Council Adopts Declaration Prioritizing EU Values and Security

Brussels (Eurotoday) – The General Affairs Council has approved a declaration aimed at strengthening the EU’s global influence and upholding its values and “social model.”

EU Ministers of General Affairs met in Brussels today, where they endorsed a joint declaration outlining the EU legislative priorities for 2025. The declaration emphasizes reaffirming the Union’s international role, increasing military defense, and bolstering “our society,” “our social models,” and “our quality of life.”

Accompanying this declaration is a joint conclusion on policy objectives for 2025-2029, which highlights the need to enhance security, defense, and competitiveness; manage migration; combat climate change; and strengthen responses to foreign interference. 

While neither the declaration nor the conclusion provides detailed plans for implementation, they serve as guiding principles for future legislative and policy decisions.  

EU Council President Costa, EU Commission President von der Leyen, and EU Parliament President Metsola will officially sign these documents during the European Council meeting on March 20.

What is the declaration about? 

The declaration reiterates the EU’s commitment to a “new era for European defense and security” in response to an evolving global landscape. It also seeks to enhance sustainable prosperity and competitiveness while reducing dependence on external partners. Additionally, it prioritizes legislative proposals aimed at simplifying regulations. 

There is a strong emphasis on “our society,” “our social model,” “our quality of life,” “our democracy,” and “our power and partnership.”

The goal is to position the European Union not only as a key player in defense and security but also as a Union with distinct values and priorities. 

These priorities include tackling poverty, addressing affordable housing shortages, responding to high energy costs, promoting gender equality and women’s rights, and achieving ambitious biodiversity and climate goals.

More context: von der Leyen’s Readiness 2030 roadmap 

The EU institutions are also stressing the importance of collaboration with “like-minded” partners.

With the new US administration questioning international trade agreements and military support for Ukraine, the EU has taken this as a signal to take greater responsibility for its own security.

In response, von der Leyen announced the ReArm EU initiative and a new white paper on European defense. Additionally, the European Commission has introduced the Readiness 2030 roadmap.

“Security is not given; it is earned, defended, and protected. The choice is clear: we must step up now,” the Commission President stated on social media. 

The roadmap underscores the focus on ReArm EU, mobilizing up to 800 billion euros in defense investment, creating an EU-wide defense