Brussels – The European Parliament has approved a report aimed at strengthening the European Union’s role as a global strategic actor in the areas of security and defense. The move, finalized on February 20, 2026, signals a growing commitment to bolstering the EU’s capabilities to respond to current and future security threats.
The report, originating from the Security and Defence Committee, focuses on improving security and defense partnerships. It comes at a time of heightened geopolitical instability and underscores the EU’s ambition to increase its strategic autonomy. The development underscores the EU’s desire to play a more prominent role on the world stage.
European lawmakers welcomed the expansion of cooperation with like-minded partners, including NATO allies such as Norway, the United Kingdom, and Canada, as well as other partners in Europe, the Indo-Pacific region, and beyond. Particular emphasis was placed on Ukraine, which was identified as a strategic priority partner.
Members of the European Parliament are calling for sustained military, industrial, and political support for Kyiv, alongside security guarantees. They also advocate for the use of frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s reconstruction, in accordance with international law. This stance reflects the EU’s continued commitment to supporting Ukraine in the face of ongoing conflict.
The report stresses the need for closer cooperation between the EU and NATO, reaffirming NATO as the cornerstone of collective defense. Simultaneously, it calls for the development of a stronger EU defense pillar, enabling the bloc to act autonomously when necessary. Officials emphasized the importance of coordinating capable military forces with NATO planning to avoid duplication and enhance readiness.
Parliament members believe that enhancing and expanding partnerships is a necessity, not a choice, and is based on multilateral cooperation and supports the EU’s strategic autonomy while complementing NATO. Lasi.lv reports that the move is intended to strengthen the EU’s overall security posture.
