European Parliament creates two new standing committees: security and defence, public health

In brief

On 18 December 2024, the European Parliament adopted an amendment to its Rules of Procedure to create two new standing committees: one dedicated to security and defence, the other to public health. This decision aims to strengthen Parliament's capacity to address these priority issues.

Background

Until now, the European Parliament had 20 standing committees, each specialised in a legislative area (environment, transport, economic affairs, etc.). With the evolution of geopolitical challenges (war in Ukraine, international tensions) and health challenges (Covid-19 pandemic), MEPs deemed it necessary to create dedicated structures to better coordinate parliamentary work on security and defence on the one hand, and on public health on the other.

What was decided

Parliament amended Annex VI of its Rules of Procedure, which lists the committees' responsibilities. Specifically:

• Committee on Security and Defence: it will be responsible for issues related to the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), EU military and civilian missions, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity and the protection of critical infrastructure.
• Committee on Public Health: it will deal with legislation on medicines, medical devices, disease prevention, digital health and cross-border health cooperation.

These two committees replace the former Subcommittee on Security and Defence (which was under the Committee on Foreign Affairs) and formalise a working group on health that existed de facto.

Vote result

The decision was adopted by 448 votes in favour, 161 against and 40 abstentions. The vote was taken by electronic roll call, meaning each MEP was recorded individually.

What this means for citizens

For European citizens, this reorganisation means that Parliament will be able to work more specifically on two issues that directly concern them:

• Security and defence: decisions on EU military operations, protection against cyberattacks or coordination in the face of hybrid threats will be examined by a dedicated committee, which can speed up European responses.
• Public health: future legislation on medicines, pandemic preparedness or patient safety will be prepared by a specialised committee, allowing for better expertise and closer monitoring.

In practice, citizens can expect Parliament to be more responsive and more competent on these issues, even if final decisions remain shared with the Council (national governments).