As Europe faces mounting geopolitical and economic pressures, liberals used this week's European Parliament plenary in Strasbourg to call for action, not hesitation.
With the four-year anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine nearing, liberals reiterated that Europe’s security begins in Ukraine. With temperatures falling below -17 degrees in Ukraine this winter, rapid adoption of a €90 billion EU support package is crucial.
Ukraine cannot afford more delays, and neither can Europe. Urgent support would strengthen Ukraine's defence capabilities and continue integrating Ukraine into Europe's defence industrial base.
Helmut Brandstätter MEP (NEOS, AT) emphasised this point:
“Ukraine is facing not just a war, but a brutal winter used as a weapon, putting millions at risk from freezing conditions every single day. It’s more important than ever that we stand with Ukraine and support those who are suffering.”
That same sense of responsibility extends beyond Europe’s borders. European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib drew urgent attention to Sudan’s worsening humanitarian catastrophe, now more than 1,000 days into conflict, calling for respect of international law. She said:
“The crisis is beyond catastrophic. Over 33.7 million people, two thirds of the population, are expected to need aid this year. The crisis keeps on getting worse and responding to it remains a priority of the European Commission.”
Liberal MEPs such as Billy Kelleher MEP (Fianna Fail, IE), Brigitte van den Berg MEP (D66, NL) and João Contrim de Figuierdo MEP (Iniciativa Liberal, PT) spoke on the importance of the EU’s global competitive edge.
With global trade wars on the rise, European security is increasingly tied with economic sovereignty. Liberals warned that Europe will fall behind without a stronger Single Market, lower living costs and real investment.
Competitiveness is no longer an abstract economic debate. Liberals argued that Europe cannot defend Ukraine, protect citizens' jobs or escape unequal dependencies without a competitive economy. Europe must wield the practical tools that allow it to act, not just react.
Finally, on World Cancer Day, Stine Bosse MEP (Moderaterne, DK), Vice-Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee for Public Health, called for strong EU action on health. She stressed the urgent need to close gender gaps in healthcare and for Europe to lead.
Liberals highlighted the importance of unity and long-term thinking at this Plenary, ensuring that Europe can lead in a constantly changing global arena.