Strack-Zimmermann elected chairwoman of Parliament’s Defense Committee

Brussels – Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (Renew Europe, Germany) has been elected chairwoman of the European Parliament’s Defense and Security Committee (SEDE).

After her election, by acclamation, Strack-Zimmermann announced that “the Security and Defense Commission will be a strong oversight body and a driving force in the field of European security and defence policy. Our joint action will determine whether Europe is prepared to deal with current and future threats and whether we are able to take responsibility for our defence seriously.”

Members also elected Christophe Gomart (EPP, France) as first vice president, while Mihai Tudose (S&D, Romania), Alberico Gambino (ECR, Italy), and Riho Terras (EPP, Estonia) were chosen as second, third, and fourth vice presidents, respectively.

Originally established as a subcommittee of the European Parliament in 2004, SEDE became a full Committee in December 2024. The change was part of a package of proposals submitted by Parliament President Roberta Metsola and leaders of the Parliament’s political groups to address Europe’s current challenges and Parliament’s priorities, taking into account citizens’ concerns and the results of the European elections.