The European Parliament has voted for the upgrade of the subcommittee on Security and Defence to a full standing committee, reflecting the importance in addressing Europe’s security challenges. This change, alongside the establishment of other new committees, was proposed by President Metsola and political group leaders to align with citizen concerns and parliamentary priorities. The new Security and Defence Committee will have 43 members, with its responsibilities complementing the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET). The transformation will take effect during the January 2025 plenary session, signalling a stronger focus on strategic defence policy and security coordination at the EU level.

The Chair of SEDE, MEP Marie-Agnes STRACK-ZIMMERMANN,  underlined that the new Committee will work with Commissioner of Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, with the aim of strengthening the European security architecture to be fit for the future. Europe needs to become a global security actor as it is expected by its citizens and allies. Hence, the Committee will play an essential role in this regard.

EUROMIL welcomes this development as it represents an important step towards further defence integration. Besides, EUROMIL has been calling for a fully-fledged security and defence committee at its 2024 European Elections priorities.