Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
European Parliament Security and Defence Committee Chair Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann delivered a sharp doorstep statement at the Informal Meeting of Defence Ministers in Druids Glen, County Wicklow.
She warned that Europe is meeting in an extremely difficult security moment, saying the attacks facing Europe are no longer just “hybrid” threats, but real attacks that demand a serious response.
Strack-Zimmermann said Europe must work together more closely, but criticised the Council, arguing that when proposals are made — including on military mobility — there is always one country raising objections, making it impossible to defend Europe in the long term.
She also warned that the weakness of the United States is destabilising the global order, making it even more important for Europe to be able to defend its own continent.
On Ukraine, she said Europe stands with Kyiv, but that more is needed. She pointed in particular to the shortage of Patriot air defence systems, calling on countries such as Greece and Spain, if they still have Patriots available, to provide them to Ukraine.
Strack-Zimmermann also argued that if Ukraine loses the war, Europe will be the next target — adding that Europe is already being targeted through sabotage, disinformation, cyber activity and political interference.
Her message was blunt: Europe wants peace, but peace requires deterrence. Europe must be tougher on Russia, push back the shadow fleet, use frozen Russian assets, strengthen sanctions and give Ukraine the weapons it needs.
#eudebates #EUDefence #Ukraine #Russia
European Parliament Security and Defence Committee Chair Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann delivered a sharp doorstep statement at the Informal Meeting of Defence Ministers in Druids Glen, County Wicklow.
She warned that Europe is meeting in an extremely difficult security moment, saying the attacks facing Europe are no longer just “hybrid” threats, but real attacks that demand a serious response.
Strack-Zimmermann said Europe must work together more closely, but criticised the Council, arguing that when proposals are made — including on military mobility — there is always one country raising objections, making it impossible to defend Europe in the long term.
She also warned that the weakness of the United States is destabilising the global order, making it even more important for Europe to be able to defend its own continent.
On Ukraine, she said Europe stands with Kyiv, but that more is needed. She pointed in particular to the shortage of Patriot air defence systems, calling on countries such as Greece and Spain, if they still have Patriots available, to provide them to Ukraine.
Strack-Zimmermann also argued that if Ukraine loses the war, Europe will be the next target — adding that Europe is already being targeted through sabotage, disinformation, cyber activity and political interference.
Her message was blunt: Europe wants peace, but peace requires deterrence. Europe must be tougher on Russia, push back the shadow fleet, use frozen Russian assets, strengthen sanctions and give Ukraine the weapons it needs.
#eudebates #EUDefence #Ukraine #Russia
