In light of the new Global Strategy for the European Union’s Foreign and Security Policy, presented yesterday by Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Joseph Daul, the President of the European People’s Party (EPP), made the following statement: “The EPP welcomes this much-needed document. Investing in security and promoting defence cooperation between Member States has long been the EPP’s top priority. We stand by our commitments adopted by the EPP Congress in Madrid, and we call for developing EU military instruments and capabilities to protect Europe and our citizens”, said EPP President Joseph Daul.  “In this era of growing instability and threats ranging from failing states, jihadi terrorism and Russia’s hybrid warfare, the European Union must be able to defend itself and strengthen the Common Security and Defence Policy. Our partnership and cooperation with NATO remains crucial, but we must take the responsibility to guarantee our own security and create stronger European capabilities. It is reassuring to see that the Global Strategy goes in the right direction, calling for the EU’s ability to act autonomously if and when necessary”, added President Daul. “Europe will never be able to defend itself without proper and adequate defence spending from EU Member States. No Member State can fight against current threats on its own. We must stay united and take responsibility for the secure future of our continent. It means meeting NATO’s 2% GDP target, but also spending more on military research through the European Defence Agency (EDA). The EU also needs an Operational Headquarters to boost our coordination with NATO and act quickly with proper planning, command and control”. “The EU’s duty is to protect EU citizens from terrorist attacks. We fully support the Global Strategy’s call for better information sharing and intelligence cooperation between Member States and EU agencies. But information sharing is not enough. We must fight radicalisation at its roots and focus on preventing the spread of terrorist propaganda. This is why we encourage strong connections with North African and Sub-Saharan countries through investing in the region, student exchange programs and strengthening civil society”, concluded the President.