PREMISE In recent months, the essential challenges that Europe and its pro-European political forces must address have become clearer than ever A new world order is emerging: one, in which Europe’s presence is indispensable, not only because of its historical legacy but also to ensure the defence and promotion of its cultural values and democratic institutions, rooted in freedom, equality and solidarity. Europe’s leadership is essential in this reshaped global framework, where its strategic autonomy and global influence will play pivotal roles. Consequently, this new world order demands a new institutional structure for Europe — one that further works on becoming much more than a single market. Europe must become a true, representative institution for its nations and its people, reflecting the values that bind them together while enhancing their collective strength in the international arena: in order to face the threats emerging over Europe, with a special focus on hybrid threats. On the one hand, it is necessary to address urgent geopolitical questions related to common defence, foreign policy, and security issues. The establishment of a European defence force capable of responding swiftly to emerging threats, along with a unified foreign policy, will ensure that Europe’s voice is heard on the global stage. Moreover, social security and welfare systems must be coordinated to promote equality and resilience across the continent. On the other hand, Europe must continue strengthening economic integration by improving cooperation in key areas such as competitiveness, investments and budget planning. To meet the demands of the 21st century, Europe must also become a leader in economic growth, sustainability and innovation, ensuring that the transition to green technologies and digital economies is both equitable and competitive. These initiatives should be accompanied by substantial investments in digital infrastructure and research and development, with a particular emphasis on sectors such as artificial intelligence, space, defence, biotechnology and renewable energy. These two levels of action — urgent responses to immediate challenges and long-term strategic integration — may not automatically converge. If not addressed within a unified and comprehensive framework, the risk of divisions and disparities across the continent could emerge. Therefore, Europe must strike a careful balance between pragmatism and vision, ensuring that immediate solutions do not undermine the broader objective. The point of this balance needs to be found through practical and operational solutions that can push Europe forward and promote institutional integration, while also positioning Europe as a global leader in defence, sustainability and technological innovation. Given the above, the European People’s Party: RESOLUTION Commits the bodies of the EPP, as the principal European political force, together with the other pro-European democratic political forces, to undertake initiatives that identify the most effective institutional forms for a strong common European policy in the fields of foreign policy, while further advancing the already ongoing process towards a common European defence policy following the guidelines of the White Paper for European Defence-Readiness 2030, presented by European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius. Moreover, the discussion on key investment strategies must include the identification of expenses not to be calculated for the purposes of balancing the budget. Commits the EPP bodies to support the identification of a more effective institutional model, which prioritises collective European interests as a projection of national policies. This includes strengthening democratic processes throughout Europe and enhancing the powers of the common institutions, with the ultimate goal of ensuring Europe’s role