Press Release: Parliament urges EU member states to gear up for new security challenges now

The European Parliament approved its annual resolution on security challenges on 21 May 2015, in which it considered that an unprecedented level of instability at the European Union's borders demands that the EU and its member states shoulder more responsibility for their security and defence in the short term.

MEPs urged member states to use Common Security and Defence Policy tools more effectively, improve the fit between external and internal security measures, and pool and share resources, so as to counter terrorism, fight organised crime, strengthen cyber-defence and cope with migration.

The chamber regretted that despite the pledges made by EU leaders during the European Council in December 2013, no substantial practical progress had been made in equipping the EU with the operational, industrial and capability resources. Finally, it called for a concrete boost to be given to European defence during the European Council in June 2015.

A separate resolution called for funding of EU civilian missions and military operations to be adapted to new needs. A third resolution called on the European Commission and the member states to build a genuine EU defence market.

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