How to watch the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE)

Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting Joint meeting Committee on Transport and Tourism

Political groups: EPP, S&D, ECR priorities and concerns

Dariusz Joński and 1 other

EPP and S&D speakers set priorities on fast permits, an operational emergency mechanism, resilient and digital infrastructure, a robust solidarity pool with EU‑made equipment, exclusion of high‑risk suppliers and strong social safeguards, including full coverage for injured workers and protection of labour law. The ECR group supports high ambition and the emerging compromises while flagging sensitive elements such as the EMS and solidarity pool as needing pragmatic solutions.

In this chapter

1. EPP and S&D priorities: fast permits, EMS, solidarity pool, social safeguardsDariusz Joński
2. S&D completion and ECR position: ambition and sensitive issuesMarie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann

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Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting Joint meeting Committee on Transport and Tourism

Opening, procedure and co‑rapporteurs’ compromises

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann and 3 others

Chairs open the joint SEDE–TRAN meeting, confirm the agenda and frame the debate around the Commission’s Military Mobility Regulation proposal and the large number of amendments, then outline the speaking procedure. Co‑rapporteurs present the main compromise directions and remaining issues on permits, corridor coordination, last‑mile infrastructure, NATO interoperability, customs, resilience, digital systems, the solidarity pool, private operators, funding links and EU–NATO synergies.

In this chapter

1. Opening, agenda adoption and file contextMarie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann
2. Procedure for debate and first co‑rapporteur overviewMichał Szczerba
3. Second co‑rapporteur: private sector, solidarity pool, fundingRoberts Zīle

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Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

Commission Q&A on Ukraine loan design and defence industry access

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann and 1 other

MEPs question the Commission on implementation of the Ukraine loan facility, focusing on ammunition delivery timelines, derogations for third‑country components, industrial eligibility across guarantor and non‑guarantor states, and possibilities for front‑loading 2026–27 disbursements; the Commission details ramp‑up of EU 155mm production, swift derogations for Ukrainian drone components, non‑discriminatory access for the full EU‑27 (plus Norway and Ukraine) industrial base, and envisaged front‑loading while maintaining formal equal annual allocation principles.

In this chapter

1. Q&A on Ukraine loan: ammunition, derogations and Chinese components
2. Q&A on Ukraine loan: front‑loading and guarantor statesMarie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann

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Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

Ukraine defence loan: Commission presentation and initial MEP questions

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann and 1 other

The Chair introduces the €90bn Ukraine support loan focusing on the €60bn defence pillar, followed by the Commission’s detailed presentation on structure, schedules, procurement cascade and disbursement, then an initial Q&A on coordination with G7/NATO, enforcement of EU preference, possible SAFE II and the separate debate on Russian assets.

In this chapter

1. Ukraine support loan: Commission briefing on defence pillarMarie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann
2. Q&A on Ukraine loan: coordination, EU preference, SAFE II and Russian assetsMarie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann

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Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

Shift to Canada and Canada–EU security partnership

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann and 1 other

After closing the Taiwan segment, the Committee turns to Canada’s ambassador for a keynote on the new EU–Canada security and defence partnership, Ukraine support, PESCO/SAFE participation and Arctic/NORAD modernisation, followed by Q&A on Arctic governance, defence‑industry integration, EDA/SAFE arrangements, EU strategic autonomy, the Defence Security Resilience Bank and space and NORAD relations with the US.

In this chapter

1. Transition from Taiwan to Canada: informal closingMarie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann
2. Canada–EU security and defence partnership: ambassador’s keynoteMarie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann
3. Q&A with Canada: Arctic, defence industry integration and EDA/SAFEMarie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann
4. Q&A with Canada: strategic autonomy, NORAD, space and US linkage concernsMarie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann

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Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

Taiwan Deputy Minister: security brief and MEP Q&A

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann Renew

Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister outlines China’s coercive ‘new normal’, Taiwan’s defence efforts and calls for deeper EU cooperation, followed by multiple Q&A rounds with MEPs on status quo vs coercion, UNCLOS and navigation, semiconductor dependencies, defence spending and ties with the US, EU and regional partners.

In this chapter

1. Deputy Minister of Taiwan: China’s ‘new normal’ and security link to EuropeMarie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann
2. MEPs’ first Q&A with Taiwan: status quo, coercion and one‑China narrativesMarie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann
3. MEPs’ Q&A with Taiwan: freedom of navigation and maritime cooperationMarie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann
4. MEPs’ Q&A with Taiwan: Chinese ‘strangulation’, semiconductors and US ties

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Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

Opening, agenda and Taiwan mission context

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann Renew

The Chair formally opens the SEDE meeting, sets out the legislative timetable for the new Agile and Rapid Defence Innovation regulation, and reports on the first official SEDE mission to Taiwan, linking its defence posture, semiconductor role and China policy debates to EU deterrence and spending challenges.

In this chapter

1. Opening of meeting: Agile defence innovation regulationMarie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann
2. Taiwan mission debrief: strategic assessment by ChairMarie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann

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Committee on Security and Defence – Extraordinary Meeting with Commissioner Kubilius

Q&A on EU defence market, strategic autonomy and regional security

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann and 2 others

MEPs question the Commissioner on defence market fragmentation, strategic autonomy, Article 42(7), industry visibility and capability gaps (missiles, drones, air defence, stockpiles), then broaden to regional security issues including military mobility, mines, Western Balkans, Cyprus, Mediterranean pressures, enlargement as a security tool, export controls, and intelligence/AI shortfalls.

In this chapter

1. Second Q&A: strategic autonomy, Article 42(7) and industry visibilityMarie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann
2. Regional security, military mobility and intelligence/AI gapsPekka Toveri

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Committee on Security and Defence – Extraordinary Meeting with Commissioner Kubilius

Opening and Commission presentation on EU defence

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann Renew

Chair opens the extraordinary SEDE session, adopts the agenda and gives the floor to the Commissioner, who outlines the main EU defence initiatives (SAFE, AGILE pilot, Ukraine support, military mobility, EU Space Shield) and the industrial production gap with Russia, setting the strategic and legislative context for the debate.

In this chapter

1. Opening of SEDE meeting and agenda framingMarie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann
2. Commissioner: EU defence instruments and industrial gap
3. First Q&A: fragmentation, missile and drone capabilities, Ukraine’s roleMarie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann

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Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

Connecting European facility 2028–2034: opinion vote

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann and 1 other

The chair introduces the draft opinion on the Connecting European facility for 2028–2034 and gives the floor to rapporteur Pedras, then the committee votes by show of hands on several amendments (including 171, 172, 179, 108), with one amendment (179) checked electronically, and finally adopts the opinion in a concluding vote.

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Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

European Defence Fund opinion: amendment and final vote

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann Renew

The committee proceeds to hand votes on amendments 1 and 205 to the draft SEDE opinion on the regulation establishing the European Defence/Competition Fund, followed by the final roll-call vote; technical issues with the display of results are clarified, and the adopted opinion’s figures (29 in favour, 6 against, 2 abstentions) are read into the record.

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Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

Opening of meeting and quorum check

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann and 1 other

Chair Mme Marie-Agnes STRACK-ZIMMERMANN opens the SEDE meeting, announces the voting session on the opinion regarding the Commission proposal establishing the European Defence/Competition Fund for defence research and innovation, gives the floor to rapporteur Ritas for a brief introduction, and confirms quorum and a technical test of the electronic voting system.

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Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

Chair: closing of EIB exchange and move in camera

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann and 8 others

The Chair formally closes the exchange with the EIB Vice‑President, reflects on the money–security debate’s evolution, and announces a 20‑minute break before the committee resumes in camera on 5 March with reminders on device and confidentiality rules.

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Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

Rapporteur priorities and space–defence leverage

Elena Donazzan and 1 other

Rapporteur Elena sets priorities on leveraging EU funds in space and defence, attracting private (non‑Chinese) capital, enhancing military mobility infrastructure and SME access, while Degrohe points to concrete cross‑border transport projects, EDIP and Iris² as ecosystem builders, and strong private appetite for scalable EU space frameworks.

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Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

Second Q&A block: industry demand, ESG and strategic assets

Villy Søvndal and 4 others

MEPs Søvndal, Boutenga and a French member press the EIB on long‑term demand and Ukraine co‑production, ESG safeguards and international law (including Israel‑related concerns), the exclusion of lethal equipment and ammunition, space launch capacity and the role of US funds, prompting clarifications on project eligibility, export controls, EU‑based production and the limits of the EIB’s defence remit.

In this chapter

1. Q: Søvndal: securing future market and Ukraine co‑productionVilly Søvndal
2. Q: Boutenga: ESG, Israel cases and international law riskMarc Botenga
3. Q: French MEP: launchers, US funds, munitions exclusionChristophe Gomart

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Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

Initial MEP questions: mandate, instruments, banks

Nicolás Pascual de la Parte and 4 others

MEPs de la Parte, Pedras and another member question the EIB on cross‑border operations, coordination with EU instruments, third‑country influence (notably China), the Bank’s comparative advantage, non‑EU participation, Omnibus simplification, remaining banking stigma and the possible scope of the EIB’s role in defence, with Degrohe detailing coordination structures, simplification needs and complementarity with SAFE/EDIP.

In this chapter

1. Q: de la Parte: cross‑border projects, EU instruments, ChinaNicolás Pascual de la Parte
2. Q: Pedras: EIB comparative edge, partners, simplificationPetras Auštrevičius
3. Q: unnamed MEP: banks’ stigma, scope of EIB defence rolePierre-Romain Thionnet

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Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

Opening and new EIB defence mandate

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann and 1 other

The Chair opens the meeting and Vice President Degrohe presents the post‑2023 expansion of the EIB mandate into security and defence, including mainstreaming security across sectors, quantitative targets for 2024–2026, and tools such as advisory support, industrial capability financing, space investments and the scaled‑up Defence Equity Facility 2.0.

In this chapter

1. Chair: opening and EIB mandate for defenceMarie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann
2. EIB VP: mandate change and security mainstreamingRobert De Groot
3. EIB VP: 2024–2026 volumes, pipeline and advisoryRobert De Groot

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Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

Commission: defence window, Ukraine participation and NATO standards

Mārtiņš Staķis and 2 others

DG DEFIS details how the defence window in the future European Competitiveness Fund will interact with EDF and EDIP, outlines Ukrainian participation and SME involvement, and clarifies the development and use of NATO-aligned standards.

In this chapter

1. Commission: defence window in ECF, Ukraine schemes, SME data, NATO standardsMārtiņš Staķis
2. Follow-up on MFF transition and retaining EDF-driven innovation in Europe

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Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

MEP questions: EDF in next MFF, Ukraine participation, SMEs and standards

Hélder Sousa Silva and 3 others

EPP, S&D and Greens members question the future place of the EDF in the post‑2027 MFF, its articulation with EDIP and procurement tools, access for Ukrainian entities, SME participation shares, NATO interoperability and export risks for EDF‑funded technologies.

In this chapter

1. EPP coordinator: EDF place in next MFF and links to EDIPHélder Sousa Silva
2. S&D and Greens: Ukraine access, SMEs, NATO standards, export of EDF techSven Mikser

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Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

Opening of EDF scrutiny: budget use and concrete capabilities

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann Renew

The Chair opens scrutiny of the European Defence Fund and the Commission details budget execution, planning tools and examples of EDF‑backed capabilities already prototyped, entering service or used in Ukraine, including cyber, drone, naval and space-based missile-warning projects.

In this chapter

1. Chair closes civil protection item; opens EDF scrutinyMarie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann
2. EDF budget, SME participation and multiannual planning map
3. EDF projects aiming at standards and prototypes

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Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

Scrutiny of European Defence Fund – Results, future architecture and continuity

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann and 3 others

In a scrutiny session with DG DEFIS, members review EDF implementation, concrete capability outputs and SME participation, then probe how EDF will be folded into the future European Competitiveness Fund, how to involve Ukraine, align with NATO standards and joint procurement, and ensure continuity and retention of EU‑funded defence innovation in Europe across MFFs before the Chair closes the meeting.

In this chapter

1. Opening of scrutiny item – Implementation of European Defence Fund (EDF)Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann
2. Commission DG DEFIS – EDF budget, planning map and concrete capability outputsMarie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann
3. EDF Q&A I – Next MFF architecture, Ukraine participation, SMEs and NATO standardsHélder Sousa Silva
4. EDF Q&A II – Continuity across MFFs and retaining EU‑funded innovation in EuropeMarie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann

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Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

Union Civil Protection Mechanism: scope, governance and civil–military links

Riho Terras and 6 others

Shadows, members and the Commission debate the future of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism, balancing member‑state governance with EU coordination, integrating volunteers and NGOs, and adapting to climate, hybrid and armed-attack threats including cooperation with NATO and armed forces.

In this chapter

1. Substitute shadow sets member-state governance lineRiho Terras
2. S&D shadow: civil protection, prevention and military supportAndré Franqueira Rodrigues
3. Renew shadow: data, software and decentralised crisis networksEngin Eroglu

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Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

Union Civil Protection Mechanism – Opinion on hybrid threats and civil‑military cooperation

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann and 6 others

SEDE opens its opinion on the revised UCPM, with the rapporteur, political groups and the Commission debating how to adapt civil protection to hybrid and armed-attack scenarios, strengthen governance, data and NGO roles, link with NATO and health preparedness, and embed civil‑military cooperation and medical countermeasures in the EU’s resilience toolbox.

In this chapter

1. Introduction to SEDE opinion on Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM)Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann
2. Rapporteur UCPM – Hybrid threats, civil‑military cooperation and resilienceReinis Pozņaks
3. Political groups on UCPM – Governance, data, NGOs, NATO, automatic assistanceRiho Terras
4. Commission (DG ECHO & HERA) – Civil‑military, NATO and health preparedness under UCPMMarie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann

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Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

European Competitiveness Fund for Defence – Draft opinion and stakeholder positions

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann and 4 others

SEDE launches work on its opinion to the European Competitiveness Fund for defence, with the rapporteur, shadows, the Left group and the Commission setting out competing views on war‑reserve flexibility, alignment with existing instruments, budgetary transparency, European preference, SMEs and the fund’s role as the main defence‑industry financing tool in the next MFF.

In this chapter

1. Transition – Waiting for Commission and launch of ECF opinion itemMarie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann
2. Rapporteur ECF – Amendments, war reserve and Article 42(7)Riho Terras
3. Shadows S&D and Renew – Consistency, funding, SMEs, European preferenceTobias Cremer

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Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

Opening votes – SEDE opinions and pilot project

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann and 2 others

The committee conducts electronic and roll‑call votes on SEDE’s opinion to Horizon Europe’s defence dimension and adopts the EU Autonomous Maritime Team pilot project for the 2027 budget, closing the initial decision-making segment of the meeting.

In this chapter

1. Vote – SEDE opinion on Horizon Europe defenceMarie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann
2. Vote – Pilot project EU Autonomous Maritime Team (EU AMS)Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann

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