The Week ahead

The EPP Group is pushing for stronger cooperation and coordination between EU Member States on defence issues. On Thursday, the European Parliament will hold a debate with former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö on enhancing Europe’s civil and defence preparedness and readiness. "Preparedness may be costly, but the price of being unprepared is far higher," says Nicolás Pascual de la Parte MEP, the EPP Group's Spokesman on defence, ahead of next week’s plenary debate. Commissioned by President Ursula von der Leyen, Niinistö’s report examines Europe’s crisis resilience - from natural disasters like the one in Spain to defence, cybersecurity, hybrid threats, and the role of public opinion in building a stronger collective response.

The European Parliament will debate EU-US relations on Wednesday, following the outcome of the U.S. Presidential election. "The U.S. is the EU's key strategic partner, and together, we face critical challenges for peace and stability. Cooperation with the incoming U.S. Administration is crucial. A stronger, self-reliant Europe in terms of security and defence will also benefit our partners. The EPP Group has been working towards this objective for years. It is fitting that on the day of the U.S. election results, Andrius Kubilius was confirmed as Europe’s first Commissioner for Defence," stresses Andrzej Halicki MEP, Vice-Chair of the EPP Group responsible for Foreign Affairs.

The EPP Group aims to stop illegal global deforestation, but without overburdening European farmers, companies, or international trading partners with excessive red tape. "The current Deforestation Law is a bureaucratic monster. If implemented, it risks hampering European farmers and businesses. That’s why the EPP Group has called for a delay, but postponement alone is not enough," stresses Christine Schneider MEP, the EPP Group’s lead negotiator on the deforestation legislation, ahead of next Thursday's plenary vote on the planned postponement of the law. Read more.

On 29 October, heavy rains caused ravines and rivers to overflow, resulting in devastating floods across parts of Spain, particularly in Valencia. “The EPP Group calls for the immediate activation of all EU support measures to help the affected areas. We urge the EU to provide both emergency aid to meet the immediate needs of the population and substantial assistance for long-term reconstruction,” stresses Dolors Montserrat MEP, Vice-chair of the EPP Group, ahead of Wednesday's European Parliament debate on the disaster.

The EPP Group is pushing for stronger cooperation and coordination between EU Member States on defence issues. On Thursday, the European Parliament will hold a debate with former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö on enhancing Europe’s civil and defence preparedness and readiness. "Preparedness may be costly, but the price of being unprepared is far higher," says Nicolás Pascual de la Parte MEP, the EPP Group's Spokesman on defence, ahead of next week’s plenary debate. Commissioned by President Ursula von der Leyen, Niinistö’s report examines Europe’s crisis resilience - from natural disasters like the one in Spain to defence, cybersecurity, hybrid threats, and the role of public opinion in building a stronger collective response.