EU Parliament’s Pivotal Decisions

In a significant plenary session held on December 17, 2025, European Parliament members engaged in crucial discussions and votes on matters affecting the EU’s future, including energy security, environmental regulations, and defense strategies.

The session commenced with MEPs setting the stage for the upcoming European Council meeting. High on the agenda were Europe’s strategies for peace in Ukraine, its relationship with the United States, and the EU’s approach to strategic autonomy. The discussions also covered pressing issues such as the Middle East, the EU’s long-term budget, enlargement strategy, migration management, border security, and enhancing EU competitiveness.

A notable development was the parliamentary vote on a new law to ban Russian natural gas imports, a move aimed at bolstering the EU’s energy security. This decision follows provisional agreements reached earlier in the month. Additionally, the parliament voted on amendments to the EU’s deforestation law, simplifying its application for businesses and postponing its implementation, reflecting ongoing debates about environmental policy and economic needs.

Defense was another critical focus, with MEPs voting on resolutions to enhance military mobility and ensure defense readiness by 2030, emphasizing the need for joint procurement and robust supply chains. These discussions and decisions highlight the EU Parliament’s active role in shaping policies that respond to current geopolitical and environmental challenges while planning for future security and sustainability.