In Brussels, European Union leaders gathered for urgent discussions focused on strengthening their defense capabilities and securing protection for Ukraine, amidst concerns that the United States might re-evaluate its commitments under President Donald Trump. During a breakfast meeting, Friedrich Merz, Germany’s imminent chancellor, alongside summit chairman Antonio Costa, explored strategies to enhance Europe’s defenses within a limited timeframe. Merz has recently advocated relaxing national debt rules to increase defense expenditures.
Simultaneously, the EU bloc learned that French President Emmanuel Macron would be consulting with EU officials about utilizing France’s nuclear arsenal to defend the continent against potential Russian aggression. This development reflects significant shifts in EU policies since President Trump’s inauguration disrupted long-standing U.S.-Europe security alliances. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized the necessity for increased defense spending, signaling a departure from Europe’s historical tendency to downplay military budgets.
Macron announced bold steps toward unity and improved defense funding, stipulating that member states will boost military spending with the support of substantial joint funding for innovative military technologies. His assertive message suggested Europe shouldn’t depend on decisions from Washington or Moscow regarding its future. A warm reception at the summit for Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlighted differing EU and U.S. attitudes, particularly following a recent confrontational exchange between Zelenskyy and Trump.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed a plan to facilitate defense spending through flexible budget rules and loans worth 150 billion euros for crucial military procurements. This increased expenditure will likely rely heavily on national budgets, adding pressure to already debt-laden economies like France, Greece, Spain, Italy, and Portugal. However, Germany appears to have more fiscal mobility to accommodate defense spending, with a lower debt-to-GDP ratio.
Amidst this context, Russian missile attacks in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, underlined the urgent security challenges facing Europe. Despite Trump’s temporary halt on military aid to pressure Zelenskyy into negotiations with Russia, Thursday’s summit did not extensively tackle immediate military or financial aid for Ukraine. The EU emphasized the critical nature of current events and the necessity of collective action.
Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the significant moment for Europe and Ukraine’s integration into the European family. Yet, European unity remains challenged due to internal disagreements, with Hungary and Slovakia threatening to block summit resolutions regarding Ukraine. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda called for decisive action, cautioning against a fragmented stance.
Immediate breakthroughs in defense and support for Ukraine aren’t expected from this meeting, as pivotal discussions are scheduled for the next EU summit in March. Nonetheless, the importance of fortifying Europe’s defense capabilities in the face of changing global dynamics remains a central topic.
