Defence and geopolitics in focus
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Security concerns take centre stage in the European Parliament
Welcome to our newsletter. You may have noticed we have a new look; don’t worry, we’re still the same newsletter, bringing you a monthly roundup of the key votes and debates from the European Parliament’s plenary.
Our latest edition is dedicated to the first of two October sessions held by the European Parliament. Recent incursions by Russian aircraft into European airspace and unidentified drones at European airports served as an urgent reminder that Europe should take further action on security and defence. MEPs debated Russian provocations and made recommendations on how the EU can counter them. This edition breaks down the debates, decisions, and strategic choices that the EU is facing.
In the spotlight: Russian provocations require an EU response
EU countries were confronted in recent weeks with several Russian airspace violations - MiG-31 jets flew over Estonia, while dozens of Russian drones crossed into Poland. Drones disrupted traffic over airports across Europe.
In Strasbourg, MEPs condemned Moscow’s “systematic campaign of military and hybrid warfare,” urging coordinated and proportionate action - from shooting down airborne threats to tightening EU-NATO defence cooperation.
They also called for tougher sanctions not only against Russia but all other countries that provide support to Moscow, such as Belarus, Iran and North Korea. MEPs also called for sanctions against Chinese companies supplying goods and military items that Russia uses to manufacture drones and missiles.
MEPs welcomed initiatives to strengthen the EU’s defences against incursions and said that Europe must act decisively to safeguard its sovereignty.
Before adopting the resolution, lawmakers debated the incursions with the Danish Presidency of the Council and the European Commission, stressing the need for unified airspace surveillance and a faster EU response.
Facing mounting Russian threats and questions about US commitment to European security, the EU has moved in recent months to advance EU defence cooperation. The European Commission unveiled in March the ReArm Europe Plan that aims to mobilise €800 billion for defence spending by member states.
In June, the Commission followed up with the Defence Readiness Omnibus, simplifying rules to speed up investment and meet 2030 readiness targets.
Europe’s preparedness was the central theme in Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union address in September. She warned that perilous times demand the EU take its fate into its own hands and announced plans for a “drone wall” and real-time space surveillance.
That message was echoed at the Copenhagen summit of EU leaders on 1 October, where European Parliament President Roberta Metsola called for more defence cooperation and reinforced eastern borders.
The EU can learn from Ukraine’s experience in fighting Russian drone attacks, MEPs stressed in the resolution, calling for an increase in defence cooperation with Kyiv and funds to support Ukraine in drone warfare.
Luxembourg and Greenland’s prime ministers weigh in
Two prime ministers were in Strasbourg to provide further input on the strategic challenges facing Europe. In his “This is Europe” address, Luxembourg’s prime minister Luc Frieden argued that Europe must defend the international order of rules, treaties and institutions. He urged renewed faith in multilateralism and EU enlargement, and backed deeper defence integration.
Greenland’s prime minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen became the first Greenlandic leader to address the European Parliament. The island is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, but outside the EU. The prime minister highlighted how the Arctic is being transformed by climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. “The EU is a a friend of Greenland - we have heard that a lot [...] Let's build on it. Let's build a sustainable and stronger cooperation”, he told a press point after the speech.
Parliament welcomes prospects for peace in Gaza
After two years of war, Israel and Hamas have reached a preliminary agreement that could mark the end of the conflict in Gaza. Mediated by the US and countries in the region, the deal foresees the release of hostages and a gradual Israeli withdrawal.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola welcomed the agreement as “a pivotal moment for peace and renewal,” urging all sides to uphold and implement it to end an “intergenerational cycle of violence, suffering and terror.”
Earlier, Parliament discussed the EU’s role in supporting efforts towards peace in Gaza.
Two motions of no confidence against the Commission defeated
Two no-confidence motions against the European Commission - one from the Left group, the other one from the Patriots for Europe - fell short of the required votes to force the Commission to resign.
Earlier in the week, MEPs held a debate on the motions with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Supporting EU farmers: simpler rules, stronger position in the food supply chain
MEPs adopted their positions on two legislative acts aiming to support EU farmers: one should allow more flexibility in how farmers comply with the rules under the EU’s agricultural policy, and the other one should strengthen farmers’ position in contracts for deliveries of agricultural products. Parliament will now hold negotiations with EU governments in the Council to find agreement on the final texts.
🎥 Support European cinema through the LUX Audience Award 2026
🎬Culture also had its moment in Strasbourg last week with the announcement of the five films nominated for the 2026 LUX Audience Award. The award seeks to highlight the richness of European cinema. Watch the five films across Europe or online and help crown the one that best captures the spirit of Europe today.
🤫Behind the scenes of the plenary
Ever wonder what really happens during a plenary session? A lot goes on before we get to the votes and the headlines. Click on the link 🔗 to have a glimpse at this world!
🎃 October’s second plenary is just around the corner - it is coming up from 20 to 23 October with more debates, key votes, and a new edition of our newsletter. Subscribe and don’t miss all the action.
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