EU Foreign and Security Policy Review

The European Parliament’s 2026 resolution reviews how the EU carried out its common foreign and security policy in 2025 and sets clear priorities for the coming years. It stresses that the EU’s foreign policy must protect peace, security and international law, while promoting democracy, human rights, gender equality and the rule of law.

The Parliament warns that global instability is growing. Wars, hybrid attacks, economic pressure and disinformation now affect almost every region. International institutions meant to prevent conflict are under strain and need urgent reform. The EU must therefore act more decisively, defend the rules-based international order, and strengthen cooperation with democratic partners.

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is described as the most serious attack on European peace since the Second World War. Parliament strongly supports Ukraine’s right to defend itself and calls for Russia’s complete withdrawal from all internationally recognised Ukrainian territory. It demands the return of prisoners of war, abducted civilians and deported children. The EU is urged to maintain and increase political, financial and military support, including the EUR 90 billion EU-backed loan package agreed in December 2025. Parliament stresses that Russia must pay for the damage it has caused, supports using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction, and backs continued and stronger sanctions. It also supports international justice efforts, including the work of the International Criminal Court and the creation of a special tribunal for Russia’s crime of aggression.

Belarus is condemned for supporting Russia’s war and for repressing its own population. Parliament denounces Belarus’s hybrid attacks against EU countries and calls for stronger support for Belarusian civil society and independent media.

The resolution addresses conflicts in the Middle East, welcoming steps toward ending the war in Gaza and the release of hostages, while expressing deep concern about the humanitarian crisis, famine and restrictions on aid. Parliament supports a negotiated two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, in line with international law, and calls for accountability for violations by all sides. It condemns terrorism by Hamas and stresses that Israel’s right to self-defence must respect international law.

Parliament highlights serious threats from authoritarian states, including Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. It warns about China’s military build-up, its close support for Russia, pressure on Taiwan, and human rights abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong. At the same time, it calls for a balanced EU approach to China that combines dialogue and cooperation with reduced economic dependence in critical sectors.

The EU’s enlargement policy is described as a strategic investment in long-term peace and stability. Parliament supports EU membership prospects for Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans, provided they meet EU standards on democracy, the rule of law and alignment with EU foreign policy, including sanctions against Russia.

The resolution stresses the importance of strong partnerships with the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, NATO allies, and democratic partners in the Indo-Pacific, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. It expresses concern about a more transactional US foreign policy and urges Europe to strengthen its own defence, security and strategic autonomy.

Parliament underlines the growing importance of the Arctic, warning about Russia’s military build-up and China’s interest in the region. It supports stronger cooperation with Greenland and Arctic partners and calls for the Arctic to remain a zone of peace.

Human rights are a central theme. Parliament warns that civil society space is shrinking worldwide and that journalists, activists, religious minorities and LGBTIQ+ people face increasing repression. It calls for stronger EU action to protect women’s rights, children in conflict, freedom of religion, freedom of expression and media independence.

The resolution also highlights global challenges such as organised crime, drug trafficking, climate change as a security threat, and migration pressures. It supports preventive diplomacy, election observation missions and stronger EU communication to counter disinformation.

Finally, Parliament calls for more effective EU decision-making in foreign policy, including wider use of qualified majority voting where possible, stronger parliamentary oversight, better coordination between EU institutions, and increased resources for EU diplomacy. It stresses that the EU must speak with one voice, act faster in crises, and make its global actions more visible and credible.