Where the law stands, Dossier 2025/2565(RSP)
White paper on the future of European defence
Resolution on a topical subject (RSP): Parliament states its view. It is not binding. · First reading
A resolution tabled by political groups, usually on an urgent matter or in reaction to a statement by the Commission or Council. Not binding.
Where it stands
Parliament’s position
Parliament adopted the text on 12 March 2025. This is its final position on the matter.
- Tabled for plenary(done)
- Plenary vote(done) Adopted 12 March 2025
- Parliament’s position(done) Final
Decided in plenary
12 March 2025 · decision 6
Foreign affairs, Resolution
White paper on the future of European defence
Adopted 419 for · 204 against · 46 abstained by a large majority
AI summary:The text calls on member states to build their own security and defence capabilities independently of external actors, and to develop a new continental defence concept.
What changed
Latest Tabled for plenary → Adopted by Parliament
AI summary:Adds calls for a complete overhaul of European defence cooperation and for flagship projects like the East Shield and Baltic Defence Line. Expands the scope of threats to include candidate countries and hybrid incidents, and adds calls for action on drones, hybrid preparedness, and shadow fleet. Adds emphasis on geographical balance in defence financing and industry development, and on partnerships with the UK, Norway, and Western Balkan countries. Softens the stance on European preference and drops the specific 3% GDP defence spending target. Other changes are formal or wording: decimal separator, grammar, and terminology.
The text, version by version
Newest first.
Adopted by Parliament· 12 Mar 2025
AI summary:Parliament's resolution on the white paper on the future of European defence urges the EU to act urgently to ensure its own security, support Ukraine, and overhaul its defence approach.
Tabled for plenary· 10 Mar 2025
Tabled for plenary· 5 Mar 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0148/2025
AI summary:This resolution calls on the EU to urgently strengthen its own security and defence, reduce dependencies, and support Ukraine, including through increased military aid and funding.
Tabled for plenary· 5 Mar 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0151/2025
AI summary:This resolution calls on EU member states to take independent control of their defence, develop a European Defence Alliance, and strengthen the defence industry while keeping cooperation intergovernmental.
Tabled for plenary· 5 Mar 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0145/2025
AI summary:This resolution on the white paper on the future of European defence stresses that defence policy remains a Member State prerogative, with unanimity in the Council, and calls for increased cooperation, European preference, and investment in capabilities.
Tabled for plenary· 5 Mar 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0147/2025
AI summary:This resolution on the white paper on the future of European defence calls for a comprehensive EU defence framework, increased support for Ukraine, stronger EU cooperation, and better preparedness against threats.
Tabled for plenary· 5 Mar 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0150/2025
AI summary:This resolution urges the EU to act immediately to protect citizens, deter enemies, and support allies, calling for a coherent strategy in the upcoming white paper on European defence.
Tabled for plenary· 5 Mar 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0144/2025
AI summary:This resolution rejects the militarisation of the EU and calls for a new European security architecture based on diplomacy, disarmament, and human security, rather than increased military spending.
Tabled for plenary· 5 Mar 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0146/2025
AI summary:This resolution on the white paper on the future of European defence calls for concrete measures to increase defence capabilities, overcome fragmentation, enhance the EDTIB, find funding, deepen EU-NATO cooperation, and support Ukraine.
Tabled for plenary· 5 Mar 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0149/2025
AI summary:This resolution on the white paper on the future of European defence calls for strengthening EU defence capabilities, increasing investment, and enhancing cooperation with NATO.
Timeline
Newest first.
Plenary stage 3 steps
12 March 2025
Plenary vote
Sitting of 12 Mar 2025 Motion for a resolution B10-0144/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0145/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0146/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0147/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0148/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0149/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0150/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0151/2025Adopted text TA10-0034/2025
11 March 2025
Debated in plenary
MEPs debated the text in the chamber ahead of the vote.
10 March 2025
108 amendments tabled for the plenary vote
Groups propose changes to the tabled text; each is voted on before the final vote.
Amendments 1–6Amendments 7–9Amendments 10–19Amendments 20–29Amendments 30–39Amendments 40–49Amendments 50–59Amendments 60–69Amendments 70–78Amendments 79–82Amendments 83–86Amendments 87–95Amendments 96–98Amendments 99–108
Official record: Legislative Observatory, 2025/2565(RSP)