The European Parliament has been excluded from the decision-making process on a €800 billion plan to support Ukraine and secure its strategic autonomy. President Ursula von der Leyen proposed a €150 billion instrument under Article 122 of the Treaty, bypassing Parliament. This move has sparked mixed reactions, with some MEPs, including Manfred Weber, calling for more democratic legitimacy in the process. Others, like ECR co-president Nicola Procaccini, believe that delivering results is more important than being fully involved in the decision-making process. The Parliament had the chance to express its views on the plan through a non-legislative resolution, urging member states to increase defense spending and support a bank for defense, security, and resilience. However, the resolution did not specifically condemn the use of Article 122, despite some MEPs attempting to do so.
MEPs across the political spectrum have called for a stronger oversight role for the Parliament in line with the expanding role of the EU in defense. While some lawmakers proposed an amendment expressing deep concern for being excluded from the decision-making process, it was ultimately rejected. Estonian MEP Riho Terras, vice-chair of the Security and Defence Committee, believes that oversight and transparency of fund usage are more important than full involvement in the decision-making process. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola emphasized the importance of working together and fostering trust in the union, especially when making decisions of such magnitude. She stressed the need for broad public backing and promised that the Parliament would work quickly, efficiently, and effectively in adapting to demanding circumstances. MEPs expressed the need for increased defense spending and explored options for pre-financing major military investments.
The decision to use Article 122 has raised concerns among MEPs about the lack of democratic legitimacy in the process. Manfred Weber, leader of the EPP group, argued that bypassing Parliament with Article 122 is a mistake and that Europe’s democracy relies on both citizens and member states for security. However, ECR co-president Nicola Procaccini and Estonian MEP Riho Terras believe that the focus should be on delivering results rather than the process itself. Despite attempts by some MEPs to include a recital expressing deep concern for being excluded from the decision-making process, the amendment was ultimately rejected. The European Parliament approved a non-legislative resolution urging member states to increase defense spending and support the creation of a bank for defense, security, and resilience, as well as exploring options for European defense bonds to pre-finance military investments.
President Ursula von der Leyen defended the use of Article 122 as the only possibility for emergency financial assistance in the current situation. She assured MEPs that the EU executive would keep Parliament informed of progress, but some MEPs remain concerned about being sidelined from the decision-making process. The European Parliament has been working to adapt to the demanding circumstances and ensure swift action in response to the situation. Despite the mixed reactions to von der Leyen’s decision, MEPs from various political groups have called for a stronger oversight role for the Parliament in defense funding decisions. While the decision to use Article 122 has sparked debate among MEPs, the focus remains on securing funding for Ukraine and enhancing the EU’s defense capabilities in the face of current challenges.
