European Union lawmakers said in a non-binding resolution on Wednesday that preparatory actions on defence must be “close to those of wartime” and called for more aid for Ukraine.
“Europe is today facing the most profound military threat to its territorial integrity since the end of the Cold War,” the resolution read, which was adopted by 419 votes in favour, 204 against and 46 abstentions.
The resolution called Russia “the most significant direct and indirect threat against the EU” and stressed how the drastic shift of US policies on the war in Ukraine has fuelled security concerns in the EU.
The resolution stated that the EU must be able “move much faster through the procedures” in the event of a war or other major security crises and called for a European pillar within NATO capable of acting autonomously if necessary.
Members of the European Parliament called for stronger partnerships with like-minded parters and for diminished reliance on non-EU countries to ensure the bloc’s own security.
On support for Ukraine, the resolution urged EU countries, international partners and NATO members “to lift all restrictions on the use of Western weapons systems delivered to Ukraine against military targets on Russian territory,” a press release said.
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