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7 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 27 MARCH 2024 NEWS This article is part of a content series called Ewropej. This is a multi-newsroom initiative part-funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed about matters that affect their daily lives. This article reflects only the author's view. The action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament's grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action. EU defence is key party policy in 2024 says in its manifesto, pledging a strong European Common Security and De- fence Policy that complements NATO. "Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is a turning point in history. It proves that greater collaboration and deeper solidarity is needed to face the new international environment." It also supports the development of the European defence industry through targeted and smarter spending, greater joint procurements of defence products, closer cooperation in intelligence and further collaboration in cybersecurity and the protection of critical infrastruc- ture. It also wants the EU to speak with one voice in foreign policy matters and move towards more majority decisions in cer- tain policy matters. "To counter foreign interference, the EU must protect itself against subversive actions from author- itarian regimes. We need to strengthen the diplomatic and political role of the EU on the global scene with a strong European External Action Service to de- fend EU values and interests." RENEW Europe The European party of centrists and liberals and its Macron-led faction have placed defence – more specifically 'de- fence, defence, defence' – as the first of its 10 priorities for the European Parlia- ment elections. "We are the force who build a true European defence policy. We are the force who will continue supporting Ukraine until the win. We are the force who makes the autocrats pay for their breaches of the rule of law," Renew says in its introduction to its election man- ifesto. Describing peace as the EU's biggest achievement and the cornerstone of prosperity, Renew says the EU must collectively be prepared to protect peace by ramping up – within weeks and months – its defence capabilities, "from research to military cooperation, to help Ukraine win the war against the Russian aggressor and to deter threats from authoritarian regimes. "We need to strengthen defence in the EU so that both NATO and Europe are reinforced. The defence industry is also a purveyor of jobs and innovation. For the next five years our focus should be on defence, defence, defence." They have also called for expedited EU membership for Ukraine irrespective of good governance issues. "Ukrainians are spilling their blood to defend our democratic freedom. Ukraine must join and it will join. But we need to be able to welcome it, like other candidates. Without deep reforms, enlargement risks turning into a failure for all. The continent is about to unite, once more. This is good news. The more the might- ier. But the governance of a whole con- tinent is no trivial matter. It's time to reopen the treaties." European Greens The European Greens have historical- ly called for non-military approaches and disarmament, and are steadfast in their belief that peace and prosperity as well as sustainability go hand in hand. But it has called the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine a turning point in the history of the European continent and the world. "It violates the rule of in- ternational law, peace, and security. As Greens, we stand firm in our undivided solidarity with and support for Ukraine and for continued financial and military support. The struggle of the people of Ukraine for freedom, peace, and joining the European Union is our struggle," the Greens said in their Congress state- ment adopted in February. They also want the EU to sever de- pendence from authoritarian regimes while conflicts rage in the Middle East, the Caucasus, the Sahel, and Central Af- rica. "In today's world, we believe the Eu- ropean Union must be a strong player. The EU is and has always been a peace project. We must be able to stand up for the EU's security as well as peace and universal values in our neighbourhood and the world. Human rights and eco- nomic prosperity cannot be a luxury for the world's richest. Global justice, good governance, and democratic norms and institutions help a country flourish." The European Greens say that for the EU to achieve greater security in geopo- litical and economic terms, this depends on support for Ukraine while also prior- itising international policies for a more stable world through human security, diplomacy and conflict prevention. It also underlines the need for the EU to rewrite unjust trade rules that can make the world fairer and more equal. "The EU must be ready to work with all friends of peace, human rights, and mul- tilateralism to these ends. We have the courage to make the EU a force for a dif- ferent, more just world. Europe's green transition is both a geopolitical tool and a global responsibility. Climate diploma- cy and cooperation on green technology and investment are key to how we will deal with the world." European Conservatives and Reformists In the debate on European security and defence, the conservative right-wing ECR's co-chairman Nicola Procaccini has spoken in favour of the creation of a European army to complement NATO. The ECR (European Conservatives and Reformists) has even accused the EU of being bogged down in trivialities "about butterflies and electric scooters rather than European security and defence." "The herbivorous superpower for Eu- rope is what some seem to want, and that has affected the business of the European Commission and therefore of the Euro- pean Parliament. We've heard wonderful speeches about the need to cycle in or- der not to emit CO2. We've talked about dreams, but in the meantime, Europe has continued to live in reality, and reality is a beautiful but dangerous place." Procaccini, of the Italian Fratelli d'Italia far-right party has said the effort needed to create a European army was more than justified in the face of a possible Trump re-election as United States president. He took as an example the European Union's ASPIDES naval force in the Red Sea, which protects international ship- ping from attacks by Houthi Rebels, as another step towards increased defence cooperation. "The common defence of our borders and of European interests is one of the few things that Europe can do, that Europe can do very well, and de- fence is a question of numbers," Procac- cini said. The ECR said that the common de- fence of borders and European interests was the same as NATO's mission. "If you look at a European army, the Italian right has supported this idea for 50 years, when it was a red line for others in this House. If you compare it with nation- al armies, yes, it is expensive, but it is worth it. If we can spend less overall, do more and do it better, that will be proof of what you can do with good centrist realism."