On Tuesday, MEPs discussed trade, defence and competitiveness with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen, pushing for action to strengthen the EU economy and defence.
European Council President António Costa stressed the leaders’ clear “sense of urgency” to reinforce Europe’s competitiveness and create the conditions for more investment in defence. The 20 March summit was a turning point in the quest for a stronger and sovereign EU, he added. Highlighting that only a more prosperous economy will ensure we have the resources to invest in our defence, he demanded decisive action to close innovation and productivity gaps and cut red tape.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined her strategy with regard to the tariffs imposed by the US: “Our objective is a negotiated solution”, she said. However, Europe has “a strong plan to retaliate and we will use it”, she added. Ms von der Leyen also committed to diversify EU relationships with other partners and to “unchain the single market”. She announced that the Commission would be tabling proposals during the coming month to remove single market barriers and prevent new ones from appearing.
Interventions by MEPs
With regard to US tariffs, many MEPs stressed the need to boost the EU’s strategic autonomy and resilience. To achieve this, they wanted to see a simplified market economy, to be achieved by reducing the administrative burden. However, some warned that economic reforms should not undermine the green deal’s objectives.
Referring to Ukraine, many MEPs called for enforcing sanctions on Russia, the use of Russian frozen assets to rebuild Ukraine, and reinforced security commitments for Ukraine. Others stressed that equal attention must be given to the situation in the Middle East, warning against double standards in EU foreign policy.
Some MEPs criticised Hungary’s stance within the European Council, arguing that by blocking decisions it was undermining the Union’s ability to act effectively in times of crisis. Concerns were also raised over democratic developments in the country, with calls for action to protect fundamental rights and European values.
On migration, several MEPs stressed the need for a coordinated approach on returns, advocating for safer and more efficient return pathways. They also called for stronger partnerships with countries of origin, to address the root causes of migration.
