Advancing Europe’s military mobility; ECR backs Defence Omnibus to speed up Europe’s defence readiness; Strengthening EU partnerships in East Asia; ECON vote on the digital euro — ECR: protect cash, preserve freedom of choice; ECR warns against centralising democracy policy in Brussels; AI, security and digital evidence: building the future of reliable image and video evidence;

Advancing Europe’s military mobility

On Tuesday, the Committees on Security and Defence and Transport and Tourism (TRAN) will vote on new EU rules to facilitate the rapid movement of military personnel, equipment and supplies across the Union. ECR Co-Rapporteur in TRAN, Roberts Zīle has led the file, which aims to remove bureaucratic obstacles, harmonise cross-border procedures and strengthen Europe’s defence readiness. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has exposed the need for armed forces to move swiftly across Europe without being delayed by fragmented national rules, lengthy authorisation procedures or infrastructure bottlenecks. The legislation introduces a more coordinated framework for military transport, including faster approval procedures, simplified customs formalities and improved cooperation between Member States. It also seeks to strengthen dual-use transport infrastructure and enhance Europe’s ability to respond quickly to security crises and emergencies. For the ECR Group, improving military mobility is an essential step towards a stronger European pillar within NATO, greater resilience against emerging threats and a more secure Europe capable of responding effectively to challenges on its borders.

When: Tuesday @ 9:00

Where: ANTALL 6Q2

ECR backs Defence Omnibus to speed up Europe’s defence readiness

Next week, several parliamentary committees will vote on key parts of the Defence Omnibus Package, covering defence procurement, intra-EU transfers, defence investments and faster permit-granting for defence readiness projects. For the ECR Group, the swift adoption of the package is a priority. The compromises reached in interinstitutional negotiations delivers practical simplification, reduces administrative burdens, supports faster defence procurement and investment, and strengthens Europe’s defence industrial base, including SMEs and innovative companies. The ECR particularly welcomes that the final outcome avoids unnecessary new powers for the European Commission, gives Member States greater flexibility, and focuses on making Europe’s defence industry more capable, more responsive and better prepared for today’s security challenges.

SEDE-IMCO von on accelaration of permit-granting for defence readiness projects

When: Wednesday @ 14:00

Where: ANTALL 6Q2

SEDE-IMCO vote on Simplification of intra-EU transfers of defence-related products

When: Wednesday @ 14:00

Where: ANTALL 6Q2

SEDE-ENVI-ITRE vote on defence readiness and facilitating defence investments and conditions for the defence industry

When: Thursday @ 10:00

Where: ANTALL 2Q2

Strengthening EU partnerships in East Asia

On Wednesday, the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) will vote on a recommendation by ECR AFET Coordinator Adam Bielan to the Council, the Commission and the High Representative on the changing geopolitical situation in East Asia and the need for closer cooperation with like-minded partners in the region. The recommendation responds to growing security challenges in East Asia, including systemic rivalry, maritime tensions, economic coercion and military build-ups that threaten the rules-based international order. It highlights the increasing link between European and Indo-Pacific security, particularly in light of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the support it has received from third countries. The report calls for stronger EU engagement with key regional partners such as Japan, the Republic of Korea and Taiwan, including closer cooperation on security and defence, economic resilience and emerging technologies. It also underlines the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, people-to-people exchanges, and collaboration in research and innovation. The ECR Group believes closer cooperation with like-minded partners in East Asia is key to strengthening Europe’s security and resilience.

When: Wednesday @ 15:30

Where: ANTALL 4Q2

ECON vote on the digital euro — ECR: protect cash, preserve freedom of choice

On Tuesday, the European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee will vote on the proposal to establish a digital euro as a new digital form of central bank money alongside euro banknotes and coins. For the ECR Group, any new form of payment must not come at the expense of cash. Citizens must remain free to choose how they pay. For many people, including older citizens, rural communities, vulnerable groups and small businesses, cash is not a relic of the past, but a practical necessity in daily life. Payment innovation must never become coercion. Cash is freedom in tangible form: private, resilient and independent of technical infrastructure. The ECR Group will therefore continue to defend access to and acceptance of cash, so that citizens remain free to choose how they pay.

When: Tuesday @ 12:00

Where: ANTALL 2Q2

ECR warns against centralising democracy policy in Brussels

On Tuesday, Parliament’s special committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS) will vote on its draft report on foreign interference, disinformation and hybrid threats. The ECR acknowledges the serious threats facing European democracies, including foreign information manipulation, espionage, sabotage and hostile interference, notably from Russia and China. However, the European Conservatives and Reformists think believe that democratic resilience must begin with respect for democracy itself. For the ECR, the Democracy Shield must not become a tool to influence political processes in Member States, restrict freedom of expression or weaken political pluralism. The ECR therefore opposes the proposed European Centre for Democratic Resilience, which would further centralise powers within the Commission and risk expanding EU influence over electoral processes that must remain under national democratic control. The ECR also warns against applying selective standards in the name of defending democracy, including the political use of EU funds, opaque NGO financing and the failure to address serious concerns about constitutional and human rights breaches in Member States. For these reasons, they tabled numerous amendments and reject the final outcome.

When: Tuesday @ 10:30

Where: SPAAK 4B 001

AI, security and digital evidence: building the future of reliable image and video evidence

On Wednesday, ECR MEPs Assita Kanko and Alessandro Ciriani will host a round table discussion on AI, Police and Justice. In an era where artificial intelligence is pushing the boundaries of digital manipulation, ensuring the reliability of image and video evidence has become increasingly critical for law enforcement, justice systems, and security operations. This event brings together experts to explore the future of digital evidence and AI-powered tools transforming criminal justice. This event brings public and private actors together. This event is particularly relevant for professionals working in European security, border control, child protection (CSAM legislation), police cooperation, and judicial evidence standards.

When: Wednesday @ 13:00 – 14:30

Where: SPINELLI 1H1