commission. While there is growing political will to accelerate defence integration, member states remain the main obstacle to faster decision-making. Key programs like the European Defence Industry Programme are allocating significant funds to joint procurement of advanced defence equipment, targeting areas such as counter-drone and missile defence systems. These efforts highlight a coordinated push to strengthen collective security and deepen integration, especially with partners like Ukraine, despite ongoing challenges in achieving consensus among all EU members.