The unwavering support to Ukraine is not negotiable. What happens in Ukraine has direct impact on the whole European continent. Russia’s war of aggression continues to destabilise our societies – not only through its military actions but also through its shadow fleet and calculated multi-domain hybrid operations on land, at sea, in the air, in space and cyberspace. The pattern is clear, and it keeps getting worse and bolder. That is why Europe must act. Supporting and rebuilding Ukraine via Immobilised Russian Assets There is only one moral and strategic choice to guarantee Ukraine’s future financial needs –make Russia pay for the damage it has caused. It is key that immobilised Russian assets are used to finance a reparations loan for Ukraine. We ask the Commission to put forward concrete proposals - in accordance with EU and international law, and underpinned by appropriate EU solidarity and risk-sharing - and thereby mark a breakthrough moment for Europe’s credibility and leadership. Above all, this would enable more capable and strong Ukrainian armed forces which is the main deterrent against Russia. Stepping up European defence for 2030 The starting point of all EU security and defence planning must be clear: Russia is a lasting and persistent threat to European security. To build a stronger European defence by 2030, the EPP believes we must have a plan to defend every centimetre of Europe, notwithstanding neutrality tradition. We must close the gaps in the nine critical capability areas and immediately prioritising the four pan-European flagships: (1) the European Drone Defence Initiative; (2) the Eastern Flank Watch; (3) the European Air Shield; (4) and the European Space Shield. We understand the immediate threat to the EU’s Eastern Flank. While Russia remains the most acute threat to Europe’s stability, our Union security challenges need to be addressed with a comprehensive 360-degree approach, addressing state and non-state threats from all directions, from the Arctic to the Mediterranean. Europe’s task is clear: to constrain Russia’s capability to do us harm, in particular through our steadfast support to Ukraine. Furthermore, we underline that the European Drone Defence Initiative is a central component of this effort, and it should address urgent gaps in anti-drone and air-defence systems across the Union, in full coordination with NATO. In this context, we encourage close cooperation with Ukraine but also among relevant national and European authorities, as well as the active involvement of the private sector, particularly in safeguarding critical infrastructure and providing the innovation required. We firmly believe that close cooperation with NATO is a key pillar for European security, in line with the principles agreed between the EU and NATO. Furthermore, defending democracy must be our guiding principle, given that it is under increasing threat from autocratic regimes. It is also crucial to tackle key challenges such as irregular migration and human, drug and weapons trafficking, by strengthening cooperation with countries of origin and transit. It is important to enhance the Union’s energy security, ensuring that the EU Energy system remains stable, secure and affordable. A comprehensive European security framework remains however incomplete while part of Cyprus is under Turkish occupation. The EU should intensify efforts to relaunch meaningful negotiations for the reunification talks, in accordance with UN resolutions and EU principles. Fostering EU competitiveness, boosting our single market We firmly believe that a strong European defence requires a truly competitive and resilient economy. In this context, we welcome the European Commission's 2026 Work Programme and call for the swift implementation of bold initiatives that strengthen our competitiveness. Europe must continue to accelerate its global trade agenda, unlocking new markets for European businesses, diversifying supply chains and strengthening partnerships with key allies around the world. Fast-tracking all the simplification proposals, streamlining permitting procedures, and cutting the red tape that burdens our economy and our businesses are key priorities to support and strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and growth. While the Single Market is undoubtedly the cornerstone of our Union's success, its full potential must be unlocked by unlashing the potential across key sectors, including services, energy, telecommunications, and financial services. We underline that new rules should be simple from the beginning, otherwise we must devote time and work in five years to simplify what is proposed today. We strongly support the full implementation of all agreed reforms under the Recovery and Resilience Plans while ensuring a flexible approach that allows Member States to adapt to the evolving economic and social realities. We remain committed to the European climate goals and underline that competitiveness, and the green transition are intertwined. Without a growing economy we will lack the resources and innovation to lower our emissions. Time is of the essence. Europe must act now. Middle East peace efforts We recognise the urgent need to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and commend all ongoing diplomatic mediation efforts to that end. We welcome the agreement reached on the initial phase of the Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza Conflict put forward by the U.S. President, as well as the outcome of the 13 October 2025 Sharm El-Sheikh Summit for Peace. The EU must assume an active role, working with partners in the region to achieve a lasting peace that strengthens long-term security and stability in the region, which is directly linked to that of the EU. In this context, it must support the rapid delivery of humanitarian aid in coordination with international partners, including via the Cyprus Maritime Corridor, to supplement land routes.