"When there is war again on our continent, you cannot be neutral." Those were the words of Denmark's prime minister after her country voted by a two-thirds majority to end the Danish opt-out from EU defence and security policy. As Vladimir Putin continues his bloody war against Ukraine, Denmark is not alone in the European Union in making historic moves regarding European defence capacities. We take a closer look with three MEPs.
Finland and Sweden recently applied to join NATO, while the EU's biggest member state Germany is promising to boost its defence spending immediately.
In this programme we ask whether the Russian president has prompted a permanent change in the EU’s approach to defence, and where this increased defence and security co-operation could take the bloc.
Produced by Georgina Robertson, Sophie Samaille, Perrine Desplats and Isabelle Romero.
The action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament's grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.
