On 27 February, Renew Europe launched a collective call to enhance European security and defence ahead of a debate in the European Parliament’s Plenary session with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. 

The debate requested by Renew Europe comes amid a growing risk to European security from Russia and signs that US support for Ukraine may be under threat. 

Renew Europe President Valérie Hayer MEP outlined the Group’s vision for a stronger and safer European Union, including the establishment of a European Military Academy, a stronger defence industrial base to support Ukraine and the end of unanimity in EU foreign policy decisions. 

Hayer said: “It is time for Europeans to take a leap forward on collective defence. The priority for Europe must be to strengthen and to speed up its defence industrial base, to ensure we can supply Ukraine with the weapons it needs and to enhance our strategic autonomy.  

“A true Defence Single Market can help on the road to beef up European defence industries. New forms of financing should not be excluded, for example via a new European sovereignty fund that Renew Europe has been pushing for since two years.  

“New challenges call for joint investments and joint responsibility. The establishment of a European Military Academy would strengthen prepare the path for a safer and more resilient EU. 

“While NATO will remain a substantial security pillar, it's high time for Europe to improve its own deterrence capacities and take its security into its own hands.”

In the light of growing risk to European security from Russia and signs that US support for Ukraine may be under threat.

"It is time for Europeans to take a leap forward on collective defence", says our President @ValerieHayer.

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— Renew Europe (@RenewEurope) February 27, 2024