Trump’s return to the White House and his decision to side with Putin and jeopardise the longstanding transatlantic defence partnership has upended our continent’s security landscape. The consequences for Ukraine and for Europe’s military security and defence are immense and require the EU, in partnership with non-EU states like the UK or Norway, to take urgent control of its own security and defence.  

These unprecedented times bring great challenges, but also great opportunities. The EU’s strength lies in its unity and solidarity, and so the EU must act united and speak with one voice.    

The only way for European states to defend their interests, protect their citizens and meet today’s geopolitical challenges is through closer integration within the EU. This means enhancing security cooperation, strengthening collective defence, pursuing joint procurement and greater efficiency in defence spending, and investing together in advanced technologies. 

As EU leaders gather for a special European Council meeting, the European Movement International (EMI) is putting forward a set of detailed proposals for the establishment of a new European Defence Community.  

Among others, we recommend the following: 

• Create a Unified European Defence System (EDS): Activate Article 42.2 TEU, integrate national armies in a common EU command, planning, and control structure, expand the Rapid Deployment Capacity (RDC), and establish an EU Military Headquarters (EUMH) for territorial defence;  

• Enhance European Autonomy in NATO: Establish the EU as NATO’s European pillar, integrate the EUMH as Supreme Command, and ensure Europe can act independently if the US disengages;  

• Enhance Rapid Response and Military Capabilities: Expand the Rapid Deployment Capacity (RDC) to two brigades, equip it through EU-funded procurement, and ensure it can operate independently in crisis zones;  

• Secure Sustainable EU Defence Funding: Repeal Article 41 TFUE to allow direct EU military funding, integrate defence spending into the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF);  

• Create a European Rearmament Bank of 100 billion euros by raising capital through an EU bond issuance and exempt joint defence investments from the EU’s Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) debt and deficit rules. 

• Reform EU Defence Decision-Making: Enable qualified majority voting (QMV) on defence matters, removing veto barriers, and streamline decision-making to ensure faster, more coordinated European defence actions. 

• Strengthen Europe’s Defence Industry: Prioritise joint procurement, expand production capacity, and accelerate weapons manufacturing. 

• Re-enforce the EU’s commitment to Ukraine by enhancing the provision of military and financial aid while continuing to sanction Russia to curtail its ability to wag its war of aggression.   

• Fast-track Ukraine’s accession to the EU, to strengthen its hand in peace negotiations and to provide Ukraine with strong, sustainable security guarantees. 

You can find the full paper and more details on our proposals HERE and, in addition, you can check our policy position on Strengthening Security and Defence at a Time of Geopolitical Instability and our policy position on the Future of European Security and Defence Cooperation.   

We stand ready to meet and collaborate with you in pursuit of our shared vision for a stronger Europe.