The EU’s response to Russia’s aggression on Ukraine is not only an act of solidarity, but a defining test of our credibility as a global actor, says Foreign Affairs Committee Chair.

Following the adoption of the European Parliament’s 2024 annual report on Implementation of the common foreign and security policy, the Chairman of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee David McAllister (EPP, DE), issued this statement:

“Today, the European Parliament adopted the 2024 Annual Report on the implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), reaffirming its essential role in shaping and scrutinising the EU’s foreign policy.

As established by the Treaty of Lisbon, this resolution is a key instrument through which Parliament exercises its strengthened right of oversight in external action. It not only assesses developments over the past year but also provides strategic direction to the High Representative and the Commission, setting clear priorities for the current legislative term and beyond.

This legislature’s first CFSP report underscores the importance of a determined, disciplined and assertive EU foreign policy to address major geopolitical challenges — chief among them the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East and increasing great power competition. The European Union must be able to fulfil and defend its own strategic objectives on the international stage.

At the heart of this report is the EU’s unwavering response to Russia’s ongoing, illegal and brutal war against Ukraine. The European Parliament condemns in the strongest terms Russia’s escalation of attacks on civilian infrastructure, the abduction of Ukrainian children and its systematic efforts to undermine international law. The EU and its Member States must significantly increase humanitarian, military and financial support to Ukraine. Parliament has also been clear in supporting the full use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s reconstruction. The EU’s response to this war is not only an act of solidarity — it is a defining test of our credibility as a global actor committed to the rules-based international order.

The report also welcomes the opening of accession negotiations with Ukraine, Moldova as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina. EU enlargement is a geostrategic investment that requires continued commitment from both the EU and the candidate countries on their respective paths to accession. The report also expresses deep concern over Georgia’s democratic regression and the conduct of its 2024 elections.

Reinforcing the EU’s credibility also requires principled diplomacy and stronger international partnerships. Relations with Türkiye must remain conditional on alignment with EU values and the CFSP. Looking outward, the EU must step up engagement with the Southern Neighbourhood, deepen political and economic ties in Central Asia and strengthen its presence in the Indo-Pacific. Enhanced cooperation with NATO and other partners remains essential to protecting shared interests and ensuring global stability.

Looking ahead, the European Parliament sets out clear CFSP objectives for 2025: to address the global consequences of Russia’s aggression, counter the rise of authoritarian influence and strengthen the EU’s strategic sovereignty to uphold the international rules-based order. Parliament articulates a clear, values-based and forward-looking foreign policy vision. It reaffirms our responsibility to act as a principled and effective global actor — standing firm for peace, democracy and multilateralism in an increasingly uncertain world.”

For further information contact:

Office of Mr David McALLISTER, tel. +32 2 284 51 30, e-mail: david.mcallister@ep.europa.eu