This week, the European Parliament warned of an increase in hybrid attacks, naming Russia, directly or through intermediaries such as Belarus, as the most serious hybrid threat. China, Iran, and North Korea are also mentioned as countries conducting campaigns that undermine European democracies and security interests.
According to the Parliament, the EU must be able to intervene earlier and detect threats more effectively. EU countries should exchange more intelligence and jointly monitor strategic vulnerabilities. The Parliament also calls for greater cooperation between the EU and NATO to strengthen European readiness, resilience, and deterrence.
Seizure
At the same time, seized Russian state assets are once again prominently on the European agenda. Several countries and Members of the European Parliament want to explore how these funds can be used for Ukraine. Worldwide, approximately 260 billion euros of Russian state assets are frozen, of which about 210 billion euros are in EU countries.
Promotion
Call
The discussion gained new momentum after 122 MEPs called on the European Commission and EU countries to reconsider the possibilities. The Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and Spain had previously requested a solution. An earlier attempt to deploy nearly 200 billion euros of Russian reserves stalled at the end of last year.
The use of these funds remains legally complex. Belgium previously opposed this out of fear of Russian damage claims and demanded guarantees from other EU countries. Legal questions about state immunity are also raised. In addition, proposals are being developed to use Russian assets for compensation to Ukraine.
Ukraine
Meanwhile, Europe is trying to expand its military support for Ukraine. European funding can be used for air and missile defense, including Patriot equipment. Furthermore, the EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance is working toward closer cooperation between European and Ukrainian companies in drone development and production.
Hundreds of Billions
Europe’s own defense industry must also be able to produce more rapidly. The European Parliament has approved rules to speed up permits for defense projects, procurements, and transfers of defense equipment between EU countries. This should facilitate getting investments off the ground and allow production capacities to be expanded more quickly.
The new rules aim to support up to 800 billion euros in defense investments over the next four years. The European Defence Fund is also being adjusted to make cooperation and financing easier. Costs for certain tests in Ukraine may qualify for European funding, thereby also strengthening cooperation with Ukrainian defense companies.